If you're a lover of Greece, you'll know that there are hundreds of Greek islands waiting to be ticked off your list, with the likes of Crete, Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos known as a few of the most famous isles that attract crowds of tourists to sun-kissed shores every summer.
While these islands boast their own unique beauty and charm, a trip to one of Greece's under-the-radar islands affords you with quiet beaches, old-world charm and an authentic summer holiday. We're talking about the low-key island of Poros, just an hour away from Athens by sea, in the spectacular Saronic Gulf and just metres from the Peloponnese.
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Not to be mistaken with the town of Poros on the island of Kefalonia, the small island of Poros, which you can visit on Good Housekeeping's unique Greek island tour, is characterised by fragrant pine forests, vibrant town of Poros and its relaxed atmosphere loved by Athenians who come for weekend breaks.
Made up of two islands – Spheria and Kalavria – connected by a road, Poros offers everything you want from a Greek island getaway – the beaches, the natural scenery and plenty of sunshine that both couples and families can enjoy.
Here, you can soak up a slow pace of life, spending your days whiling away the hours in the crystal clear waters and relaxing on the delightful beaches of Askeli, Love Bay and Neorio and getting up close to the lush greenery – don’t miss a stroll around the picturesque Lemon Forest with its 30,000 lemon and orange trees.
The town of Poros offers neoclassical architecture, narrow alleyways lined by typically Greek whitewashed houses adorned with bright bougainvilleas. On the waterfront, you can watch the world go by over coffee or a seafood lunch, with fishing boats and sailing yachts bobbing on the shore.
By night, you can dine in the restaurants found along the port or by the beach of Askeli. And thanks to the island being a hotspot among Athenians visiting over weekends, the bar scene is trendy, with lively cocktails and dancing until dawn in both Poros Town and Askeli.
Where to stay in Poros
Whether you're visiting Athens on a city break and want to combine your trip with a few days on an island or want to head straight for Poros, you can really get away from it all in this picturesque destination.
Expedia offers stays in seaview hotels and apartments including Dimitra Boutique Hotel overlooking the port of Poros from £19 per night and Panorama Apartments close to Askeli Beach from £22 per night.
For a unique stay on the Greek island, Airbnb has glamping in an olive grove for £26 per night, a fairytale cottage by the sea for £63 per night or a traditional stone house in Poros Town for £53 per night.
Booking.com offers some of the island's most popular hotels that are available, such as New Aeglie Resort Hotel, Xenia Poros Image Hotel and Sirene Blue Resort.
Alternatively, join an exclusive Athens and Greek island tour this summer, where you'll also visit Skopelos, the film location of Mamma Mia, and other islands such as Limnos and Skiathos.
Get there
Fly to Athens before grabbing the hydrofoil to Poros in just under one hour. Fly direct to Athens from £33.26 each way with easyJet or from £74 each way with British Airways.
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