Take a ferry to Porto Heli and spend your vacations in this cosmopolitan seaside village on the east side of the Peloponnese and enjoy sun, sea and sand!
Porto Heli is widely known as a summer resort village, located in a bay of the Argolic Gulf, approximately 174 km away from Athens, the capital of Greece and it is connected with the popular islands of Spetses, Hydra and Poros in the Saronic Gulf.
The word Porto means harbor and the name Heli derives probably from the the Arvanite dialect of the Peloponnese or the name of the ancient city of Allieis later to be named Halieis (named Halike by the greek traveler and geographer Pausanias) and finally Heli. The ancient city of Allieis was founded by the Tiryns back to around 468 BCE and was an important commercial port.
The Venetians also used Porto Heli (or Porto Bizato as they used to call it) for the Ermionidas navy and it is included in the Venetians maps of the Peloponnesian ports of the 18th century.
This port village was once a quiet fishing village until wealthy families began investing in land in the area and since the 1970s the village turned into a chic getaway with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. During summer Porto Heli gets really crowded as it is a popular family destination for the Athenias and the port is a mooring place for yachts and fishing boats.
Book your ferry tickets in advance and enjoy your stay in a nice family destination that has a safe environment, really popular to families with kids who find many things to do and see in the aerea.
Ferry routes to Porto Heli
Passenger ferries depart daily from the port of Piraeus and Hermioni with a frequency depending on the seasonality. The location of Porto Heli also makes it an ideal base for excursions in the Saronic Gulf. With a quick search through our platform you can check for availability and schedules and plan your trip.
- From Piraeus: there are more than 2 routes available per day served by a high speed ferry that has no garage. The duration of the sailing is approximately 3 hours.
- From Hermioni: depending on the seasonality there are more than 2 high speed ferries per day and the sailing time is approximately 40 minutes.
- From Spetses: at least 2 departures available per day. The duration of the trip is approximately 40 minutes.
- From Hydra: served by a high speed ferry, 2 routes per day and the sailing time is 1 hour.
- From Poros: the sailing distance is approximately 1 hour and a half and the route is served by a high speed ferry.
Porto Heli port
The port of Porto Heli is situated on the southwestern part of the Argolis Peninsula and is considered one of the most beautiful and attractive places to visit in the Peloponnese. The amphitheatrical built adjoining town has many tourist facilities such as mini markets, taverns, cafes, shops and plenty of accommodation options all around the area. In order to get around Porto Heli, you can use the following trasnportation options:
Bus
While in Porto Heli, there is a well-developped bus network which provides itineraries to all points of interest. For further details, please visit Porto Heli Buses.
Taxi
In order to schedule a taxi transfer, please visit the Porto Heli Taxis or call +30 697 770 6969. You can also schedule a taxi transfer from Athens City Center or the Athens Airport to Porto Heli here.
How to Reach Porto Heli from Athens
The driving distance from Athens to Porto Heli is approximately 3h. You can enjoy some interesting sights along the way such as the Corinth Canal and the Ancient Epidavros. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the Central Ktel Bus Station of Kifissos, in Athens, with transfers to Kranidi or Nafplion.
Holidays in Porto Heli
Things to do and see in Porto Heli are limited as it keeps a lower profile. A drive around the area will lead you to organized and secluded beaches, natural landscapes, traditional villages and chapels. Porto Heli is a luxurious retreat spot, ideal for relaxation, famous for its beautiful bay, the warm flat water ideal for watersports.
Get ready to discover Porto Heli and let us help you organize your to-do list!
- Follow one of the many hiking trails that lead to small settlements, tiny chapels and secluded beaches and landscapes with breathtaking views of the sea
- Take a road trip to Ancient Epidaurus, Ermioni, Nafplion and Mycenae
- Enjoy your lunch and taste the local wine in one of the seaside taverns around the marina of Porto Heli
- Visit the village of Agios Emilianos that has an impressive view of Spetses
- Explore the town with the red roofed houses, villas and mansions
- Take a walk around Ververondas Lake once known as a pirate's hideout. The locals believe that the waters have therapeutic properties
- Visit the ruins of the Ancient City of Alieon with findings such as ancient temples, a stadium and many utensils of clay and brick
- Discover the famous Byzantine Monastery of Panagia Pantanassa near Kranidi village
- Go island hopping and visit one of the neighboring islands of Hydra, Poros and Spetses
Beaches in Porto Heli
There are many secluded and organized beaches in Porto Heli, one for every taste, either you are looking for a quiet swim and tranquil ambience or sporty holidays. Whichever you choose you will find pristine waters, ideal for families with kids.
Find below a list of the best beaches:
- Costa Beach: a sandy beach with clear shallow waters ideal for children
- Hinitsa Beach: a small bay with pines providing natural shade
- Kyparissia Beach: a pebbled beach line by verdant cypress trees and tranquil waters
- Town Beach: a small sandy beach with many facilities and a view of the local fishing boats coming and going
Hotels in Porto Heli
Most of the accommodation options are located in the city center within a walking distance from the beach and give access to many tourist facilities.
Please find below some of the best rated hotels and apartments:
- Aks Hinitsa Bay
- Long View
- Aks Porto Heli Hotel
- Nikki Beach Resort and Spa
- Anastazia Studios
- Amanzoe
- Porto Heli Villa
- Ostria
- Nautica Bay
