---
title: "Porto Heli Guide: Best Restaurants, Beaches & Things to Do"
description: "Where to eat, swim and explore in Porto Heli (Porto Cheli): our concierge's pick of restaurants, beaches and day trips to Spetses, Hydra and Epidaurus, plus villas to stay in."
---
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# PORTO HELI A LE COLLECTIONIST DESTINATION GUIDE
One of the **best kept secrets** in the Peloponnese, **Porto Heli** (also spelled Porto Cheli), around 2.5 hours from Athens, embodies **quintessential Greek charm** untouched by mass touristic development. In this seaside town of **pristine natural beauty**, villas are nestled within pine and **cypress** **tree** **forests** while **crystal-clear waters** with **secluded coves** promise an escape to **unspoilt** **pleasures**.
Updated on 3 November 2026
[OUR TOP 5](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/le-collectionist-guide-to-porto-heli#top-5)
[WHERE TO STAY](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/le-collectionist-guide-to-porto-heli#ou-loger)
[WHEN TO GO](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/le-collectionist-guide-to-porto-heli#quand-partir)
[FOR FAMILIES](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/le-collectionist-guide-to-porto-heli#avec-des-enfants)
[RESTAURANTS](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/le-collectionist-guide-to-porto-heli#meilleurs-bars-restaurants)
[BEACHES](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/le-collectionist-guide-to-porto-heli#beaches)
[OUR EXPERIENCES](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/le-collectionist-guide-to-porto-heli#experiences)
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-villas-rentals/porto-heli)
**The ancient beauty of Porto Heli**
The wealthy and aristocratic have long flocked to this **haven** along **Greece’s coast** for its **picturesque natural beauty** and promises of **privacy**. A treasure trove of culture, discover our essentials for a **blissful holiday in Porto Heli.**
Make yourself at home in one of our [luxury villa rentals in Porto Heli](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/search?destinationId=215) in [Greece](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-villas-rentals/greece) and explore our guide to unearth its unmissable addresses and activities.
## **THINGS TO DO IN PORTO HELI: OUR CONCIERGE'S TOP 5**
### 1 - Sample the region’s delicious wines
Porto Heli’s **vineyards** deliver both **scenic beauty** and gustatory delight. Taste **Rokaniaris**, a rare grape grown almost nowhere but **Kranidi**, at a family estate a few minutes from Porto Heli, or spend a day among the celebrated vineyards of **Nemea**, taking in the sloping hills and verdant landscapes that surround you.
**In a nutshell**
Wine tasting / Vineyards
### 2 - Discover the ancient wonders of Epidavros
Satisfy your **intellectual curiosity** on a **guided tour** around the nearby ancient city, Epidavros, an area steeped in **culture** and **intriguing** **historic** **ruins** such as their **ancient theatre**. Time your visit for a summer evening: from **late June to late August**, the **Athens Epidaurus Festival** stages ancient drama in the 4th-century BC theatre, with acoustics as astonishing as the setting. Then, after a day of sightseeing, unwind in an area of remarkable natural beauty.
**In a nutshell**
Ancient sites / Culture
### **3 - Explore the first capital of Greece**
**Nafplion**, just 77 km from Porto Heli, has plenty of stories to tell, as the **first capital of Greece**. Having **well preserved** its **traditional** **character** and authenticity, it is a pleasure to meander down its **stone-paved narrow alleys** and admire the **colourful balconies** adorned with **bougainvillaeas**. Rest your legs at one of the **family-run cafes** and tavernas and enjoy a meal or coffee. And of course, climb up the **Palamidi Castle** overlooking the entire bay!
**In a nutshell**
Ancient city / Picturesque
### **4 - Take a boat trip to Spetses**
The island boasts an **authentic beauty**, untouched by time, with awe-inspiring **aristocratic architecture** and **traditional courtyards**. More catered towards tourism, there is an abundance of **activities** and sites of wonder to keep you **entertained for hours**, only a boat trip away.
**In a nutshell**
Boat trip / Natural beauty
### 5 - Canoe or kayak through the hidden bays of Porto Heli
Adrenaline lovers can opt for a **canoe** or kayak tour to explore the **exquisite channels** and **hidden bays** of Porto Heli that dot the coastline or practise the countless watersports offered in some of the area’s coasts.
**In a nutshell**
Canoe and kayak / Hidden bays
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-villas-rentals/porto-heli)
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-villas-rentals/porto-heli)
## WHERE TO STAY IN PORTO HELI
We have curated the most spectacular collection of [luxury villas in Porto Heli](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/search?destinationId=215), marrying **authentic architecture** with **modern comforts**.
