Poros trails
Poros hiking trails follow paths which lead us to places of historical, geological and naturalistic interest. Poros trails bring us in contact with the pine forest and the untouched natural environment of the island. They offer us escape and leisure, and they are a magnet for people who as tourists function in a sustainable way and with respect for the local area.
Highlighting the paths
Several years ago, the effort to record hiking routes on Poros began by Katerina Sakelliou and Vangelis Papathymiopoulos.
Subsequently, the organization Paths of Greece, on behalf of the Municipality of Poros, undertook the study for the cleaning and signaling of the paths, as well as for the creation of hiking maps.
Then came the time of implementation. Antonis Panou, member of the group of Poros hiking friends “Όλοι μαζί περπατάμε” (We all walk together) and collaborator of Paths of Greece, took on the difficult task of cleaning and signage.
The new trail network of Poros
Now, Poros trails are accessible to everyone. They are open and have steps in difficult places and signals at every intersection or open space. All that is needed from us is willingness to enjoy them! There are six main routes.
Trail 1: Wandering in the Lemonforest
The route starts from Aliki beach, follows the shore of the lagoon and reaches Artimos passing through Lemonodasos. It continues towards the old Kardasis tavern and descends again, ending up at Aliki.
Trail 2: The majestic Sphaeria
A route through the alleys of Sphaeria with an amazing view, which passes by many attractions and ends at the Mill.
Trail 3: The trail to the Lighthouse
Starting from the settlement of Perlia, this route follows the forest road and climbs up to Kamara, ending up at the Lighthouse. A beautiful route, with a view as far as Methana and Athens.
Trail 4: In the heart of Kalavria
It starts from Askeli and crosses the pine-covered hill of Profitis Ilias. It heads towards Panagitsa at Vryssoula, continues to the Temple of Poseidon and, following the old route of the “retsinades” (pine resin harvesters), ends up at Askeli again.
Trail 5: The mountain and the Monastery
From the stream of Askeli, the trail climbs through the pine forest towards the hill of Samuel, passes the Temple of Poseidon and follows the perimeter of Vigla, the highest peak of the island. It then descends towards the Monastery and ends at Askeli.
Trail 6: A plateau, history and the sea
The trail starts from the Temple of Poseidon and heads towards Agios Eustratios. It descends towards the Foussa plateau and ends at Vagionia beach. From there, it goes up in the direction of the Kro spring and returns to the Palatia site.
Poros trails offer recreation as well as benefits for the local economy and community. It is the means for the development of hiking tourism on an island that combines natural beauty, cultural environment and proximity to Athens.
Katheti, as an advocate of any form of sustainable tourism, promotes Poros trails, because they are a key element for the development of hiking tourism, one of the most rising tourist trends.
From the beaches of Poros, Troizinia, Methana and attractions to the local products, the handmade creations of local craftsmen and women, the local visual artists and the books with a local flavor, these articles combined complement Katheti and Ec(h)o’s overall endeavor to promote the area as a sustainable tourism destination.
Featured image and text photographs: Fivos Tsaravopoulos, Paths of Greece (source: Poros trails)
