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 Poros is located
off the coast of Galatas on the eastern Peloponnesian coastline of Argolis,
just a 45-minute hydrofoil ride from the port of Piraeus. Ancient Greeks
considered Poros to be the favourite island of Poseidon, which explains the
ruins of the 6th century BC temple dedicated to the sea god. Just like its
sister Argosaronic islands, Poros also greatly contributed to the Greek War
of Independence (1821-1829).
Henry Miller in his "Colossus of Marousi" provided the most famous
description of Poros: "The island revolves in cubistic planes, one of walls
and windows, one of rocks and goats... Yonder, where the mainland curves
like a whip, lie the wild lemon groves and there in the spring young and old
go mad from the fragrance of sap and blossom. You enter the harbor of Poros
swaying and swirling, a gentle idiot tossed about amidst masts and nets in a
world which only the painter knows."
 Poros has its share of churches and monasteries. At four kilometres out of
the city of Poros, the 18th century monastery of Zoodohou Pigis is nestled
among giant pine trees over a very scenic bay, abandoned by the monks who
moved elsewhere fleeing the tourist invasion. There are numerous hotels and
restaurants on the island offering a wide array of delicious local and
international dishes.
Its proximity to Piraeus, its small shaded, calm beaches and lush vegetation,
have made Poros a favourite base with travellers who want to enjoy Athens
sightseeing without having to put up with the hustle and bustle of the busy
Greek capital. Poros offers easy access also to many sites in the
Peloponnese and has frequent hydrofoil and ferryboat connections with the
Aegean islands. Boats are leaving daily from Piraeus to Poros, which can
also be reached by driving to Galatas and then across on a ferry. Public
transportation to Galatas is also available. |