Spend your days lounging right on the **waterfront**, just steps from the **enchanting azure waters** that have a **magnetic allure**. Embrace **tranquillity** and allow yourself to completely **unwind in luxury** in your private retreat.
Villa Mirror
Right on the seafront, Villa Mirror can host 16 guests in absolute comfort. Nested within a lush pine forest, the villa enjoys utter seclusion and serenity while the sea is right at its doorstep.
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-mirror-porto-heli)
Villa Mirror
[Explore](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-mirror-porto-heli)
Discover **more inspiration** with our **curated selection** of [our top private Greek villas](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-villas-rentals/greece)
## WHEN TO VISIT PORTO HELI
### Spring
With an increasingly **temperate climate** yet **without hordes of tourists**, spring is an excellent time to **explore Porto Heli’s architecture, cultural riches,** and **beaches**. If you are seeking a truly **secluded luxury holiday**, visiting in these **milder months** is the perfect time to create this blissful experience.
### Summer
At the **height of the season**, enjoy the **vibrant atmosphere** of Porto Heli in summer yet still **without the flocks of tourists** that head for other Mediterranean hotspots. Often described as a **time warp** to the likes of **St Tropez in the 1970s**, enjoy the **radiant sunshine** without having to fight for a spot along the white, sandy beaches.
### Autumn
As the **summer fades** and Porto Heli’s tourists return home, it becomes a **tranquil haven** for those still longing to cling onto summer. Particularly in September, **without the crowds and bustling noise** of high-season tourism, enjoy the **tranquillity of the sweeping landscape** and beckoning waters with full reign of the **secluded bays and coves** that line the coast.
## **GETTING TO PORTO HELI**
By road, Porto Heli is around **2.5 to 3 hours from Athens**, a scenic drive across the **Corinth Canal** and down the Argolid coast. By **helicopter**, the hop from Athens takes roughly 25 to 35 minutes. By sea, **high-speed boats** link Piraeus to Porto Heli in about 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes, depending on the operator and stops.
**Spetses** is about 10 minutes away, by ferry from Porto Heli or by water taxi from Kosta; visitors’ cars aren’t allowed on the island, so park in Kosta and step aboard. Our concierge can arrange every transfer, private boat included, so that your holiday begins the moment you land.
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-villas-rentals/porto-heli)
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-villas-rentals/porto-heli)
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-villas-rentals/porto-heli)
## FAMILY HOLIDAYS IN PORTO HELI
### Celebrate at the Armata Festival on the Island of Spetses
Each September, **Spetses** celebrates the **Armata**, honouring the island’s role in the **War of Independence** and the naval battle of **1822**. Weeks of **concerts, theatre and traditional dances** lead up to the grand finale on the second weekend of September, when a **replica Ottoman flagship** is set ablaze in the harbour beneath a sky full of **fireworks**. A historical event not to be missed.
**In a nutshell**
Festival / Fireworks
### Hike through verdant olive groves
The **low hills** that are adorned with **olive trees, cypresses and vineyards** make a perfect **adventure trail for all the family**. Wander around the **lush greenery** at your own pace for the perfect day-out. Stop off at a **local taverna** to enjoy the finest **regional produce,** where wine, cheese, fish and olives thrive in the temperate climate.
**In a nutshell**
Hiking / Nature
### Cruise around the coast on a yacht
Porto Heli’s **expansive port** welcomes yachters from across the globe so what better way to embrace the **cosmopolitan lifestyle** than by taking to the seas. With so many **alluring nearby destinations**, the best way to explore is via boat. Why not sail across to **Franchthi Cave**, which sheltered people for some 35,000 years and whose Neolithic village now lies beneath the waves, look for the **sunken walls of ancient Halieis** in Porto Heli’s own bay on a calm day, or transport your family in time back to the **ancient *polis* of Epidaurus**, where the **healing sanctuaries and ancient theatre** tell the story of the ancient worlds.
**In a nutshell**
Cruise / Exploration
### Trekking
Trekking is the perfect way for all of the family to **explore Porto Heli’s untouched wilderness** and unparalleled beauty. Walk the pine-shaded **Bisti peninsula** at the tip of **Ermioni**, about an hour there and back, past the remains of temples to Athena and Poseidon, for **magnificent scenery** and **expansive views** of the **azure waters** that glimmer under the Mediterranean sun. Just make sure to remember your sunhat and sunscreen!
