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Poros is located in the south east of Kefalonia. It is the biggest
district of new Elios-Pronnoi municipality. The landscape in the Pronnoi
region is dominated by cypress trees, evergreens, oaks, orchards, streams,
natural fountains and ravines surrounded by soft wooded hills covered by
colorful bushes and aromatic herbs, that lead to the white pebble beaches
of the Poros area. The town has been developed at the foot of the
mountains of Pahni and Atros. An attractive resort which has a loyal
following of holiday makers who revisit annually. Not only does it appeal
to the British market but it also attracts Greek, Italian and northern
European tourists giving it a pleasantly cosmopolitan feel. In the summer
Poros also attracts a number of visitors who arrive in private yachts. It
was the first part of the island to be unwrapped by tourists, when a
cruise ship started to dock around the early eighties, it has since been
overtaken by neighbouring Skala with the volume of tourists.
Poros is a working port and harbour village as well as a resort. With an
attractive harbour, and two beaches, one a small pebble beach just in front
of the square and the other along the coast a little. on one side and a
long pebble beach the other. You are spoilt for choice, whether to relax
in a taverna and watch the world go by on the water or lay out on the
beach. There is a selection of shops to browse, a variety of friendly
bars, and cafes in the village square, as well as the facilities which
line the waterfront. You will also find a bank and all the other tourist
amenities.
Nightlife here is low key, its all about a good meal and a relaxing drink
in a bar, if you are feeling energetic then stretch your legs with a
stroll along the promenade.
Poros is almost divided into in three parts, there is the port area, the
beachfront and the village square, they all provide accommodation of
sorts. There are apartments which seem to snuggle into the hillside, and
around the picturesque small harbour rooms reward you with fantastic sea
views.
It is easy to miss the best part of Poros. If you enter Poros via the
gorge road, you will need to turn left once on the waterfront, you will
see the port to the right of you. The main beach Aragia: Most commonly
known as Ragia is a good size and kept very clean. Situated to the north
of the town across a metal pontoon bridge that spans the dry bed. There
are tavernas and bars all along with boat hire and sun beds available.
Even in high summer it feels spacious. Pretty flowering shrubs and trees
line the beach and you may park on the long straight beachside road.
The crystal clear waters of Poros allows you to see the seabed which
displays a rainbow of colours.
The area is renowned as a apartment blocks and tavernas neatly line the promenade,
giving a retro look to the sea front.
Sadly there are no old buildings as such in the village due to the
catastrophic 1953 earthquake the small community of fishing cottages were
destroyed, since then people have built new homes and buildings in the
town we know today, these structures have been built to withstand stronger
tremors.
The port is an important link between Kefalonia and mainland Greece and
the main port road can sometimes become busy with traffic using the
ferries. These ferries leave from Poros to Killini on the mainland, as
well as various other destinations. This is the major port of south
Kefalonia. The local area around Poros is idea for exploring, if you enjoy
walking there is a coastal walk which follows a path around to the
neighbouring resort of Skala.
Breathtaking Poros gorge, also called the 'Arakli gap' is a 80-metre deep
rugged, beautiful craggy ravine, and until the mid nineties when the new
coast road was cut through to Skala it was the only main route out of
Poros. Local legend has it that the gorge was carved out by Hercules , the
hollows being footprints of the huge supernatural feet of the hero when he
stood on, and leveled, this part of the mountain.
High above the town is the old Poros road, known as the top road, this is
mostly rubble and loose stone but is passable in a motor vehicle. If you
are a little adventurous you can use this road today. It passes through
tiny traditional old villages and snakes its way down to Poros. You must
persevere with the route as there are times you may think you have taken a
wrong turn as the tracks do appear to dissolve into one another.
The surrounding area of Poros is dramatically beautiful with high proud
mountains and wonderful greenery. If you wish to see Poros in all its
glory visit the Atros Monastery which is dedicated to the virgin Mary's'
birth and is the oldest on Kefalonia, it stands on Mount Atros way above
the town, almost in the clouds, 760 meters above sea level. Here you will
be able to wander the grounds of the old and new monastery. The trip up to
the top will take half an hour or so in a car, you need to travel slowly
as it is a steep loose surfaced winding stone track with sheer drops.
Please do not let the climb to the summit deprive you of the fantastic and
unique view of Poros.
Take a camera! See Atros Monastery for more info.
Poros is considered as the most important market town on the island. It
has been built on a long narrow strip along the coast bound on each ends
by two estuaries, the Vohina, the Homeric Reithro, and the remains of the
ancient Pronnean port. In older days Poros was the most important port of
he whole area and the old town Pronoi. Situated on the mountain above
Poros you can see remains of ancient walls
There is plenty to see near Poros including the Tzanata tombs, Mount Enos
National Park and nearby villages of Tzanata, Asprogerakas, Kabitsata and
Riza. As with most locations car hire is an advantage to make the most of
your stay.
In the summer months there are a variety of artistic and intellectual
events organized here. There are painting, sculpture and ceramic
exhibitions along with concerts and international conventions. The main
attraction is the Philharmonic orchestras festival.
. A bus service into the capital Argostoli departs from Poros in the early
morning and leaves for the return trip from Argostoli in the early
afternoon.
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