Kanali Beach

Kanali is the beach of proximity. It sits barely a kilometre from Poros port, just after you cross the isthmus that joins Sferia to Kalavria, and you get there on foot in a quarter of an hour along the coastal promenade. It is the option for anyone who does not want to organise a thing.

It is not the prettiest beach on the island and it does not pretend to be. It is convenient, quiet and works very well for a quick swim before lunch or for an afternoon with no plans.

What it is like

Around two hundred and fifty metres of pebbles and gravel, with the odd stretch of coarse sand. The water is among the calmest on Poros thanks to its position inside the channel, and very shallow near the shore, which makes it especially easy with small children.

There are sunbeds and parasols for hire and a beach restaurant, Kanali Beach, which has a pretty good name among people who stay on the island for several days. It is one of those places where you can eat a decent Greek salad and some grilled sardines without leaving your towel.

Behind the beach runs the road towards eastern Kalavria, with a bike lane and several bike and scooter hire places.

Pain points

Shade: scarce. There are paid parasols and the restaurant awning, but natural shade is practically non-existent. In August at midday that is a problem.

The bottom: pebbles and some rock. Water shoes improve the entry a lot.

Background noise: the road runs right behind and there is scooter traffic. This is not a beach of absolute silence, although the movement is moderate.

Views: do not expect the postcard turquoise of Love Bay. Kanali looks out at the channel and the coast of the Peloponnese, which is a pleasant landscape but more domestic than spectacular.

The advantage that makes up for all of it: it is the only beach on the island you can reach on foot from your hotel in the port in fifteen minutes, no bus, nothing to hire and no water taxi to pay for. For a short two-day break, that is worth a lot.

Getting there

On foot from Poros port along the coastal promenade, fifteen flat and pleasant minutes, with the channel always on your right.

By bike it is five minutes and it is the first stop on the bus that leaves Iroon square heading east.

Parking on the road is possible, although in August it gets difficult.

When and with whom

Kanali is a beach for families with small children and for people staying in the port. It is also the most practical for anyone visiting on a day trip who wants a swim without risking missing the ferry back: you are a quarter of an hour from the quay.

For the rest of the island, there are prettier options. If you have half a day, go to Askeli or Monastiri. If you have an hour, Kanali is the right answer.

One last detail: here, on the isthmus side, is where you best appreciate the odd geography of Poros. You see the two halves of the island and the two hundred metres of channel that separate it from the mainland, all in the same glance. It is worth stopping for a moment to look before getting into the water.