Friday, 8 May 2015

Lemonia Villa

Welcome to Lemonia – Poros Greece


Villa situated next to the sea on the beautiful island of Poros, in the Saronic Gulf. 


The villa is in a peaceful enclave surrounded by lemon trees on one side and the sea on the other.  







The nearest sandy beach is a 2 minute walk away, and you can also swim off the rocks below the veranda. 




Bedrooms

main bedroom (sleeps 2)
main bedroom (sleeps 2)



Lemonia sleeps 3 comfortably 



main bedroom











main bedroom
single bedroom
single bedroom

















     

the kitchen is fully equipped with fridge, oven and microwave







The bathroom with shower 
bathroom
bathroom




















Veranda

veranda



















Terrace with sea views








Garden

Lemonia has:
    
Air-condition
Music system
Wi-fi Access
Linen and towels


view from terrace
Prices:
The rates are very reasonable. Please enquire directly as it depends on the season, number of people and length of stay.



For any enquiries please contact: katerinaandjeremy@gmail.com 



view from terrace




Meet and greet from the boat is available




Lemonia is marked by the blue circle

There are supermarkets, cafes and restaurants nearby and it’s a 15 minute walk into the centre of town or a 3.5 euro taxi journey. 


Availability Calendar (please contact for more accurate availability)



Free Calendar by Brolmo.com







Around Poros & other islands

Around Poros
With its close proximity to Poros the Peloponnese is ideal for exploring. Steeped in ancient history and fantastic sites to check out the Peloponnese is a sure thing. Easily you can take a benzina (small taxi boat) from Poros to Galatas and either catch a bus or hire a car and you can be on your way. Highlights for us include Nafplio, Monemvasia, Epidaurus, and Elafonisos.

The closest town to Poros Galatas is directly across the channel. You can easily take a benzina to Galatas for around 70 cents in about 5 minutes. Benzinas depart regularly about every 20 or so minutes. It is not highly organized so make sure you are waiting near the boat departing next.

A very beautiful ancient fortress town. A must for any Peloponnese itinerary this town has a fortress perched 999 steps from the harbo(u)r which you can climb to a spectacular view not to be missed. The main square is idyllic and practically mandates a leisurely coffee break.

The ancient site of a Greek theater built in the third century. Epidaurus is a World Heritage Site.

A quaint little town hidden inside a fortress, located on a small peninsula off the east coast of the Peloponnese. Linked by only a small causeway it is fun to explore, with cobbled streets, boutiques and rooftop bars. Accommodation is within the old city in lovely stone houses with courtyards. Its distance from Poros makes it more of a likely overnight getaway.

A special little island between the Peloponnese and Kythira. Extremely scenic and well worth a visit, but not extremely close. Good for camping and wonderful white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters

Other islands in the Saronic Gulf
Aegina is very close to Poros accessed by a short trip on the Flying Dolphin/Cat. Famous for its pistachio nuts this island has popular beaches and sites including The Temple of Aphaea, Monastery of Aglos Nectarios and Ioannis Kapodistrias Museum.

Hydra has one main town known as Hydra Port. Hydra Port has a crescent-shaped harbo(u)r with loads of restaurants, cafes, shops, markets and galleries. Hydra has steep stone streets where motorized transportation is outlawed. It is not uncommon to see a line of donkeys being lead up these streets moving food and building supplies. A close island which can easily be visited as a day out, and definitely worth the trip.


Spetses is where super-yachts moor next to traditional wooden fishing boats and everyone congregates in the quaint quayside tavernas. Athenians are drawn to Spetses for its secluded coves and clean waters, the beautiful Spetses Town and its lack of package tours. In June Spetses hosts a weekend of sailing races. In 2012 50 yachts took part in the Regatta with categories including Vintage (built before 1949), Classic (built between 1949-1975) and Spirit of Tradition (built after 1975) as well as Aegean Schooners and Open Boats.

Athens sights

Athens
Should you wish to venture further afield (and we hope lots will) surely Athens will be near the top of places to visit. The Acropolis, museum, market areas, outdoor cinema, cafe and nightlife are reasons to visit.

A World Heritiage site and pretty much at the top of any Athens itinerary. This will not disappoint. Official website here

A great new addition to the area this is a must-do tag on to any trip to the Acropolis.

A fantastic area to have a wander, find a cafe for a coffee and a great area for nightlife. It is quite surreal to walk out of somewhere and glance over and see the mighty Parthenon illuminated at night.

Nightlife Athens
Outdoor cinema - Thission
Voted one of the best outdoor cinemas in the world this is a very popular pastime for Athenians.

Psiri is a hip part of Athens in the centre near all the main attractions. it is a very old part of the city with old mansions that have now been converted into bars, ouzeris and restaurants. It’s definitely a place to hang out at night.

