Porto Heli or Portocheli is a seaside town and homonymous bay of Argolida. It is located in the south of the prefecture, at a distance of 85 km from Nafplio, built in a natural harbor next to the ruins of the ancient state of Fishermen. Portocheli belongs to the municipality of Ermionida and its population is 1,817 inhabitants. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Argolida and has a highly developed tourist infrastructure. It is especially suitable for boat owners as its port has very good infrastructure and large capacity. It is surrounded by wonderful beaches such as: (Porto Heli AKS Hinitsa Bay, Chrysi Akti, Costa, Ververonda, Korakia, and Limanakia). The place is one of the most secular resorts in the prefecture along with Nafplio, which is why it attracts Shipowners, Big Businessmen and members of Royal Families. Boats depart from the port of Portocheli to the nearby islands of the Saronic Gulf as well as to the opposite coast of Kynouria.
1. The Submerged Ancient City of Halieis (Alieis)
One of Porto
Heli's most intriguing historical landmarks is the ancient city of
Halieis, also known as Alieis, located in the southern part of the bay
toward the coast. This archaeological site dates back to the Classical
period (around the 6th-4th centuries BC) and was an important fishing
and trading settlement, as suggested by its name (derived from
"halieus," meaning fisherman in Greek). What makes it unique is that
much of the city is partially submerged due to seismic activity and
rising sea levels over millennia, creating an underwater archaeological
wonder.
The visible ruins include remnants of defensive walls, both
on land and underwater, which are exemplary of classical Greek
fortification techniques—thick stone structures with towers and gates
designed for defense against invasions. The Acropolis of Alieis, built
around 436 BC, crowns a hill overlooking the site and offers panoramic
views of the gulf. Excavations have revealed temples, houses, and a
sanctuary dedicated to Apollo, highlighting the city's religious and
civic life. For visitors, snorkeling or diving tours allow exploration
of the submerged sections, where you can see ancient streets and
building foundations beneath the clear waters—it's like an open-air
museum blending land and sea. Access is free, but guided tours from
local operators enhance the experience, especially for history buffs.
It's rated moderately on Tripadvisor for its niche appeal, with some
visitors noting the site's underdevelopment but praising its raw,
unspoiled atmosphere.
2. Tower of Elli (Elli's Tower)
Elli's
Tower is a striking architectural landmark perched on a hill near Porto
Heli, offering a glimpse into the region's medieval and Ottoman-era
history. Built in the 19th century as a watchtower or defensive
structure, it's named after a local legend involving a woman named Elli,
though historical records tie it more to regional fortifications during
turbulent times. The tower is a cylindrical stone edifice, typical of
Peloponnese watchtowers, with thick walls and small windows for
surveillance over the bay—ideal for spotting approaching ships or
pirates in an era when the area was a refuge for seafaring threats.
Visitors can hike a short trail to the tower, which rewards with
sweeping vistas of the turquoise gulf, surrounding hills, and distant
islands. It's not heavily touristed, making it a peaceful spot for
photography or picnics. The structure itself is simple but evocative,
with some interior remnants like stone stairs leading to an upper level.
Reviews highlight its accessibility (about a 10-15 minute walk from the
road) and the sense of stepping back in time, though there's no on-site
interpretation—pair it with a visit to nearby Kranidi for more context.
In 2026, local efforts are underway to restore it as part of broader
heritage preservation in Argolis.
3. Ververonda Lagoon
(Ververonta Lake)
A natural landmark northwest of Porto Heli,
Ververonda Lagoon is a serene body of water nestled amid pine-covered
hills, often described as a hidden gem for its ecological and mythical
allure. Formed by natural springs and connected to the sea via
underground channels, it's not a true lake but a brackish lagoon with
crystal-clear waters that locals believe have therapeutic properties due
to mineral content—historically used for bathing and fishing. Folklore
claims it was a pirate hideout in the Ottoman period, adding a layer of
adventure to its tranquil setting.
The lagoon spans about 1 km in
length, surrounded by walking paths and birdwatching spots—home to
species like herons and flamingos seasonally. Activities include
swimming in its calm, shallow waters (warmer than the sea), kayaking, or
simply relaxing on pebble shores. It's accessible by a short drive (5-10
km from Porto Heli) and is free to visit, though eco-tours are available
for deeper insights into its biodiversity. Visitors rave about its
uncrowded vibe compared to beaches, making it ideal for families or
nature lovers seeking respite from the coastal buzz.
