The Greek island of Poros, located in the Saronic Gulf not far from Athens, is known for its extensive pine forests. It also has a number of pretty beaches – mostly a soft golden sand – tucked away in coves and around villages.
Most of the beaches are on the south coast where the sea is calm and turquoise and the seabed is blissfully sandy. There are a few small beaches on the undeveloped north coast but these tend to be pebble.
Here are the best beaches to visit on Poros.
Love Bay
Love Bay is the most famous of the beaches on Poros – and for good reason.
This small beach is completely enveloped by pines which gives it a very tranquil feeling.
There’s a small islet called Daskalio and a few pretty Italianate buildings which add to the romantic atmosphere.
Access to the beach is via steps down from the road. There are no buildings directly on or around the beach but there is a makeshift beach cafe which rents out loungers and has toilet facilities.
Russian Bay
Russian Bay is the other famous beach on Poros. This one is notable for the impressive ruins of a Russian Naval Base right by the sands. You could easily mistake them for something more ancient!
The swimming here is heavenly.
The beach itself is one of the most spacious on the island. There’s a beach bar handling food, music, and sunlounger duties. It gets quite lively here in the summer.
Kanali Beach
Kanali Beach is the closest beach to Poros Town, being a 15-minute walk at most. Turn right after the canal and you’ll find it.
The beach is fairly wide and faces east. It’s a favourite with locals for their daily dip.
There are two beach bars here where you can treat yourself to lunch.
Mikro Neorio
Mikro Neorio is the first beach you come across if you turn left after the canal and take the coastal running running west.
It’s a small beach next to the main road – no steps required so easy to access but is lacking in privacy. It has a beach bar with loungers but you’re more likely to stop here for a quick swim.
Kalypso Beach
Megalo Neorio is the main beach of Neorion Village and it’s divided into a two sections.
The far western end is known as Kalypso after the beach bar that operates here. There are a few pines trees in the sand providing shade, and Taverna O Petros is on hand for when hunger strikes.
There are several jetties for tying up small motor boats.
Anasa Beach
The eastern end of Megalo Neorio (the end closest to Poros Town) is known as Anasa Beach after its main beach bar.
It has a laid-back boho vibe with some day beds available. It’s shaded by some large trees and the sea is particularly green and transparent. This was my favourite beach after Love Bay.
Askeli Beach
If you turn right instead of left after the canal and keep walking past Kaneli Beach you’ll reach the the coastal village Askeli. This is the biggest settlement outside Poros Town.
As with Kaneli, Askeli is popular with locals and swimmers. It has a slightly functional feel but a good selection of cafes, tavernas, and traditional family-run accommodation.
The western end of the beach (around the larger beach hotels) is wider and sandier.
Monastiri Beach
East of Askeli is a road which winds up and around a hill to the Monastery of Zoodochou Pigi, which is tucked away up a hill (thankfully well hidden) behind a fabulous beach which is named after it.
It’s a steep walk down the beach from the main road but you can also bring a car or scooter here. It’s an organised sandy beach with sun loungers and facilities.
You have to wade out into the water to appreciate the wonderful scenery here.
There’s a long concrete jetty and olive trees right up to the beach.
Where to stay by the beach
If you want to stay by the beach rather than in town you’ll find most of the accommodation in Kanali (the canal area), Neorion, and Askeli.
The top beach hotel is Xenia Poros Image Hotel which is in between Mikro and Megalo Neorio. It has views across to Poros Town and access to a secluded beach where it hosts weddings and events.
Located just before Monastiri Beach, Sirene Blue Resort also its own access to a small beach.
Read more:
Poros, the Lush Green Heart of the Argo-Saronics
7 Things I Loved About Poros (And 1 Thing That I Didn’t)
All images © The Mediterranean Traveller