Poros Dana Lighthouse

Location: Gerolimani

“Coming into Poros gives the illusion of the deep dream,” writes the American author Henry Miller about his arrival on the island. Dominating the surrounding landscape at the very entrance of the Gulf of Poros, the Dana Lighthouse is, indeed, an integral part of this magical aura. It is one of the most beautiful rectangular stone-built lighthouses in the whole country and ranks among the greatest monuments of Greece’s contemporary maritime history.

Built in 1870 by the French Society of Ottoman Lighthouses, it consists of a rectangular edifice and a 9-meter-tall tower. It was in operation until 1941, when the German occupation began, and started to function again in 1948. It became automatic in 1954. Though it continued to serve the local navigational needs, it fell into a state of disrepair since it stopped housing a keeper. In 2011, the Aikaterini Laskaridi Foundation undertook its complete restoration and now it is featured among the island’s must-see sights. Its most impressive parts are definitely the cupola and the stone staircase leading to the watchtower.

It is located less than six kilometers from Poros Town. To get there, it is a good idea to start your hike from Gerolimena Beach. Go up the rocks at the edge of the beach and you will see a clearly defined path. The way is marked with yellow signs. The uphill walk presents no particular difficulty and lasts no more than 15-20 minutes. It is a great place to take in the stunning views of the Saronic Gulf and the breathtaking sunset.