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Resort Guide to Poros Kefalonia


Poros is one of the most elegant and attractive resorts in Kefalonia and the arrival of summer normally brings an influx of well-heeled visitors from all across Europe (most particularly from Italy, France and Greece.) Throw in a large number of British visitors who return every year and Poros makes a good case for being the most cosmopolitan resort on the island. It is the island’s largest market town and is enhanced by the presence throughout summer of a large number of impressive looking private yachts in the bay and cruise ships docking every couple of weeks to deposit a fresh arrival of tourists. Thankfully there aren’t so many tourists that the place is overrun however. Indeed these days, with the expansion of Skala continuing apace, there seem to be enough visitors to Poros to give it a good buzz, but not so many as to cause it to lose its many charms.



And Poros does have many charms. From the gorgeous harbor and pretty beaches to some of Kefalonia’s most charming and inviting tavernas and restaurants, shops, boutiques and markets, this is a place that manages to combine working port with enjoyable resort. Tourists will find all the necessary amenities and attractions in place whilst also experiencing the hustle and bustle of a fishing port and trading center. Poros port connects Kefalonia with mainland Greece with ferries departing regularly not only to the mainland but also to a number of other islands. It is also surrounded on all sides by some of the most diverse and varied flora and fauna on the island. The town sits at the base of the Atros and Pahni mountains as well as a number of smaller hills. Everywhere you look there are lush woods and forests filled with oaks, evergreens and cypress trees as well as rolling fertile fields, orchards, streams and rivers flowing out into the sea and providing numerous natural fountains. There are hundreds of different walking trails all of which take you through the countryside and miles of aromatic and colorful herbs and bushes and down onto the stunning white pebble beaches. The beaches themselves are un-crowded and lined with a good selection of places to get drinks (which can be brought down to your sunbed) and to eat in the evenings. There are boats available to hire as well as all the usual beach entertainment and facilities. Aragia Beach is the main beach (sometimes referred to as Ragia beach) and it’s clean white sand and pebbles are lined with gorgeous shrubs and trees whilst the water is crystal clear and filled with endless multi-colored sea creatures – perfect in other words, for scuba and snorkeling.

All along the seafront there are restaurants and tavernas, though the atmosphere is relaxed and low-key rather than loud and brash. A meal and the odd drink or too followed by a walk along the seafront promenade is perfect at sunset.

If you get tired of lazing in the sun and want to get out and about during the day then Poros has a lot to see nearby. As mentioned above the walking is fantastic, particularly the coastal route that takes you onto Skala, but another must-see is the awesome Poros Gorge (sometimes referred to as the Arakli Gap) which is a fierce and craggy ravine more than 80m deep. The gorge is famous because it was believed that it had been carved out by Hercules himself and that the hollows in it were his footprints after he had crushed and flattened a section of the mountain. Should you want to go further out it is worth hiring a car for a day or two, not only to see the rest of the island, but also some of the less accessible spots around Poros. For example there is the Poros Road that sits above the town and which is worth an afternoon’s driving. Try and get a 4×4 because the road is pretty rough going and is made up of loose stone and rubble but it offers spectacular views and rolls through a number of tiny picturesque villages such as Riza, Kabitsata, Asprogerakas and Tzanata. Stop off at the Atros Monastery, (the oldest monastery on the island) the Tzanata Tombs and the gorgeous Mount Enos National Park.

Indeed for history buffs, Poros is the perfect destination. As well as the destinations mentioned above there are many other fascinating classical destinations such as the large grave that was discovered in the area and is considered to be the (mythical) grave of Odysseus. Archaeologists see the grave as proof that the city referred to in Homer’s Odyssey was in Poros and not on the neighboring island of Ithaci, by virtue of the gold and jewels found in the grave (now held in the Argostoli Archaeological Museum.)