Don’t visit the Greek Island of Poros for provisioning or good food!

However, you do want to visit the Greek Island of Poros to enjoy an immensely beautiful hike offering views of the town, countryside, deep blue sea and picturesque surrounding area.

During our first season in the Aegean Sea we visited as many islands as we could

Some of them we spent more time on than others and islands like Poros we frequented more than once.

We had the privilege of anchoring in the calm, secure bay and along one of the quaysides in Poros – both moorings were very enjoyable. On our first visit we stayed a couple days at anchor and on our second visit we had my hubby’s father with us. Mooring alongside the jetty made it easier for him to get on and off the boat. (Below I put a white arrow pointing to Poros – it’s southwest of Athens)

Overall, however, I was not impressed with any of the meals out that we had

In fact, I’d rate Poros the worst for restaurant food and also the worst for service. Each Greek Island has it’s own character, ambiance and good and bad points. For some reason, this particular island doesn’t pride itself on food and service. And it’s not just me making this observation – several others boaties I met later offered similar reviews.

Perhaps the island gets such a massive surge of newcomers every year they don’t have to work hard for people to return?

What Poros does have, however, is beautiful scenery

Whether you approach the town from the North or the East either direction it’s quite a sight to behold. On our first visit we approached the mooring from the North. As we motored around the corner and received our first glimpse of the town I thought, ‘wow, what a picturesque town!’

Being concentrated and built up, the white wash walled buildings and typical Greek features such as a church and clock tower really made an impact. It was like no other Greek Island I’d seen before.

Once on land we walked along the strip and experienced the normal touristy sights and sounds

The waiters pushed us towards looking a their menu’s, foreign languages – quiet and loud – worked hard to express themselves and little touristy shops selling ‘made in China’ trinkets dotted the street.

We ate out at least 4 different nights and even after one recommendation none of us were that pleased with the meal. Don’t get me wrong – it wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t anything to rave about either. I often find it such an annoying shame – Poros has so much to offer yet the local services let it down.

Another annoying aspect of Poros were the ‘ego men’

From what I experienced and was told, they arrive from Athens over the weekend in their massive 100’+ motorboats. Once moored up with there stern to the jetty, they turn on their TV’s and find ‘happiness’ as the passers-by gaze and gawk up at them. It seemed like a show as to who had the largest TV, shiniest chrome, the most waiters/waitresses/butlers and of course, the longest length boat.

As we approached Poros through a narrow channel we were surrounded by several sailboats. One such ‘ego man’ blasted through on his motorboat causing all of the sailboats to rock and roll unnecessarily.

Upon reflection of the ‘ego men,’ I feel somewhat sorry for them

They seem to think that the flashy showing of money and a disregard for others is cool. Unfortunately they appear to miss out on what I love most about the boating community – new friendships, a strong sense of camaraderie and knowing that there’s always someone around to help out if ever in need.

Oh well – the ‘ego men’ provide contrast and that contrast allows us normal folk to better appreciate how amazing the other side of the sailing community is.

While visiting Poros there is one action I highly recommend

Please make sure to hike around the island. My cousin, Loryn, and I set off one morning around 10am. Our initial goal was to climb to the top of the town to see what we could see.

First we climbed through the narrow backstreets and walkways discovering the clock tower

The view from the clock tower was spectacular! Every direction made my eyes smile and my heart feel warm with beauty.

From the clock tower, Loryn and I kept climbing until we left the town and discovered a dirt track leading to a church near the top of the hill. The climb was steep but as we rose higher and higher the views expanded further and further.

At the very top we discovered a ruin and some trees covered in yarn

One of these days I must find out what the yarn around the trees means. Do you know what it signifies? I often find trees with yarn while walking along trails.

Once Loryn and I made it to the top we realized that the path continued further to the East

We felt as if we could make it from one end of the island to the other so we pressed on.

Walking along the path reminded me of days of youth when I went camping in the forest. I could smell evergreens and feel the greenery surround me like a blanket. Being at or on the sea for a long time increases ones sense of smell when land is present. Whenever I hike after a long stint on the boat I really appreciate the smell of land – greenery, dirt, dew, weeds, herbs and flowers all flood my senses!

As Loryn and I walked along we kept saying, ‘how fortunate are we?’

Having the ability to sail oneself to new islands and then absorbing the sights, sounds and smells felt as if we found heaven on Earth.

We came across little alters, various bushes and trees and eventually, when we arrived at the end of the Island we discovered yet another church. The amount of churches in Greece has never surprised me but the location of the churches has! How do people get to church when it takes an hour to climb to it?

Loryn and I took pictures around the church and then we noticed a bell

Feeling like little kids my cousin said, ‘should I ring the bell?’ And of course, I said, ‘why not!’

Finding the rope to the bell, Loryn tugged lightly on it and nothing happened. She then gave a stronger tug and the bell rang loud. So loud that Loryn jumped a few feet into the air and let out a little scream.

Knowing that hubby was waiting for us to return, we peacefully made our way back to the top of the hill

We then progressed down through the town and stopped at the first shop we could find to buy a soft drink and enjoy a little nibble.

We were tranquilly exhausted – ready for a quick dip in the sea to remove the dust and sweat from our skin and then a little nap in the sun

So…if your passage plan affords a stop at Poros make sure to schedule in a few hours for a lovely walk to the top of the town and if your legs are willing – follow the path to the end. The views are spectacular.