Poros Holidays

Situated on Kefalonia’s southeast coast, this village is both a proper ferry port and a delightful seaside retreat, delivering a whopping atmosphere that’s genuinely vibrant and authentic.

Good to Know

☀️ Weather: Kefalonia bakes from June to September with highs of 28 to 32°C and barely a cloud in sight. The sea hits a glorious 24 to 26°C at peak summer and stays swimmable well into October. Spring and early autumn are the sweet spots for those who want warmth without the July crowds.

💶 Money: Greece remains excellent value, especially away from the flashier resorts. A meal for two at a harbourside taverna comes in at around £20 to £35, a cold Mythos on the waterfront is £2 to £3, and most beaches are completely free.

🎉 Fun fact: Poros was one of the four most important towns on Kefalonia in ancient times. The remains of an ancient citadel and a Mycenaean vaulted tomb have been discovered just outside the village, so there's considerably more history here than the sleepy port suggests.

Highlights of your Poros Holidays 2026 / 2027

• A genuine working port village with views across to Ithaca, the island of Odysseus, right from your taverna table

• Pebble coves and Blue Flag beaches within easy reach, plus some seriously hidden spots only accessible by boat

• The perfect base for island hopping, cave exploring and the kind of day trips that make a holiday feel like a proper adventure

Best beaches for your Poros holidays

The coastline around Poros is made for those who want their beaches quiet and their water clear, with most spots a short drive or boat ride away. Pebbles dominate here, so pack a pair of swim shoes and you'll be set.

Poros Beach – the main beach right in the village, a calm pebble bay with crystal clear water and sunloungers available. It's narrow and peaceful rather than spectacular, but the convenience is hard to beat and the water quality is superb.

Aragia Beach (Ragia) – a longer pebble and shingle beach at the north end of the village, awarded Blue Flag status for water quality. A solid row of café bars and tavernas backs it, so you're never far from a cold drink or a plate of grilled fish.

Limenia Beach – on the road in from Skala, this little cove has earned the nickname "Mushroom Beach" from the distinctive rock formations sticking out of the water. A genuinely unique spot and a favourite with snorkellers.

Kako Lagadi Beach – secluded and not the easiest to reach, but those who make the effort are rewarded with natural beauty and water you'll struggle to find anywhere cleaner. Worth the mission.

Skala Beach – around 12km south of Poros, this Blue Flag sandy beach is one of the finest on the island. Wide, long and well-facilitated, it makes an excellent half-day out from the village.

Antisamos Beach – further north near Sami, this is one of Kefalonia's most photographed beaches, with brilliant turquoise water and white pebbles backed by green hills. Famously used in the filming of Captain Corelli's Mandolin.

Local Lingo

Greek is the language of Kefalonia, and while most people working in tourism speak enough English for menus and directions, a few words go a very long way with locals. Kefalonian hospitality is warm and genuine, and any attempt at the language gets a proper welcome.

• Yia sas (Γεια σας) – Hello / Goodbye (formal)

• Yia sou (Γεια σου) – Hi / Bye (informal)

• Efharisto (Ευχαριστώ) – Thank you

• Parakalo (Παρακαλώ) – Please / You're welcome

• Stin iyia mas (Στην υγειά μας) – Cheers (literally "to our health")

• Poso kani? (Πόσο κάνει;) – How much is it?

• Mia bira, parakalo (Μια μπύρα, παρακαλώ) – One beer, please

One more thing: Greek hospitality often means you'll be offered a complimentary shot of raki or a small sweet at the end of a meal. It's not a mistake on the bill. Just say efharisto and enjoy it.

Where to stay on your Poros holidays

Poros is a compact village and almost everywhere puts you within easy walking distance of the beach, the port and the tavernas. That said, here's how it breaks down.

For couples: The harbour end of town is the most atmospheric, with views across to Ithaca and candlelit tavernas right on the water's edge. Book a room with a sea view and you'll spend every morning with coffee and a panorama.

For families: The flatter central part of the village keeps things accessible and walkable, with the calmer Poros Beach just a short stroll away. Self-catering studios are a popular choice for families who want flexibility at mealtimes.

For groups: Poros is a village, not a resort, so groups after big nightlife should look to Argostoli or Skala. For groups who want a relaxed base with good food, great beaches and day-trip potential, Poros absolutely delivers.

What are the top hotels for your holidays to Poros?

The accommodation scene in Poros is intimate and personal, small hotels and studios rather than big resort complexes, which is exactly the point. You're here for the village.

Couples

Hotel Oceanis Poros - One of the most loved hotels on this stretch of coast, with stunning sea views and a warm, family-run feel that keeps guests coming back year after year. Right in the heart of Poros and within easy reach of the beach and harbour.

Boutique / Self-Catering

Travlos Studios - Simple, charming studios with everything you need for a relaxed self-catering stay. Guests consistently praise the friendly owners and the great-value feel. A brilliant option if you want the freedom to come and go at your own pace.