4. Chapel of
Agios Emilianos
Overlooking the bay on a small islet-connected hill,
the Chapel of Agios Emilianos is a quintessential Greek Orthodox
landmark blending spirituality, architecture, and scenery. Dedicated to
Saint Emilianos, a local patron, this whitewashed chapel dates to the
Byzantine era but has been restored multiple times, featuring classic
Cycladic-style domes and simple frescoes inside depicting religious
scenes. The site is elevated, requiring a short swim or boat access for
the islet portion, though the main chapel is reachable by path.
Festivals here in July honor the saint with processions and feasts,
drawing locals. It's a symbol of Porto Heli's maritime heritage, as
fishermen historically sought blessings here. Entry is free, and it's
perfect for contemplative visits or as a photo stop during boat tours.
5. Nearby Major Landmarks: Ancient Epidaurus and Nafplion
While
not in Porto Heli proper, these are essential day-trip landmarks (30-60
minutes away) that define the area's cultural depth.
Ancient
Epidaurus: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient sanctuary (42-60
km north) centers on the world's best-preserved ancient theater, built
in the 4th century BC with acoustics so perfect that a whisper on stage
reaches 15,000 seats.
Dedicated to Asclepius, god of healing, it
includes ruins of temples, a stadium, and healing baths—reflecting
ancient Greek medicine and theater. Modern performances still occur
here, evoking its original purpose.
Nafplion: Greece's first
capital (40 km away), this romantic town boasts the imposing Palamidi
Castle—a Venetian fortress with 999 steps offering gulf views—and a
charming old town with neoclassical buildings, museums, and cafes. It's
a hub of Ottoman, Venetian, and modern Greek history, with the Bourtzi
sea fortress adding fairy-tale charm.
Other mentions include the
Franchthi Cave (a prehistoric site with evidence of underwater villages)
and Kranidi town for its amphitheatric layout and traditional vibe.
Porto Heli's landmarks emphasize understated elegance over grandeur,
best explored by boat or car for a holistic Peloponnese experience.
The name of Portohelio according to the prevailing opinion is due to a gradual linguistic corruption of the name "Alieis", the ancient city that was located in the place of today's Portohelio. The name Alieis was corrupted to Halieis and then to Heli. To distinguish it from the nearby village of Heli (which today has been renamed Arachnaio) it also took the nickname "Porto" because it had a port. According to another point of view, its name (Heli) is one of the many Arvanite toponyms found in the area of the southern Argolis and subsequently acquired the prefix "Porto" for the reason mentioned above. The area around the village is one of the most important and expensive resorts in the country where many celebrities have summer houses and spend their holidays.
Ancient Origins and Prehistoric Settlements
Porto Cheli, also
known as Porto Heli or Portocheli, is a coastal town in the municipality
of Ermionida in the southeastern part of Argolis, Peloponnese, Greece.
Situated on a bay of the Argolic Gulf, approximately 7 km south of
Kranidi and 40 km southeast of Nafplio, the town's name derives from the
Greek words "porto" (port) and "heli" (sun), reflecting its sunny
harbor. Alternatively, it evolved through linguistic corruption from the
ancient name "Halieis" (or "Alieis," meaning "Fishermen"), with "Porto"
added later to emphasize its role as a harbor. The area has been
inhabited since the Early Helladic period (around the 23rd–22nd century
BC), with the earliest settlement located on the south side of the gulf.
Archaeological evidence from this era includes traces of an Early Bronze
Age village, indicating early human activity focused on basic
agriculture and fishing.
The most prominent ancient settlement was
Halieis (referred to as Halike by the ancient geographer Pausanias), an
independent city-state founded by Tirynthian refugees in the early 5th
century BC, no later than 470 BC. These exiles fled after the Athenian
subjugation of Tiryns around 465 BC, when the Tirynthians were expelled
by the Argians, and the nearby city of Hermione granted them land. The
inhabitants, who continued to identify as Tirynthians, minted coins
inscribed as "Gyrinthians" or Tirynthian, featuring symbols like the
head of Apollo and a date palm, even into the 4th century BC. Halieis
thrived between approximately 700 and 300 BC as a walled city with at
least five gates, territorial rights, and independence.
The city's
economy revolved around fishing, agriculture, and the production of
purple dye from murex shells (a valuable commodity in antiquity, known
as "Hermione purple"). Residents also collected salt from nearby salt
pans at Ververonta lake. Archaeological excavations, led by Michael H.
