Getting from Mykonos to Porto Heli

Porto Heli sits at the southern tip of the Argolic Gulf in the Peloponnese and has quietly become one of the most exclusive coastal destinations in Greece. It is a small harbour town with remarkably clear water, a marina full of sailing boats and a low-key atmosphere that attracts Greeks who want to escape without going far. The beaches around it are excellent, the nearby village of Ermioni is worth an afternoon and the Saronic islands of Spetses and Hydra are both visible from the shore and a short boat ride away. It is the kind of place that people discover and return to every summer.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Mykonos to Porto Heli. The most practical route by sea is to take the ferry from Mykonos to Piraeus and then connect onto the Saronic Gulf ferry that runs from Piraeus down through Aegina, Methana, Poros, Hydra and Spetses to Porto Heli. The Saronic route takes around 3 to 4 hours from Piraeus to Porto Heli depending on the stops. Total journey time from Mykonos is around 6 to 7 hours but it is a scenic way to arrive, passing through some of the most beautiful coastline in the Saronic Gulf.

What about flying?

Porto Heli does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Athens, around 170 kilometres to the north. Flying from Mykonos to Athens and then driving to Porto Heli takes around 4 to 5 hours total, with the drive from Athens taking around 2.5 hours heading south through the Peloponnese.

Your best option

If you have the time the Saronic ferry from Piraeus is a genuinely enjoyable way to arrive, passing Hydra and Spetses on the way in. If time is short, fly to Athens and drive down. Either way Porto Heli rewards a stay of at least two or three nights, and if you are there you should get a water taxi across to Spetses for the day.