Walking Trail of Poros

(duration 3 hours, easy trail)

Prefecture Kefalonia-Ithaca,

Prefectural committee for the promotion of tourism of Kefalonia & Ithaca,

Communitary Initiative LEADER II

Starting point

From the settlement of Poros we follow the central cornice to the harbour,  and before arriving to it we turn right to Asprogerakas. From there we follow the upward asphalt road. When we reach the end of the asphalt we keep on, towards the sand around the hill. The inner space is revealed to us: from Peloponisos, Oak island, with Aitolo-Akarnania coastline, Echinades cluster, up to Ithaca and the strait to Kefalonia. We reach the signpost that marks the end of Poros settlement and ten meters away we turn right to the narrow sand road.

First stop (The Last Houses)

We leave the last houses on the right and viewing towards Ithaca, we follow the narrow sand road through scattered olive-trees on terraces and small clumps of the existence of water especially in spring and winter. We follow the upward cement road and at its end on our right we meet the first signpost of the trail. We keep ascending through bush vegetation that consists of mainly bushes and myrtles, arbutuses, hollies and aromatic sage. On our left we can see huge quarried stones.

Second stop (To Afrati)

On our right we find sign (1-2)and follow the trail. We see scattered curved stones, remnants of an ancient settlement. Continuing right, we arrive at the marking signpost and enjoy the view towards Poros and the inner space. We return to the path and ascending on our right , we come out to the patch of a clearing. Again we ascend to the coppice next to the big cypress tree. We follow the trail signpost.

Third stop (Kato Pachni)

Ascending we reach an open flat bed and as we go on we see scattered remains of ancient constructions which comprised part of the ancient stonghold and ditches from recent excavations in the area. We enjoy the view towards Poros seaside and returning we pass again through the downhill path. Opposite to us stands the mountain of Atros.

Fourth stop (Acropolis Walls)

Ath the crossroads we follow signpost (3-->4) and we find ourselves into the interior of the ancient forts. Its remains are seen down on our left at the level of our feet. The remains that exist indicate an once highly populated area. On our left at the signpost we can see the remains of the entrance gate to the acropolis. We climb carefully on the rocks that stand in front of us on the left side and relish the view towards all ends of the horizon: Atros with the monastery building, and the tower-fort, the bluff rocks, the wooded hills and the plane trees. In the background the head-lake of Tzannata can be seen. But beyond all Ainos dominates with its grand size and the Ksfalonian fir (National PArk- protected area). From here someone can easily observe the four seas: The Strait to Zante, The Patraic gulf, Echinades, the firth of Ithaca. That is a point of strategic importance. We return to the crossroads.

Fifth stop (Descending the Channel)

We follow the signpost (4->5) through bush-vegetation and continue the crossing, under the shades of Hollies, Arbutus and Mastic trees. We meet signpost (5->6) descend down the Channel towards Vochina. Small clearings alternate with thick vegetation while we descend with little crossings on the right side of the Channel. Remnants of ancient constructions, retaining walls and embankments are lying in front of us. We fell the drew. Right and a head, we can observe the foot of the big rock of Poros Canyon. We reach the clearing and the small flat area.

Sixth stop (At the spring and the plane trees)

The signpost on our right hand shows the continuance of the trail. We descend the channel under the shade of the thick vegetation. A little bit further, three plane trees impose their presence with their growth and peculiar essence. We stop for a rest at the semicircle stone bench. Through the rock on our right, spurs the spring with the water that abuts at the root of the everlasting tree. Below, vividly colored oleanders and at a short distance the carob, precious for stockbreeding. A few meters away another old plane tree struck by lightning (the part of its trunk that was cut can be seen). The exceptional freshness urges for another stop at the stone bench. Beneath there is a small cistern for watering the animals. Stockbreeding is the most important agricultural activity of the area, indicated by the bells and bleats of sheep and goats. In front of us is the road of Argostoli - Poros.

Seventh stop (Vochinas)

After the signpost (7->8)  we follow the crossing through the vegetation, while underneath and to the right we see the meanders of river Vochinas. We turn right and cross the channel with the unstable material, to the opposite side, turn right and ascend the path on the wooded hill. We pass through the thick vegetation and come out to the clearings. Here, are fields most of which now remain uncultivated. The trail goes between the two hills. Then it continues downwards on our right, while in front of us lies the plain with the olive-grove. We move along the narrow sand road to a northern and eastbound direction following the trail along the edge of the fields. The ground becomes more even slight grade. We turn left and after a while on our right we meet the riverbed with the riverside vegetation, which is an ideal sanctuary for birds.

Eighth stop (The bridge)

We continue alongside the river. On our left the fields are cultivated mainly with cereals and legumes for covering the needs of stockbreeding. Usually the fields are sowed in winter, grazed as grass by the animals and later on, the crop is harvested in order to cover the needs in the period of summer and autumn. As the landscape widens, the presence of agriculture becomes more vivid. At signpost (8->9) we turn right, follow the sand road and reach the bridge. Here is an ideal spot for a short stop in the rich riverside vegetation.

Ninth stop (The Mycenaean Tomb)

We walk along the rural road and five minute later , on our right at the small hill we reach the entrance of the Mycenaean tomb, which is a finding of great importance for the history of the wider area.

On the way back

We follow the rural road and reach the asphalt road Argostoli-Poros five minute later. We turn right to Poros. Pay attention to the moving vehicles. The way back lasts 30 minutes approximately. Further on out left, is the crossroad for Atros monastery consecrated to the Virgin MAry, which is possible destination of another walking trail. The sand road leads us to the monastery gate. The fort-tower and the breathtaking view to Poros are worth our attention.We ascend the road and enter the canyon of Poros. On our right lies Dracaenas cave, not easily visible on the 70 cm high bluff rock. This is a spot of significant archaeological interest which- for the time being - is not open to the public.