MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE - POROS ISLAND

oros means "crossing", and it is from this that the whole island takes its name. It lies in the south-west of the Saronic Gulf, opposite the Argolid in the Peloponnese. On the edge of this crossing, built in amphitheater form on the slopes of a hill, is the cheerful island town which is the port of Poros and the island's most important settlement. Opposite, ten minutes away by boat are the green shores of the Peloponnese with the famous lemon forest, from which in May the scent of the lemon blossom wafts across the Poros. This dense forest of lemon trees is probably unrivalled in Greece.

n the port of Poros is worth visiting the Archaeological Museum as well as to taking a walk as far as the clock-tower, the town's highest point and the island's "trademark". The port would be the starting point for visits to the rest of island's sights. A road which heads north-west brings us to what is perhaps the island's finest beach, Neorlo at 3 km. distance. It has dense pine trees and is a popular resort in the summer. The road which goes east from the port brings us to Askeli (3 km), a village also with pine trees on the crystal-clear water's edge. High on its hill, with a magnificent view towards the lemon forest is the Nunnery of Zoodochos Pigi. These beaches can also be reached by caique from the port of Poros. The traces of the temple of Poseidon lie in the center of the island, on a hill with a panoramic view over the Poros straits and the green shores of the Peloponnese opposite.

t would be a grave omission to visit Poros without going to the famous lemon forest which stands opposite on the coast of the Peloponnese. The boat takes no more than ten minutes, and after landing, an uphill climb amid the dense grove of lemon trees provides a unique experience. Water flows to left and right and branches of the lemon trees above shade us from the sun. Visitors who are lucky enough to be there in May will undoubtedly find the scent of the small white lemon blossoms positively intoxicating.