Russian Bay on Poros

Poros · Beaches

The beaches of Poros

Poros is not an island of long sandy beaches. Its shore is a string of small bays cut into the pine-covered coast of Kalavria, most of them sand and pebble, with calm, clear water and pine trees growing almost to the edge. The busy beaches sit along the south coast, facing the mainland, between the town and the monastery; to the west, a road through the pines leads past Neorio to the coves of Love Bay and Russian Bay, and the wild north coast below the Temple of Poseidon is quieter still. Because the island sits in the shelter of the Peloponnese, the sea on the south side is usually calm even when the summer wind is blowing in the Aegean.

Our favourites

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The beach of Askeli on Poros, with the mainland across the water

Sand & pebblesOrganised

Askeli

The island's main beach, a long curve of sand and fine pebbles east of town, backed by pines, hotels and tavernas, with the mountains of the Peloponnese across the water. Shallow, calm and busy in summer, with sunbeds, water sports and everything you need.

  • Families
  • Water sports
  • Shallow water

Paved road, about 10 minutes by car or bus from town

The quieter end is towards the monastery. Come back in the evening, when the tavernas along the beach road light up.

Askeli & the south coastStay in Askeli

The bay of Neorio on Poros

Sand & pebblesOrganised

Megalo Neorio

A wide bay west of town, facing the mainland, with tavernas on the sand, sunbeds and water sports. The sea is calm and the view over the water to the green hills of Troizinia is one of the best on the island.

  • Families
  • Water sports
  • Lunch on the beach

Paved road, about 5 minutes by car from town; summer buses

Eat at the taverna at the far end, with your feet almost in the water.

Neorio & the westStay in Neorio, Love Bay & Russian Bay

Pick your kind of day

Every other beach worth the drive

Organised
Sunbeds, umbrellas and a beach bar. Easy with children.
Easy-going
A taverna or a few umbrellas, plenty of room for your towel.
Wild
Nothing but the sea. Bring water, shade and snacks.

Sand & pebblesOrganised

Kanali

The closest real beach to town, by the narrow channel and little bridge that join the two halves of Poros, with sunbeds, a beach restaurant and a view back to the houses of Sphairia.

  • Close to town
  • Families
  • Lunch on the beach

A 15–20 minute walk or a short ride from the harbour, on the road to Askeli

Good for a swim before the evening boat.

Poros town & Sphairia

Sand & pebblesEasy-going

Monastiri

The bay below the monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, at the end of the south-coast road, where the pine forest comes down to clear, green water. A beach bar or two, sunbeds, and the monastery a few minutes' walk uphill.

  • Snorkelling
  • Shade
  • Swimming

End of the south-coast road, about 4 km from town; summer buses

Combine it with a visit to the monastery: go up in the cool of the morning, in covered shoulders and knees, then swim.

Askeli & the south coastStay in Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi

Sand & pebblesEasy-going

Mikro Neorio

The smaller bay on the road from town to Neorio, with a few sunbeds and boats moored offshore, just past the Naval Training Centre.

  • Close to town
  • Swimming

Coast road west of town, a few minutes by car or a 20-minute walk

Neorio & the westStay in Neorio, Love Bay & Russian Bay

Sand & pebblesEasy-going

Love Bay

A small, sheltered cove in the pines beyond Neorio, the most photographed on Poros: green, glassy water, trees right down to the shore and a beach bar. In Greek it is Agapis, but everyone calls it Love Bay.

  • Snorkelling
  • Shade
  • Couples

Short path down from the coast road beyond Megalo Neorio; summer buses and water taxis from the harbour

It is tiny and fills by late morning in July and August. Come early or after five.

Neorio & the westStay in Neorio, Love Bay & Russian Bay

Russian Bay on Poros

Sand & pebblesEasy-going

Russian Bay

The bay at the western end of the coast road, named after the Russian naval station whose ruined stone storehouses still stand on the shore. Clear water, a beach bar and a tiny islet with a chapel just offshore.

  • History
  • Snorkelling
  • Swimming

End of the coast road west of town, about 10 minutes by car; summer buses and water taxis

Walk over to the ruins of the Russian dockyard before or after your swim.

Neorio & the westStay in Neorio, Love Bay & Russian Bay

The bay of Vagionia on the north coast of Poros

PebblesWild

Vagionia

A deep bay on the empty north coast, below the hill of the Temple of Poseidon, facing open sea towards Aegina. Pebbles, clear water and, most days, hardly anyone.

  • Quiet
  • Snorkelling
  • History

Road over the hills through the pines, past the Temple of Poseidon, about 20 minutes by car or scooter

Bring water and shade, as there is little or nothing here. The north side takes the summer wind, so pick a calm day.

Kalavria & the northStay in Temple of Poseidon

SandEasy-going

Aliki

Across the strait on the mainland: a long sandy spit between the sea and a shallow lagoon, west of Galatas, looking straight across to Neorio and the pines of Poros. Calm, shallow and good for children.

  • Families
  • Shallow water
  • Quiet

On the mainland: boat to Galatas, then a short drive or taxi

Combine it with a walk in the lemon forest of Lemonodasos.

Galatas & Troizinia (mainland)Stay in Galatas & Lemonodasos

Wind and sea change by the day. On windy days swim on the sheltered side of the island, and watch for red flags.

Wake up near the water

Find a room a short walk from Poros's best beaches.

Where to stay

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