Jameson in the 1960s under the University of Pennsylvania's Argolid
Exploration Project, revealed a wealth of structures and artifacts. Key
discoveries include:
Domestic and Industrial Areas: Houses with
courtyards, wells, olive presses, kitchens, and banqueting halls
featuring cement floors and platforms for dining couches. Industrial
zones contained dye works, storerooms, workshops, and loomweights for
textile production.
Fortifications: Ashlar walls with semicircular
towers and mud-brick superstructures, built in multiple phases.
Religious Sites: The acropolis held votive offerings such as jewelry
(pins, circlets, earrings, fibulae), terracotta figurines, bronze
arrowheads, and altars dedicated primarily to female deities like Hera
(with figurines similar to those from Tiryns) and possibly Heracles.
Artifacts: Coins, decorated pottery, roof tiles, metal objects,
terracotta figurines, Attic red-figure vases, Corinthian cups from the
5th–4th centuries BC, and a silver tetradrachm of Alexander the Great
(dated before 323 BC).
Parts of the ancient city, including
defensive walls from around 436 BC and the acropolis, are visible
today—some on the surface and others submerged in the bay during calm
weather. Halieis was abandoned by the late 4th century BC, possibly into
the 3rd century BC, due to conflicts with Sparta and Athens over its
strategic harbor, and was deserted by the early 2nd century AD when
Pausanias visited. Habitation continued sporadically into the Byzantine
period, evidenced by scattered shells and pottery, with later
Hellenistic and Late Roman finds.
Medieval and Ottoman Periods
Historical records from the medieval and Ottoman eras are sparse for
Porto Cheli specifically, but the region was influenced by Byzantine
rule, followed by Venetian, Ottoman, and other occupations common to the
Peloponnese. The area served as a refuge, including for Berber pirates
in the nearby Ververonta lagoon, which features thermal waters. By the
18th century, it was known as Porto Bizato or "El Harbor" among
Italians, functioning as a safe port for sailors from nearby Kranidi and
Ermioni. Many inhabitants originated from the eastern Peloponnese coast,
with fishing remaining central to the economy.
Modern Development
and Transformation into a Luxury Resort
In the early 20th century,
Porto Cheli was a modest fishing village with a natural, protected
harbor. Its modern rise began after the opening of the road to Sofikos,
which facilitated access and led to land purchases for development,
drawing comparisons to Porto Fino in contemporary newspapers. The
transformation accelerated in the 1960s and 1970s, when wealthy
Athenians discovered its tranquility, natural beauty, and proximity to
Athens, building the first summer estates. By the 1980s, it gained
international appeal as shipowners, entrepreneurs, and aristocrats
invested in luxury residences, valuing its privacy and seclusion from
crowded islands.
In recent decades, Porto Cheli has evolved into one
of Greece's most exclusive destinations, often called the "Greek
Riviera" or "Peloponnese Riviera," attracting yacht enthusiasts,
celebrities, and billionaires. The yacht marina has become a popular
wintering spot for pleasure vessels, and the town features modern
hotels, water sports, and ferry connections to islands like Spetses
(just 6 km south), Hydra, and Poros.
Location and Coordinates
Porto Cheli is situated on the eastern
coast of the Peloponnese, specifically in the municipality of Ermionida.
It lies on a sheltered bay along the Argolic Gulf, approximately 7 km
south of the town of Kranidi and 40 km southeast of Nafplio, the
historic capital of Argolis. The town is about 208 km southeast of
Athens, making it accessible via a roughly 2.5-hour drive.
Geographically, it is positioned directly opposite the island of
Spetses, which is just 6 km to the south across the gulf. Nearby
connections include ferry services to islands such as Spetses, Hydra,
Poros, and even to Piraeus (the port of Athens) and the coastal village
of Ermioni. The precise coordinates are 37°19'28'' North, 23°8'36'' East
(decimal: 37.32460, 23.14351), with an average elevation of around 5
meters (16 feet) above sea level.
