Porto Heli

The town of Porto Heli is a marvelous natural harbor in northeastern Peloponnese. Just a couple of hours from Athens, it is one of the most cosmopolitan resorts in Greece.

On Ferryhopper, you can find all the information you need about your trip to Porto Heli: holiday tips, beaches and attractions, food recommendations, and ferry schedules. Discover the top experiences in Porto Heli and book cheap ferry tickets with no hidden fees!

The picturesque Porto Heli bay

Holidays in Porto Heli

The southern peninsula of Argolis in the Peloponnese has it all: mild climate, a coastline full of small bays with turquoise waters, lush nature, picturesque villages, fresh seafood, and a sophisticated nightlife.

There, the area of Porto Heli town has been labeled as the “Greek Riviera” and is a perfect getaway from relaxing moments, combining sea and mountain. The period between Easter and October is the best time to visit this cosmopolitan destination with your friends, partner or family.

Plus, Porto Heli is located right opposite Spetses island, and its port serves as a great starting point for hopping around the Saronic islands by boat or ferry.

How to get to Porto Heli

You can easily reach Porto Heli by ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens, or by car from mainland Greece.

The ferry from Piraeus takes about 3 hours 30 minutes to reach Porto Heli. The car ride from Athens to Porto Heli lasts approximately less than 3 hours.

Find more information about Porto Heli ferry routes from/to Athens and the Saronic islands below.

What to do in Porto Heli

In southern Greece, Porto Heli is a serene coastal gem with stunning beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and cosmopolitan vibes. The calm waters and sandy shores create an ideal spot for connecting with nature.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy fresh seafood at one of the area’s top-tier tavernas, where daily catches, such as octopus and fish, are grilled to perfection. And for a better taste of local life, you can also visit Kranidi, a nearby town with traditional charm.

Explore its coastline by boat, soak in the peaceful surroundings, explore hidden coves, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

Beaches in Porto Heli

Porto Heli might not be an island, but its very long coastline makes it feel like one! The area is famous for its sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters and turquoise colors, accessible either from the land or exclusively by sea.

Some of our favorite beaches in Porto Heli are:

• Porto Heli beach: the beach within Porto Heli's bay is sandy with crystal-clear waters. It is well-organized with amenities, including umbrellas, sunbeds, and cafés. This is also an excellent spot to try water sports.
• Ververonda: with pristine waters, nearby tavernas, and beach bars, the pebble lagoon of Ververonda is one of the best beaches near Porto Heli.
• Hinitsa: with golden sand and surrounded by pine trees, this small Blue-Flag beach is just a few minutes away from the town. It has a wide range of amenities, such as umbrellas, tennis courts, mini-soccer fields, water sports, and offers a great view of the islet of Hinitsa.
• Kounoupi: just 6 km east of Porto Heli, Kounoupi stretches right in front of the settlement of Agios Aimilianos. It has shallow waters and fine pebbles, and is accessible via a dirt road.
• Kosta: with shallow and crystal-clear waters, here you can enjoy the view of Spetses while swimming. It is a beautiful sandy beach with various amenities, making it a great spot for families with children.
• Korakia: a double beach with emerald waters and big pebbles, it’s located next to the dense pine forest of Korakia. Access is a bit difficult, as you need to follow a dirt road.
• Kyparissia: located northwest of Porto Heli town, this is a beautiful beach with a pebbly coastline and turquoise waters.

The transparent blue waters of Ververonda beach in Porto Heli

Activities and sightseeing in Porto Heli

In addition to the stunning beaches and its unmatched natural beauty, Porto Heli and its surrounding area offer visitors several interesting sights to explore. We recommend visiting:

• The Church of Agios Aimilianos, offering a breathtaking view of Spetses island and a dreamy sunset
• The ruins of the Ancient City of the Fishermen (Alieis)
• The imposing Theater of Epidaurus
• The Franchthi cave, where the oldest human skeleton in the Aegean region was discovered
• The Didyma caves (sinkholes), a unique geological phenomenon 20 km from Porto Heli, with 2 chapels carved into a rock
• The Honey Museum (Bairaktaris Apiary)
• The Tower of Elli, one of the rarest architectural jewels in Greece
• The Monastery of Agioi Anargiroi

Porto Heli also offers several hiking trails. We recommend exploring the Katafyki gorge, which is easy to walk through, almost flat, and only 2.5 km long. Alternatively, you can take a stroll along the trails around the lagoon of Thermisia, where you'll get to admire hundreds of migratory and endemic bird species.

