Poros 6.2

Poros is a small Greek island-pair in the southern part of the Saronic Gulf, about 58km south from Piraeus and separated from the Peloponnese by a 200m wide sea channel, with the town of Galatas on the mainland across the strait. Its surface area is about 31km2 and it has 3,780 inhabitants. The ancient name of Poros was Pogon. Like other ports in the Saronic, it is a popular weekend destination for Athenian travellers.Poros consists of two islands: Sphairia, the southern part, which is of volcanic origin, where today's city is located, and Kalaureia, also Kalavria or Calauria, the northern and largest part. A bridge connects the two islands over a narrow strait.Poros is an island with rich vegetation. Much of the northern and far eastern/western sides of the island are bushy, whereas large areas of old pine forest are found in the south and center of the island. It has a good road network and adequate tourist infrastructure, which makes it a popular resort for short holidays.TransportationThough possessing no airport, Poros is easily accessible from Athens via ferry or hydrofoil. One can reach the island by car or bus from the adjacent mainland at Galatas.There is local bus service on the island from Poros harbor to the nearby towns of Neorio and Monastiri.GeographyThe land area of the municipality is 49.582km². The landscape is very hilly and mountainous. The highest peak is the Vigla in the west-central part. Following the island's topography and geology, small creeks and seasonal streams flow through steep valleys of the southern and northeastern part. The western and northern part of the island feature smooth hills and shallow valleys. Sandy beaches are restricted to the southern shore of the island, except for a bay in the northern part called Vayionia.