Topography and Landscape
The
town's topography is characterized by a natural, ellipsoidal-shaped bay
that curves into smaller inlets, providing one of the most secure
natural harbors in the Argolis region. This bay, often described as
resembling a large swimming pool, is encircled by gently rolling
pine-covered hills and lush greenery, creating an amphitheatric layout
where buildings and homes ascend the slopes overlooking the water. The
landscape is predominantly flat in the immediate coastal areas but
transitions into small forested hills inland, dotted with pine forests,
olive groves, and fruit trees. These features contribute to a verdant,
wooded environment that enhances the area's appeal as a resort
destination. The bay itself has depths ranging from 14-16 fathoms (about
25-29 meters) at its entrance, making it ideal for yachting and serving
as a wintering spot for pleasure vessels. The surrounding terrain
includes sedimentary banks along the sea, influenced by the tectonic
interactions between the Aegean Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate, as
part of the Middle Aegean Basin Accretionary Complex.
Coastline,
Beaches, and Water Features
Porto Cheli's coastline is a mix of sandy
beaches, rocky coves, and turquoise waters, offering a variety of
secluded spots amidst lush vegetation. The area boasts numerous beaches
with crystal-clear waters and soft sands, including Chinitsa Beach,
known for its golden sands, and Kounoupi Beach, celebrated for its
pristine clarity. Smaller, remote coves provide privacy and are often
framed by pine trees and greenery. A notable feature is the Ververonda
Lagoon (also called Ververontas), a sea-connected lake located nearby,
which hosts water skiing championships in summer and is believed by
locals to have therapeutic properties for skin conditions and other
ailments due to its mineral-rich waters. The lagoon is suitable for
swimming, sunbathing, and spring walks, adding to the region's diverse
aquatic environments. The bay faces the underwater ruins of the ancient
city of Halieis (or Alieis), an archaeological site from the 6th-5th
centuries BC, which subtly influences the coastal geography with
historical submerged elements.
Climate
Porto Cheli experiences
a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen classification: Csa), typical
of the Peloponnese region. Summers are warm and dry, with average high
temperatures around 30-35°C (86-95°F) from June to August, moderated by
sea breezes from the Argolic Gulf. Winters are mild and wetter, with
lows rarely dropping below 5-10°C (41-50°F) and occasional rainfall
supporting the local vegetation. The area's coastal position ensures
relatively stable weather, with over 300 sunny days annually, making it
ideal for year-round tourism, though peak visitation occurs in the
warmer months.
Surrounding Areas and Geographical Relations
The geography of Porto Cheli integrates elements from broader
Peloponnese landscapes, positioned near significant historical and
natural sites. To the north and west, it connects to inland Argolis
areas like Epidauros (famous for its ancient theater) and Mycenae (an
archaeological hotspot), while the gulf provides easy access to the
Saronic Islands. The residential area of Agios Aimilianos, about 4 km
southeast, offers elevated views amid luxury homes and vegetation,
renowned for spectacular sunsets over the bay. Overall, the region's
combination of marine, forested, and hilly elements creates a
cosmopolitan yet tranquil setting, often compared to the "Greek Riviera"
for its upscale vibe and natural beauty.
Porto Heli has experienced significant population growth since 1879 with the exception of the 1907, 1951, 1981 and 2011 censuses when a decrease was recorded. Although it was a small village and one of the ports of Kranidi in 1879, after the war it developed into one of the most important tourist resorts of the country and the population grew spectacularly.
Sean Connery: Sean Connery has loved Orange in recent years. He has
been constantly coming to Argolis for the last few years and in 2013 he
decided to get his own villa in Porto Heli. Sean Connery and his
Franco-Moroccan wife, a painter Micheline, have always wanted to buy
their own house in the area so they could spend quiet moments in an
earthly Greek Paradise.
Sean Connery and his Franco-Moroccan wife
Micheline came to Greece, and after being guided to the Museum of
Cycladic Art in Athens, they continued their vacation in Greece and on
the occasion of this visit, they bought a villa in Porto Heli shortly
after.
The luxurious house is located in the same expensive
"neighborhood" that the now King of the Netherlands William-Alexander
has a house worth 4.5 million euros.
Also in the same area, among
others, the former King of the Greeks, Constantine II, and his wife, the
former Queen Anna-Maria, also had a house. The shipowner Dinos
Goulandris is a scion of the well-known family, Yiannis Mytilinaios is a
major shareholder of the Mytilinaios Group of the same name, as well as
Thodoris Kyriakou, son of the shipowner Minos Kyriakou.
Detailed shipping information for Porto Heli is provided by the Hellenic Navigator volume 2 and especially the Greek edition map: ΧΕΕ-135, which is the port marker of its port, as well as ΕΕΕ-130 which covers all the NE coasts of the Peloponnese and the Argolic Gulf .