Nisos Póros

The Rorschach blob island of the Saronic. It lies close to the coast of the Peloponnisos, separated from it by a narrow and in places shallow channel. The island is extensively wooded (mostly pine but also olive and citrus groves) and is cultivated in places.

In ancient times the island was known as Kaularia and was the centre of the Kaularian league, a maritime confederacy of the 7th century BC amongst whose members were Athens, Aigina, Epidhavros, Troezein, Ermioni, Navplion, Praisiai and Póros. Its patron was Poseidon and a few remains of a temple to Poseidon (about 6 BC but built on an earlier site) can be found on a picturesque site on the east coast of the island.

In 1831 at the end of the Greek War of Independence the islanders opposed the first Greek government and formed a constitutional committee to replace it which had widespread support from the surrounding islands. The Greek ships Hellas and Hydra were blown up in the harbour by Admiral Miaoulis in defiance of the new government when it sent forces to crush the rebellion. A Greek naval establishment and naval cadet school are situated immediately north of Póros town, perhaps to ensure that there are no further insurrections on the island.

PÓROS

BA 1599
Imray-Tetra G14

Approach

Conspicuous From the Ν the narrow channel leading into the large landlocked bay is difficult to see from the distance. The numerous ferries plying this stretch of water will seem to disappear or appear from nowhere. Closer in the lighthouse on the Ε side of the entrance will be seen. Once in the large bay, the town of Póros will be clearly seen. A light blue clock-tower is conspicuous.
From the S the buildings on the low-lying isthmus can be seen, but it is difficult to see the entrance to the narrow channel. Keep close to the Póros side of the channel and keep a good lookout for the numerous ferries which come rocketing out of the narrow channel.

By night From the Ν use the two lights on the Ε side of the entrance: Âk Dana Fl.WR.4s8/5M and Ák Nédha Fl.R.2s2M. rom the S a night entrance is difficult because of the unlit islands in the approaches. The red sector of the light on the S point of Póros covers the islands: Ák Stavros Fl.RG.3s4M: 284°-R-309°. VHP Ch 16, 27, 28, 88 for coastguard.

Dangers

1. Care is needed of the shallows on the Peloponnisos side of the channel through Póros town. Stick close to the Póros side. Local caϊques make a good living pulling inattentive yachtsmen off the sticky mud.
2. Care is needed of the ferries and hydrofoils entering and leaving at speed.

Mooring

Go stern or bows-to the quay on the Ν side of town or stern-to the quay on the S quay in the narrow channel. The wash from ferries, particularly the hydrofoil, can be uncomfortable and you must ensure your anchor is well in so that you are not violently pushed onto the quay. The holding off the Ν quay is patchy. The bottom in the channel is mud - excellent holding.

Note Mooring blocks and chains have been laid in the places shown on the plan. The mooring lines were long ago removed, allegedly by the local diver who thought he would lose out on charging for recovering fouled anchors. On the S quay the chains are around 20m off the quay at the W end and around 30m off at the Ε end. On the Ν quay there is only a short section of chain on the W side around 25m off. Recently it was reported the chains have been removed but I would still counsel caution until it can be confirmed.
Shelter Good all-round shelter although strong westerlies cause some slop on the Ν quay. There are strong gusts off the hills of the Peloponnisos with strong southerlies.
Authorities Port police and customs. A charge is sometimes made.

Note A current normally flows through the Póros Strait, usually from W to Ε though it can reverse and flow in the opposite direction. The current can be up to 1 knot although usually less. The only real problem with the current is when berthing on the town quay in the strait when it can push you about as you go stern-to at slow speed. Likewise when you leave you may have to be a bit snappy about it so you do not get pushed down onto your neighbours.

Facilities

Water On the quay. The water man usually does the rounds in the morning and evening. Showers available in several of the bars on the waterfront.
Fuel A mini-tanker delivers to the quay.
Repairs Some mechanical repairs. Hardware shops. Two chandlers.

Greek Sails A charter company which operates from the quay at the SE end of the channel, can arrange various repairs including engine, engineering and sail repairs. Richard Kouvaras, Greek Sails, Punta Póros, Trizinias, 18020 Greece
Tel. 22980 22332 Fax 22980 23147
Mobile Tel. 6944 683 678
Email grsails@x-treme.gr

Poros Yachting Centre Provides gardiennage and can arrange haul-outs and repairs. Antonios Vikos, Póros Yachting Centre
Tel. 22980 24019 Fax 22980 24110
Mobile ·& 6932 321001
Email mailtoavikos@b-online.gr

Provisions Good shopping for all provisions. Ice available.
Eating out Numerous tavernas on the waterfront and behind. Also tavernas at Galatas across the strait. Yorgiou at the Café Remetzo on the waterfront serves a good breakfast or a cool beer in the evening.
Other PO. OTE. Banks. ATMs. Greek gas and Camping Gaz. Laundrette close to the Ν quay. Hire cars, motorbikes and bicycles. Caique ferries across to Galatas. Ferries to Piraeus and the other islands in the Saronic Gulf.

General

The small volcanic peninsula on which Póros town is built was known in ancient times as Sphaeria. Póros means a 'strait' or 'ferry' and is a later name. The town built on the rocky slopes is attractive and the approach by sea one of the most beautiful in Greece. Póros is a popular tourist spot as well as being popular with day-trippers from Athens. In the season they pour into Póros, yet it somehow manages to stand up to it all and remains a likeable place.

If you are berthed on the S quay it can get smelly at the height of the season from the sewage emptying into the harbour. If the smell doesn't prevent you from sleeping, the latest in popular music will assail your eardrums from the numerous bars along the waterfront.

GALATAS

The town on the S side of the Póros channel, served by numerous ferries and water taxis to Póros.

Approach

Care needed of the shallows on the S side of the channel. Many yachts are on moorings off the town and are unlit at night. Approach from the NW where depths come up gradually towards the quay.

Mooring

There is usually room to berth stern or bows-to on the W end of the quay. Keep clear of the ferry quay and local berths. Care is needed of floating mooring lines for fishing boats dotted along the quay. Depths l-3m. Alternatively anchor off to the W, clear of the moorings.

Facilities

Water on the quay. Supermarket nearby. Restaurants and tavernas. Ferries to Poros.

ANCHORAGES NEAR POROS

1. Órmos Vidhi Anchor in the bay or any of the coves on the Ν side. A fish farm obstructs one of the bays, but you can still get in. The water here is a bit murky. Taverna on the beach at the head of the bay.
2. Ák Dana Anchor in the cove tucked under the cape. Good shelter from the prevailing winds and clear water.
3. Russian Bay Nisis Dhaskalia under Âk Nédha is easily recognised by the conspicuous white chapel on it. Care is needed of the reef running out for approximately 50m from the Ε side of the islet. Anchor in the bay under the islet. The bottom is mud and weed, good holding once through the weed. Good shelter from the prevailing winds.
4. Órmos Neorion In the bay SE of Russian Bay where a number of charter yachts have permanent moorings there is good shelter.
5. Aliki A reef connects the small islets to the SE of Póros Channel to the mainland. Pass between the islets and Nisis Bourtzi. Good shelter. Sandy bottom. Taverna on the beach.
6. Órmos Porou Is quite deep until a short distance off. Poor holding. Taverna on the beach.
7. Monastery Bay As for Órmos Porou.

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