Galatas is situated on the
mainland to the south of the Poros Island. A short crossing
by water taxi or car ferry, the water taxi's from the seafront
and every 10 minutes, the car ferry departs every 30 minutes
from just outside the main part of town. This side of the mainland
is very local with few tourists, although it is becoming more
popular with new bars and tavernas opening along its front.
The shops here are mainly for the locals and so it is slightly
cheaper than those on Poros. Along the coast from Galatas is
Lemondossos (lemon groves) which is as it's name suggests an
area of lemon trees. To the south lies the steep slopes of the
mountain where the main crop turns to olive trees. The top of
the mountain offers fantastic views of the area and Poros Island
and an old German fortress can found here.
Trizina* an old city approximately 10 km West of Galatas.
Trizina is named after Troezen, son of Pelops. Pelops, being
the mythical hero of the Peloponnese (meaning island of Pelops).
Trizina at one time claimed to be the second largest city to
Athens and is very much a part of Greek history. In May 1827
it hosted the 3rd National Assembly and Ioannis Capodistrias
was elected the first Governor of Greece. Just outside the city
can be found several interesting archaeological sites. The oldest
are the ruins of the Temple of Hippolytos, built in 300BC. Hippolytos
was an ancient god of Troezen. Next to the Temple is the Sanctuary
of Asklepion, built in 200 AD. The sanctuary was used to heal
the sick and many of the waterways used can still be seen. Just
to the North of the sanctuary are the ruins of the old church
of Episcopi which was the Cathedral of the diocese of Trizina.
On the way to the above sites you can stop at the Devils Bridge
and Gorge, where the water was conducted to the sanctuary. Yet
another site close by is the Tower of Diatechisma.
Methana*
A good example of the volcanic action that formed the area,
and although boasts of having some archaeological sites the
most popular location is the volcano itself. Also popular, to
those suffering from rheumatism, are the sulphur baths which
you will pass near the harbour on the way into Methana town.
However, the characteristic “bad egg” smell may put
all but the needy |
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| off! To the West of the small strip of
land connecting Methana to the Mainland, you will see large salt lakes
where several species of migrating birds may be seen. Also, take a
look to the East as the road curves round the bay toward the town
and you will see one of the largest fish farms in the area.
* Information and map courtesy of Poros
Bulletin |
| Argos & Nafplio are
two cities close to each other 2 hours drive from Galatas. The city
of Nafplio which was the first capital city of Greece is situated
on the coast and is guarded by a large fortress overlooking the city.
The seafront has many tavernas and is an excellent place to take lunch
and rest after the 999 steps to the top of the fortress. Small streets
are home to interesting little shops that sell a range of items to
visitors. The larger city of Argos has many of the larger stores found
in Athens and offers excellent shopping. This is the major commercial
centre for this part of the Pelopennese. |
| Athens is only a 1 hour
journey from Poros by flying dolphins. From Pireaus Harbour you can
take the tube into the heart of Athens for a fantastic day out. Visit
the wonder of the Parthenon and all the ancient ruins, take a meal
beneath the Acropolis, shop till you drop it's everything a capital
city should be. Returning by flying dolphins makes this an easy days
trip. |
| Hydra Island is a real
blast from the past, ferries take you direct from Poros in 30 minutes.
The first thing you will notice here is the absence of any form of
motorised vehicle (apart from the only dust cart) all transport is
either foot or for luggage by horse and donkey. The harbour is ringed
with cobbled alleys with many interesting shops and tavernas, to go
outside of the harbour town you must take a water taxi from the main
harbour. No water is found on the island and it has to be bought in
by tanker from Galatas, so there is little farming and so the island
looks very different from Poros and the mainland. |
| Epidavros Ancient amphitheatre
located 1 hour from Galatas. |
| Aegina Island Closest
island to Athens very popular with Athenians due to its proximity.
Ferries depart from Poros and the trip takes 1 1/2 hours on the slow
ferry and 40 minutes on the flying dolphin. |