Value

Riviera Hotel - A no-fuss base close to the seafront, ideal for travellers who want comfortable, affordable accommodation and plan to spend most of their time outside exploring. Solid value for Kefalonia.

Poros Travel Guide 2026 / 2027

Things to do for families

Kefalonia is one of the best Greek islands for families, with natural wonders that genuinely impress kids of all ages and beaches that are calm enough for confident young swimmers.

• Melissani Lake – an underground lake inside a cave where the roof has partially collapsed, letting sunlight pour in and turn the water an otherworldly turquoise and blue. One of the most spectacular natural sights in Greece. Around 45 minutes from Poros, boat tours run inside the cave for around £8 to £10 per person.

• Drogarati Cave – a vast cave system believed to be around 150 million years old, with extraordinary stalactites and stalagmites. Close to Melissani, so easily combined into one day out. Entry around £5 per person.

• Monastery of Atros – a short hike up through the hills above Poros leads to this ancient monastery, with panoramic views over the entire area as your reward. A proper mini-adventure for kids who are up for a walk.

• Boat hire from the port – rent a small motorboat and spend the day exploring the coves and sea caves along the coastline. No experience needed for the smaller boats, and it's the best way to find beaches that the crowds never reach. George's Boat Rentals at the port comes highly recommended by guests.

• BBQ beach cruises – organised glass-bottom boat cruises out of Poros with snorkelling stops, swimming and a BBQ lunch included. Dolphins are a real possibility, and the glass bottom means the underwater world is on show even for non-swimmers.

Things to do for couples

Poros has a natural romance to it. The harbour views, the tavernas on the hillside, the unhurried pace. Here's how to make the most of it.

• Sunset dinner on the hill – the tavernas above the port have views straight across the Ionian to Ithaca. Book a table for the evening and watch the light change on the water. 'Remetzo' café bar, partially built inside a cave right at the port, is one of the most unusual spots for an evening drink in all of Greece.

• Private boat trip – hire a boat for the day and find your own secluded cove. The coastline between Poros and Fiskardo is dotted with sea caves that are the natural habitat of monk seals, so the wildlife odds are genuinely good.

• Wine tasting at the Robola wineries – an hour west from Poros, the Robola wine zone on the slopes of Mount Ainos produces Kefalonia's famous crisp white wine. Several wineries offer tastings and tours, a lovely afternoon away from the beach.

• Day trip to Ithaca – ferries run from Poros to the mythical island of Odysseus, a quieter, smaller and utterly beautiful destination for a day away. The picturesque capital of Vathy is well worth the trip and feels completely different to anything on Kefalonia.

• Coastal road walk – the road south from Poros towards Skala hugs the coastline and throws up gorgeous views at every turn, with quieter tavernas along the way. An easy evening stroll that earns a proper Greek dinner at the end.

Things to do for groups

Poros works best for groups after a relaxed, activity-filled holiday rather than late nights. Think boat days, cave trips and long lunches over cold Mythos.

• Island Delights tour – a classic full-day Kefalonia tour that takes in the island's finest winery, key landmarks and scenery. Easily bookable through hotel desks and a brilliant way to cover the island in one go.

• Ithaca day trip – boat across to Ithaca, tour the island by coach and explore the unspoiled villages, including the capital Vathy. A brilliant group day out that most people come back raving about.

• Sami by Night – head north to the picturesque quayside town of Sami for an evening out. It's the town where Captain Corelli's Mandolin was filmed, has a proper waterfront restaurant and bar scene and is around 40 minutes from Poros.

• Quad biking and jeep safaris – half-day off-road excursions through the Kefalonian countryside are available from most hotel tour desks and give a completely different view of the island. Around £25 to £35 per person.

• Archaeology day – just outside Poros near Tzanata village sits a remarkably well-preserved Mycenaean tholos tomb. Not for every group, but genuinely impressive and something most visitors to Kefalonia completely miss.

More places to visit in Kefalonia

Argostoli – the lively island capital with a natural deep harbour, a great market and the best chance of spotting Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from the bridge. About an hour from Poros and well worth a half-day.

Fiskardo – the only village that survived the 1953 earthquake intact, with preserved Venetian architecture and a cosmopolitan harbour lined with yachts and excellent seafood restaurants. The jewel of the north, about 90 minutes from Poros.

Skala – the lively resort town 12km south of Poros, with a long Blue Flag sandy beach and a more traditional resort feel if you fancy a night out or a change of scene.

More Greece Destinations

Corfu – lush, green and Venetian-influenced, with a UNESCO-listed old town, brilliant beaches on every coast and a resort scene that runs from lively Kavos to the refined charm of Kassiopi.

Rhodes – a medieval walled city that's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a serious beach scene and enough history to fill a fortnight.

Crete – the big one. Greece's largest island combines Minoan palaces, the Samaria Gorge, some of the finest food in the country and beaches ranging from the famous pink sands of Elafonissi to the long sandy stretches of Malia.

Santorini – the iconic one, white-washed villages on a volcanic caldera, extraordinary sunsets from Oia and some genuinely world-class restaurants.