If you’re a sports enthusiast, in Porto Heli you can also try water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, diving, and even horseback riding.

Last but not least, during your stay in Porto Heli, don't miss an excursion to the islands of the Saronic Gulf (Spetses, Hydra, and Poros). The trip to Spetses takes only 10 minutes, with frequent ferry and boat crossings available.

Amazing cave at the at the foothills of Mount Didyma, near Porto Heli

Nightlife in Porto Heli

Porto Heli stands out for its vibrant nightlife. You can find numerous seaside cafés and bars where you can enjoy your coffee or drink right by the water.

The Mandrakia area in Ermioni, just a short drive from Porto Heli, is famous for its entertainment options. For an even livelier night out, you can take a water taxi to Spetses and return to Porto Heli in the early hours.

Porto Heli also hosts local events, such as the Porto Heli carnival, the spectacular burning of Judas during Easter, and the Porto Heli Festival of Culture and Arts.

Food in Porto Heli

The local cuisine of Porto Heli is reflective of the area’s cosmopolitan character, offering a wide range of flavors. During your stay at this popular Argolis resort, you can enjoy traditional Mediterranean dishes at quaint family-run tavernas and seafood restaurants along the coast.

The region is renowned for its fresh fish and lobster, making it a paradise for seafood lovers. In addition to seafood, in Porto Heli you can savor a variety of meats, cheeses, wines, and amber olive oil.

Tip: for the best shrimp, head to the nearby village of Koilada, just a few minutes from Porto Heli. They’re caught at a depth of 300 meters and are known for their vivid red color.

Useful information about Porto Heli

In Porto Heli, you can find all amenities and services necessary for a stress-free and comfortable vacation, including shops, supermarkets, ATMs, car rental services, a health center, and a clinic.

As for accommodation in Porto Heli, there is a wide range of high-standard hotels, rooms, and villas for short or extended stays. For families, many accommodations are child-friendly, with playgrounds, outdoor cinemas, and children's pools, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Porto Heli

• Porto Heli Port Authority: +302754053333
• Kranidi Health Center: +302754360100
• Kranidi Police Station: +302754021210
• Taxi Service: +302754052212
• KTEL Bus Service (Kranidi): +302754021218
• Fire Department: +302754022199

Transportation in Porto Heli

Porto Heli is a pretty small town, so the best way to get around the area is on foot.

For trips outside the town, local bus services connect Porto Heli with Ermioni. You can also use taxis or bring your own vehicle to explore all hidden gems.

Cycling is another great transportation alternative, especially if you want to visit nearby attractions.

Port in Porto Heli

The port of Porto Heli is located inside the town’s sheltered bay, providing a safe haven for ferries, leisure boats and yachts.

Porto Heli ferry: schedules and tickets

The easiest way to reach Porto Heli from Athens in the summer months is by ferry from the port of Piraeus, with 1-2 daily Piraeus - Porto Heli ferry crossings all year round. The high-speed vessels of Hellenic Seaways (Blue Star Ferries) arrive in Porto Heli in about 3 hours 30 minutes.

Additionally, Hellenic Seaways' fast ferries connect the beautiful natural harbor to the neighboring Spetses island, as well as Hydra, Poros and Ermioni with 1-2 daily routes:

• Porto Heli - Spetses ferry: the crossing takes 10 minutes
• Porto Heli - Ermioni ferry: the route lasts 45 minutes
• Porto Heli - Hydra ferry: the crossing takes 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Porto Heli - Poros ferry: the route lasts 2 hours

You can find all available Porto Heli ferry connections and ticket prices on our Map of ferries, so you can visualize and plan your trip easily and quickly!

Idyllic sunset as seen from the coast of Porto Heli

Book ferry tickets to Porto Heli online

Ready for a perfect getaway in the Peloponnese? Find all the information you need about ferry routes and offers from/to Porto Heli, book ferry tickets on the Ferryhopper App without hidden fees, and organize your trip hassle-free!