Gazi is another good area for bars, restaurants and meze places.

this site has some good suggestions for things to see and do in Athens

Points of Interest

Points of interest

Poros
Poros is located in the Saronic Gulf and is separated from the Peloponnese mainland by a 200 meter wide channel of water. Poros is formed by two islands, Kalavria and Spheria. Kalavria is slightly larger in area than Spheria which is volcanic in nature. With a population of about 4,000 permanent inhabitants Poros is usually quite quiet.

The history of Poros starts in the prehistoric times. Archaeological evidence shows that Poros and the closeby ancient town of Troezen had been inhabited since the Bronze Age.

In the 5th and 6th centuries BC, Poros was the centre of the Amphictyonic League, a political and religious cooperation between Athens and towns from the Peloponnese. The temple of Poseidon, which was built during those years and is currently only ruins, shows the great political pedigree of the island.

Poros also played a great role in the Greek War of Independence when the Greeks met in Poros in 1828 to set the first Greek Constitution. Many sights around Poros such as the seafront mansions and ruined Russian outpost are reminisce left from this era.


Poros sites
Clock tower
The Poros Clock Tower is an imposing feature and a major landmark of Poros Town. It stands on the highest spot above the town and affords amazing views. It is a short (hilly) walk up from town.

Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi
Located in a region of lush greenery approximately 5 km East of Poros Town. The Monastery was established in the early 18th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In its yard it houses the tombs of famous Greek fighters of the Revolution. The bus goes up there or a taxi will be about 7 Euros.

Archaelogical Museum
Open Tue-Sun
The museum houses finds from the excavations of the Swedish Archaeological Institute at the sanctuary of Poseidon in Kalavreia, from the older excavations of the French Archaeological School at the sanctuary of Aphrodite Akraia in Troezena, and antiquities from Methana, Hermioni and the wider region of Troezinia.

Poros beaches
Askeli
  • Location: 3 km north east of Poros Town
  • Description: Askeli is the longest and busiest beach on the island. It is organized with sunbeds, umbrellas and beach bars. the bus goes past there are there are a number to tavernas along the road. it can get quite rowdy at the weekends, and you can play beach volleyball there.
Kanali
  • Location: 2 km north of Poros Town
  • Description: This is a small beach between Poros Town and Askeli. It is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas and is directly in front of our house. there are a couple of tavernas on the beach.
Monastiri
  • Location: 5 km north east of Poros Town
  • Description: On the way from Askeli to the Monastery, this small cove is the perfect place to relax, protected by green cliffs. It’s one of our favourite beaches and the water is crystal clear. There is a beach bar and you can get there by bus which drops you off at the top and it’s a 5 minute walk down to the beach.
Micro Neorion
  • Location: 2 km north of Poros Town
  • Description: This is a fine, small cove with crystal water. The beach is organized and the lush greenery around it creates a relaxing atmosphere. In the summer the bus goes all the way there. if not a taxi will cost about 3 Euro from the port.
Megalo Neorion
  • Location: 3 km north west of Poros Town
  • Description: This is a lovely beach in close distance to Poros Town. It is surrounded by lush greenery and has some delicious fish taverns along the coast. In the summer the bus goes all the way there. if not a taxi will cost about 4  Euro from the port.
Love Bay
  • Location: 4 km north west of Poros Town
  • Description: Love Bay is a small bay surrounded by pine trees. The beach is organized due to its small size. In the summer the bus goes all the way there. If not a taxi will cost about 4  Euro from the port.
Russian Bay
  • Location: 5 km north west of Poros Town
  • Description: The Russian Bay is actually an unorganized beach on the western side of the island. The ruins of an old navy station can be seen along the beach as well as roaming flocks of wild goats. there is a canteen for drinks and snacks. In the summer the bus goes all the way there. if not a taxi will cost about 4  Euro.
Vagonia

  • Location: 5 km north of Poros Town
  • Description: A pleasant beach, quite quiet but does have a beach bar. The remote location and pristine waters make this a popular beach for locals, although the beach itself is nothing special the water is lovely. You need your own transport to get there.

Getting around Poros

Getting around
Due to the small roads and non existent parking the main mode of transport on Poros is moped / scooter with walking and cycling a close 2 and 3. Walking to town from Lemonia takes about 20-25 minutes. A popular alternative to riding a scooter is a quad bike. Road-ready quad bikes are available for hire and can be driven everywhere a scooter can. Helmets are provided by the rental company and all require a valid drivers licence and a copy of your passport to hire. Bicycles are available for hire and are decent enough. Further details below.


Having a car on Poros is possible however we suspect could prove more hassle than its worth. Poros Town has very narrow roads and are predominantly one way for cars and parking is limited. Should you decide to go this route you can hire cars easily at the airport and drive them over or you can get one from Pop’s in Galatas. The selection of cars will be much better at the airport as Pop’s is a small operation with only a few cars available at any given time. Further details below

Buses There is a bus every 30' minutes that leaves from the main square in town.
it does the following routes: Α. Poros - Perlia - Small Neorio - Big Neorio Β. Poros - Canali - Askeli - Monastiri Also by boat people can visit the following beaches: Small Neorio - Big Neorio - Askeli - Monastiri - Plaka and Alikes. All the boats leave from the quayside close to the main square.