**In a nutshell**
Trekking / Magnificent views
[](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/en/cherish-the-wonders-of-mykonos-with-your-family-on-holiday)
[](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/en/cherish-the-wonders-of-mykonos-with-your-family-on-holiday)
[](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/en/cherish-the-wonders-of-mykonos-with-your-family-on-holiday)
[Family-friendly guide to Mykonos](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/en/cherish-the-wonders-of-mykonos-with-your-family-on-holiday)
## THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN PORTO HELI
### Doroufi Restaurant
With over **40 years of expertise** in creating and serving **mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes**, Doroufi Restaurant is rich in local knowledge and wisdom. Located right on the **seashore** of the Doroufi Ermionidas area, here you will enjoy their **fresh catch of the day** with **unobstructed views** of the sea.
[Doroufi Restaurant](https://doroufi.gr/)
Doroufi, Ermionida, 21300 · +30 694 881 2063
### Alexandra
A Porto Heli favourite, **Alexandra** serves **Greek cooking and fire-grilled dishes** over two floors overlooking the **harbour**, with a **wine list** worth lingering over.
[Alexandra](https://alexandra.com.gr/welcome/)
Porto Heli harbour, 21300 · +30 2754 052406
### Veranda del Vino
A seaside wine bistro on the Porto Heli gulf, **Veranda del Vino** pairs creative **Mediterranean dishes** with a list of more than **180 Greek and international labels**. Owners Sotiris and Tonia are always on hand, and you can even pick a bottle from their **Cava del Vino** shop.
[Veranda del Vino](https://www.verandadelvino.gr/)
Evaggelistrias, Porto Heli, 21300 · +30 695 178 7893
### Godai Seascape
One of the area’s most beautiful **beach bars**, Godai Seascape is a brilliant **fusion of Japanese and Peloponnesian aesthetics**. On the **seashore of Petrothalassa beach**, it offers a fantastic selection of **cocktails and mouth-watering dishes**.
[Godai Seascape](https://www.instagram.com/godai_seascape/)
Petrothalassa, Ermioni, 21051 · +30 697 436 5520
### Amanzoe Beach Club
Down on the shore below the hilltop resort of **Amanzoe**, its beach club is the place for a long, lazy day: **sunloungers** facing the sea, an **infinity pool** and **Mediterranean cooking**, with a cocktail in hand as the afternoon turns golden.
[Amanzoe Beach Club](https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanzoe)
Amanzoe, Kranidi, 21300 · +30 2754 772888
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-villas-rentals/porto-heli)
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-villas-rentals/porto-heli)
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-villas-rentals/porto-heli)
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-villas-rentals/porto-heli)
## **THE BEST BEACHES IN PORTO HELI**
Discover Porto Heli’s constellations of **protected coves and bays** along the coastline, like little **secluded havens**. Enjoy the **crystal-clear waters** as you lounge on the **sandy** **shore**, reclining with a book in hand or fuelling your family’s imagination by building **sandcastles.**
### Chryssi Akti
A **tranquil, unorganised** coast at the area of Agios Emilianos, this sandy beach is only **4km from Porto Heli**. With **clean waters** and lots of **natural shade** as the trees stretch towards the shoreline, Chryssi Akti is the ideal spot to **reconnect with nature**.
**In a nutshell**
Secluded / Unspoilt nature
### Kosta
One of the most popular coasts of the area, Kosta is the beach of the homonymous village and is truly **deserving of its fame**. With a **sandy coast**, **crystal-clear, calm waters** and many **beach facilities**, it makes the **perfect location for families** wanting to spend a day in the sun, and water taxis to Spetses leave from the jetty next door.
**In a nutshell**
Popular / Picturesque
### Kiparissia
Whitish pebbles and **transparent, turquoise waters** characterise this **tranquil** coast and give it an irresistible **charm**. The **cypress trees** along the coast create a magical scenery, apart from providing lots of **natural shade**.
**In a nutshell**
Tranquil / Charming nature
### Korakia
A totally **tranquil and secluded** coast located near the homonymous Korakia islets, this beach is only **accessible by sea or a rough dirt road**. Due to its difficult access the coast is **calm, uncrowded and untouched**.
**In a nutshell**
Completely secluded / Uncrowded
### Limanakia
This beach comprises **two adjacent bays**, one with a **pebbled coast** and **sandy seabed** and, the other, with **golden sand and deep waters**. **Watersports lovers** will adore this place as it offers a **plethora of adventures and activities**.
