Getting from Santorini to Poros

Poros is one of those Saronic islands that rewards the detour. It sits just 200 metres from the Peloponnese mainland town of Galatas, close enough that you can hear voices across the water, and the narrow channel between them creates one of the most charming harbour settings in Greece. The island is small and easy to explore, with a clocktower above the town that is the landmark, a naval base that gives the port a particular character and views back across to the mountains of the Peloponnese that change through the day. It is also a practical base for exploring Epidaurus, 40 minutes by road from Galatas, which is one of the finest ancient theatres in the world and still hosts summer performances.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Santorini to Poros. The connection goes via Piraeus. Take the ferry from Santorini to Piraeus, which takes around 5 to 8 hours depending on the vessel, and then connect onto the Saronic ferry from Piraeus to Poros, which takes around 50 minutes to just over an hour with up to 6 daily departures. Flying to Athens and then taking the Saronic ferry is the faster overall approach.

What about flying?

Poros has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens. Flying from Santorini to Athens and then taking the Saronic ferry from Piraeus to Poros gives a total journey time of around 3 to 4 hours. It is worth knowing that in Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights. Almost all island to island travel goes through Athens.

Your best option

Fly to Athens and take the Saronic ferry from Piraeus. It is quick and the crossing to Poros is one of the shorter ones in the Saronic. If you have a car, driving from Athens to Galatas on the Peloponnese side and taking the short local ferry across is another option.