Car hire Poros
Pop’s Rent A Car you can hire a car for about 30 Euros a day. there are lots of places on the mainland worth visiting if you have the time.


Bike hire
At Motos Stelios   or Fotis Bikes you can hire motorbikes, quad bikes and bicycles. Bicycles are 5 Euros a day, motorbikes are between 10-20 Euros a day and quad bikes run between 20 -25 Euros a day.

Getting to Poros

Athens to Poros via Piraeus


If you are coming straight to Poros after arriving you will need to get from the aiport to the port of Piraeus where you will catch a boat to Poros.


To get from the airport (aside from renting a car and driving - info below) to Piraeus there are three choices;
  • Bus, this is the cheapest and probably the easiest depending on your party size, age and amount of luggage. Bus X96 leaves every 20 minutes during the day and every 40 minutes at night from the arrivals level between doors 4 and 5. A single journey fare per person is 5 Euro. This trip can take between 50 minutes and up to an hour and half depending on traffic. Ask the bus driver to get off at Agia Triada (near the port). The boats depart opposite the bus stop inside the fenced port area (Gate E8/9). Don’t worry if you miss the stop, the next stop is the terminus and you will just need to backtrack a couple of hundred metres.


  • Metro, this route will take approximately the same time as the bus with one line change (at Monastiraki). Tickets are 8 Euro single. Trains are every half hour (00 & 30) starting from 05:30 and running to 23:30. You take the metro to the end of the line (Piraeus) and when you get out of the station you will turn left to the Port.


  • Taxi, is by far and away the easiest route to Piraeus however predictably more costly. The rates for taxis to and from the airport have been standardized and are reliable. The journey to Piraeus will cost 47 Euro (day 05:00 - 24:00) and 65 Euro (night 24:00 - 05:00) with a small tip (2-4 Euro) expected. Taxis can be caught outside the arrivals hall at the cab stand and should be able to carry up to 4 passengers depending on luggage size. Ask the driver to drop you off at Gate E8/9 at the Port



To get from Piraeus to Poros there are two choices;
  • Car ferry boat aka the slowboat and tickets/timetable can be found here
    • Length of journey: 2 hours 30 minutes
    • Cost: 12.80 Euro (single journey)
    • Possible vessel names: Apollon Hellas or Nefeli
  • In summer 2015 there is also a new daily service with a ferry called Ionis. It departs Piraeus at 9:30am and makes ther return journey from Poros at 13:00. There is a service on Sundays at 15:30 from Poros. Detaisl can be found here
    • Notes: This is a pleasant and leisurely way to get to the island, and affords great views of your arrival to Poros. This big boat houses vehicles below and two air conditioned decks and an open air top deck above. These boats will have minimal catering facilities with only limited snacks and drinks available.


  • Hydrofoil aka the fastboat. Tickets and timetables can be found here
    • Length of journey: 1 hour 15 minutes
    • Cost: 22.50 Euro (single journey)
    • Possible vessel names: Flying Dolphin or Flying Cat
    • Notes: The fastest way to the island. This is a no frills service with limited catering and offers reasonable comfort. Your luggage is stashed in compartments near the front of the boat spilling through to the front of the main cabin. Technically seats are assigned however unless it is packed and seating a premium we suggest sitting anywhere until told otherwise. Should the weather be rough (ie wind/rain/storm) it is not uncommon to stop and wait for it to pass. Should the seas be rough and if you are easily seasick it is thought that sitting at the back of these vessel is best for combating motion sickness.


This leg of your journey can not be booked until closer to the day. Hellenic Seaways tends to only release availability about 30 days prior to travel.


PS. Remember you are going to Poros and not Paros! Don’t get on the wrong boat!
Poros is situated in the Argosaronicos / Saronic Islands





Both sets of boats depart between gates E8 (ferry)  and E9 (hydrofoil)
A map of the Port of Piraeus with gates numbers can be found here


Athens Airport to Poros by Car
Pop’s Rent A Car says you can hire a car from the airport and drive to Galatas (town opposite Poros) and leave it there. Poros is next to the mainland. The journey will take about 3 hours from the airport. You drive to Galatas, which is the town on the mainland Peloponnese opposite Poros. You can either return the car at the rental place on Galatas, or choose to have the car for the duration and return it at the airport. There are ferry boats that go from Poros to Galatas and vice versa every 20 minutes, and take 10 minutes to cross. If you are planning to return the vehicle at the airport then there are a lot more car hire places to choose from. Driving could be an option to get to Poros as it could be cheaper for a larger group.


You can also bring your car to the island on the ferryboat from Piraeus or from the local ferry that does the Galatas-Poros route (leaves every 20-30 mins).