**In a nutshell**
Popular / Watersports
[](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/en/connecting-with-the-seas-in-greece)
[](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/en/connecting-with-the-seas-in-greece)
[The best wild Greek coasts](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/en/connecting-with-the-seas-in-greece)
## **OUR EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES IN PORTO HELI**
Let our [luxury concierge service](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/our-luxury-concierge-service) elevate your travel experience. From private chefs and in-villa spa treatments to tailored local experiences and seamless logistics, every detail is thoughtfully arranged to match your needs.
Discover our most exclusive and unforgettable experiences in Porto Heli.
### Take a private boat trip to Spetses and Hydra
Explore the **nearby islands of Spetses and Hydra** in the privacy of your **own boat** with a skipper. After strolling around its **quaint harbours** and **fairytale-like settlements**, plunge into their **cooling, crystal-clear waters**. Get a glimpse of the most beautiful **Argosaronic islands** at your own pace!
**In a nutshell**
Boat trip / Exploring
### Master Mediterranean flavours in a private cooking class
Have the **secrets of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine** unravel before your eyes in the **privacy of your villa** from one of **our talented chefs**. While the moussaka and souvlaki may be devoured in a flash, your fresh knowledge will be the **perfect souvenir** to take back home with you.
**In a nutshell**
Cooking class / Gastronomy experience
### Taste the region’s wines
As a traditionally **wine-making area**, Porto Heli’s landscape is **fertile with vineyards**, with several **local wineries and distilleries**. Grasp the opportunity to have a **tour in one of them**, learn all about wine and the **local varieties** in particular. The best part? Bringing some bottles back with you!
**In a nutshell**
Wine tasting / Unspoilt nature
### Windsurf, wing-foil or sail along the coast
The wider Porto Heli area and its beaches are heaven for **adrenaline lovers**. **Windsurfing, wing-foiling, paddleboarding and dinghy sailing** are all on offer, with **lessons for every level**, so you can enjoy the sea in a different, more energetic way.
**In a nutshell**
Windsurfing / Wing-foiling
## **PORTO HELI FAQ**
Is Porto Heli worth visiting?
Absolutely, if you want the Greek Riviera without the crowds. Sheltered bays, pine-fringed coves and a yacht-filled harbour come with easy hops to Spetses and Hydra, plus Epidaurus and Nafplio within a short drive. It's quieter and more private than the big Cycladic hotspots.
Is Porto Heli expensive?
It's one of the Peloponnese's most upscale corners, with Amanzoe, Nikki Beach and grand private estates, and beach-club sunbeds can cost €15 to €25 or more. Yet you'll still find family-run tavernas at very fair prices, so a stay can be as lavish or as low-key as you like.
What are the best day trips from Porto Heli?
Spetses (10 minutes by boat), Hydra (around 1 hour 20 minutes by high-speed boat), the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, and Nafplio, 77 km away, with its Palamidi fortress. Add a private boat tour of the coves, or a visit to Franchthi Cave.
What are the best beaches near Porto Heli?
Kosta for families and full beach service, Chryssi Akti in Agios Aimilianos for soft sand facing Spetses, Limanakia for its twin bays and watersports, Kiparissia for turquoise water and cypress shade, and the Korakia coves for real seclusion.
## A SNEAK PEEK OF OUR HOMES IN PORTO HELI
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-nectar-porto-heli)
Villa Nectar
[Explore](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-nectar-porto-heli)
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-dwell-porto-heli)
Villa Dwell
[Explore](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-dwell-porto-heli)
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-alyona-porto-heli)
**Villa Alyona**
[Explore](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-alyona-porto-heli)
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-azarias-porto-heli)
Villa Azarias
[Explore](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-azarias-porto-heli)
[EXPLORE OUR HOMES](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/search?destinationId=215)
## KEEP EXPLORING
[](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/en/exclusive-peloponnese-villas-for-your-next-greek-adventure)
[Peloponnese villas for your next Greek adventure](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/en/exclusive-peloponnese-villas-for-your-next-greek-adventure)
From the pine-fringed shores of Porto Heli to the Kalamata region, our curated selection of private villas across the Peloponnese.
[](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/en/discovering-the-peloponnese-with-kids-our-exclusive-guide)
[The Peloponnese with kids](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/en/discovering-the-peloponnese-with-kids-our-exclusive-guide)
Family beaches, a boat trip to Epidaurus and the Armata festival: a week-long itinerary for discovering the Peloponnese with children.
[](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/en/greece-in-october)
[Greece in October](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/en/greece-in-october)
Porto Heli and Spetses feature in our guide to an autumn stay, when the Greek sea is still warm and the islands are quieter.
[DISCOVER OUR DESTINATION GUIDE SERIES](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/guides)
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