Porto Heli Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Greece at the incredible port of Porto Heli! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Porto Heli boasts an impressive 13 ferry routes operated by 7 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Porto Heli, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Porto Heli offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Piraeus - Porto Heli, Spetses - Porto Heli, Hydra - Porto Heli. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Porto Heli. You'll find companies like Hellenic Seaways, TurboJet, Magic Sea Ferries ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Porto Heli.

Porto Heli is approximately 175 km from Athens, making it a scenic 2.5-hour drive along coastal roads through the Peloponnese. Visitors can also take KTEL buses from Athens' Kifissos terminal, with the journey taking about 3 hours. For those coming from further afield, the closest airport is in Athens, followed by ground transportation to the port. Regular taxi services and seasonal shuttle buses connect from nearby towns like Ermioni and Kranidi to Porto Heli's ferry terminal. If arriving by car, ample parking is available near the port area, though securing a spot during peak summer months may require arriving early.

Nestled in the southeastern corner of the Peloponnese, Porto Heli shines as one of Greece's most sophisticated coastal havens. This picturesque port town combines crystal-clear azure waters with a cosmopolitan atmosphere that has earned it the nickname 'The Greek Riviera.' With its sheltered natural harbor and proximity to enchanting islands, Porto Heli serves as both a luxurious retreat and a strategic ferry gateway to the treasures of the Saronic Gulf.

Porto Heli enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. The prime visiting period spans from May to October when temperatures range from 22-32°C (72-90°F) and waters are ideal for swimming. July and August bring the liveliest atmosphere but also larger crowds and higher prices. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer perfect conditions with fewer tourists and more comfortable temperatures. The annual Armata Festival in late August, commemorating a historic naval battle, fills the harbor with illuminated boats and spectacular fireworks. Ferry services operate more frequently during summer months, with reduced schedules during winter.

Porto Heli serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the gems of the Saronic Gulf. The cosmopolitan island of Spetses lies just across the bay, a mere 10-minute ferry ride away, offering neoclassical architecture and car-free streets perfect for leisurely exploration. Hydra, with its amphitheatrically-built town and artistic heritage, can be reached in approximately 35 minutes by flying dolphin service. The island of Poros, with its lush landscapes and neoclassical buildings, makes for an ideal day trip about 45 minutes away by ferry. The journey itself becomes part of the experience, as the routes between these destinations showcase some of the most picturesque maritime scenery in the Aegean.

Porto Heli offers a wealth of experiences centered around its stunning coastline and sophisticated atmosphere. The sheltered bay provides perfect conditions for sailing, windsurfing, and sea kayaking, with equipment rentals available throughout the town. History enthusiasts will appreciate the ancient city of Halieis, with underwater ruins visible just offshore, and the nearby archaeological site of Ancient Epidaurus is within easy reach. For culinary adventures, waterfront tavernas serve the day's catch alongside local specialties like gogges pasta and Peloponnesian olive oils. The chic Porto Heli village center features upscale boutiques and artisan shops perfect for an evening stroll, while secluded beaches like Hinitsa and Kounoupi offer crystalline waters for swimming and snorkeling.

Porto Heli harbors fascinating secrets beneath its glamorous surface. The area was once home to ancient Halieis, a significant naval power during the Peloponnesian War, with some ruins still visible underwater during calm seas. The region has been a favored retreat of the Greek royal family, with former King Constantine maintaining a summer residence nearby. Porto Heli's natural harbor is so perfectly sheltered that it was used as a submarine hiding spot during World War II. The local name 'Portocheli' translates roughly to 'port of eels,' referring to the abundance of these creatures once found in its waters.