Friday 8 May 2015

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.

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