Poros: Day Trips and Tours from Athens

Poros is a small island located off the coast of Athens, Greece, and is the perfect day trip destination if you are looking to explore the serene beauty of the Aegean Sea. The island offers a mix of cultural, historical and natural experiences and is popular among both local and out of town visitors.

Not only is Poros beautiful, it is also easily accessible from the mainland. Whether you only have a few hours to spare, or whether you are looking to get away and relax for a day or two, there is a tour to Poros from Athens that is bound to suit your requirements.

Here's all you need to know about Poros, one of the most exciting day trips from Athens.

How to get to Poros from Athens?

Poros is an island-pair located across the Saronic Gulf to the south of Athens.

From Athens to Poros by car

If you have the time and prefer to drive, you can travel along the National Athens-Corinth Road, before a short ferry trip between Galatas and Kiani Akti on Poros. The route travels along the Saronic Coast shoreline, is roughly 170 kilometers long and will take you around three hours.

From Athens to Poros by ferry or hydrofoil

Crossing the Saronic Gulf by ferry or hydrofoil is the most direct way to get to Poros from Athens. Ferry trips take around two hours, while you can reach Poros within an hour by hydrofoil. Ferries and hydrofoils typically depart from the port of Piraeus in Athens.

Guided tour to Poros from Athens

Guided tours are another way to reach Poros from Athens. Tours include transportation to and from Poros and a guided tour of the island, making it a great option for anyone looking for a hassle-free and fully organized excursion from Athens.

Tours begin at the Piraeus Port or with a pickup from your hotel. Including traveling time, most tours last around 10 to 12 hours, but multi-day trips from Athens that include time on Poros are also a popular option.

What is the typical itinerary?

Typically, a day trip to Poros begins with a ferry ride to the island from Piraeus Port. There are also tours to Poros by road, with a short ferry trip from Galatas on the mainland.

If you travel by road, the journey will be part of the tour with your guide sharing stories about the history and landscape. On private or shared boat cruises, swimming or snorkeling may be part of the day’s itinerary. If you travel by ferry or hydrofoil, your sightseeing will begin on arrival at the island where you will either be accompanied by your guide as you tour the attractions and landmarks or where you can explore at your leisure.

Tours typically allow for lunch at a local restaurant or café, however, if you are on a cruise or yacht tour, your meal may be offered on board. After a full day of sightseeing, or at the end of your multi-day tour, you will return to Athens by water or road, depending on the type of tour you have booked.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Poros?

You can book a guided group tour or a private excursion to Poros from Athens. Although your tour may be exclusive in terms of guide services, unless you have booked a private cruise, you can expect to travel by shared ferry or hydrofoil to and from Poros and the other Saronic islands.

Guided day tours to Poros plus Hydra and Aegina from Athens

An island hopping day tour that starts in Athens takes you to the Saronic Islands of Poros, Hydra and Aegina. An app-based audio tour keeps you informed about the sights along the Greek coastline as you cruise between islands.

There is time to see the main attractions on each island and enjoy a buffet lunch on board your cruise vessel before heading back to Athens. You can opt for guided shore excursions or choose to explore on your own.

Private Athens Riviera and Saronic Islands Cruise

For a luxury private experience, you can book a private yacht cruise on a vessel that can accommodate up to 12 people. Enjoy the sights of the Athenian Riviera, swim in secluded bays and stop to admire the Mediterranean sunset.

Activities, snacks, snorkeling and paddle boarding gear are included in the excursion rate. An onshore barbecue lunch can be booked at an additional cost.

Private tour to Poros from Athens

For a tour that allows you to immerse yourself in the Greek countryside and appreciate the Saronic Gulf, a private tour from Athens to Poros begins with a private road trip in the capable hands of an experienced professional tour driver who is knowledgeable in Greek history.

You are collected from your hotel and after the drive to Galatas, a short ferry trip will take you to Poros where you will be able to visit the Poros Town Hall and Clock Tower, the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, the Archaeological museum and the Temples of Apollo and Poseidon. Lunch, entrance fees and ferry costs are not included in the tour price.

How much does a day trip to Poros from Athens cost?

A guided day tour to Poros, Hydra and Aegina costs about €140 per adult including lunch. Youths under 18 pay from €120, while under 13’s are charged around €100. Infants aged 3 to 5 years pay a nominal fee of around €60 each.

For a private tour to Poros from Athens, you can expect to pay around €250 per person.

Private day cruises of the Athens Riviera and Saronic Islands typically start from €2,200 for groups of up to 12 people.

What will you see and do?

Once you dock at the island, you are escorted by your guide on a tour highlighting the island’s main attractions. Tours usually include a visit to the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. The monastery is well known for its beautiful frescoes and panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The Poros Clock Tower is another popular attraction. From here you can see the Russian Naval Base that has been transformed into a museum showcasing the island’s history and culture.

On a guided tour, there is time to relax and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants or cafés and you might even have the opportunity to take a swim in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters before heading back to Athens.

Customizable private tours are also an option if you have a specific itinerary in mind, or you can opt to book the ferry or hydrofoil separately and spend the day exploring the island at your own pace.

When is the best time to visit Poros?

The best time to visit Poros is from March to December, when you can take advantage of the milder climate on the Mediterranean. April and October are considered the best months, as the temperatures are pleasant and the chance of rain is low.

A trip to Poros or other Saronic islands can be booked at any time during a visit to Greece, but may be best enjoyed at the end of your trip when you can unwind after a busy schedule.

Travel tips

• To secure a space on a small group tour, make your booking well in advance.
• Avoid the mid-summer months from June to August if you want a quieter experience.
• Wear comfortable shoes with non-slip soles on a boat cruise.
• Pack sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.