Adventures Ahoy: 24 Hours on Poros Island

First things first. Although the Swimming Cruise includes snacks and drinks that are provided on board, as well as a satisfying lunch stop, we’d been up at the crack of dawn so we could make it to the excursion and needed some essential fuel before heading off.

So before stepping aboard we went for a delicious breakfast at Ioannis’ favourite hangout, Perel cafe, which doubles as the standard meeting point for guests joining the seafaring adventure, and is right across where the boat is docked. Not accidentally either, because Ioannis carefully scouted the island and locations where he takes his boat, way ahead of launching the Swimming Cruise, and like all those places this spot reflects his great taste. I am sharing some of them in this article.

At Perel we treated ourselves to one of Poros‘ most satisfying breakfasts. Here you can find yummy light meals throughout the day; the menu includes everything from sweet or savoury pancakes to eggs made in every which way, power bowls, salads and burgers.

Hopping onto the boat at 10 am accompanied by two guests from the U.K., we waved goodbye to Poros‘ sky-blue Clock Tower and neoclassical houses.

Launched after years of globetrotting, television hosting, and competitive accolades, the cruise is the kind of project born from pure love. Ioannis grew up in the water – he says he’s “swum more kilometers than [he’s] walked” – and Swimming Cruise is his way of sharing that lifelong intimacy with the sea.

Each of the Swimming Cruise experiences – which can be from one day to a week – is different, depending on the clients’ demands and of course, the wind. Operating from a sleek 15-meter sailing yacht, the journey takes small groups – from solo travellers and couples to friends celebrating birthdays and athletes wanting only a hint of a break from their disciplined pursuits – through the Saronic Gulf, exploring the most idyllic open water spots at islands like Poros, Aegina, and Hydra. Trips can be centred entirely on an active swimming experience, with a recorded swimming analysis included for those dedicated to bettering their technique. Destinations include places like Moni islet in Aegina, an underwater archaeological site at Epidaurus or the Temple of Poseidon on Poros among many others.

Our blissfully lazy plan, tailor-made by Ioannis for a decidedly undemanding crowd that simply wanted to relax on the boat, swim just enough to cool off, and eat great food, was to reach Agios Georgios in Methana, in the Peloponnese. There we would be enjoying a terrific home-cooked-style lunch at Agiorgitikon, a peaceful, family-run taverna, with tables set on the sand, with a backdrop of the whitewashed church of St George gleaming in the sun. The trip is around one and a half hours each way, with plenty of time to bake on the deck, take photos, stop for cool, splashy dives off the boat and snooze away yesterday’s late-night overindulgences.

When we approached Agios Georgios I bombed off the boat and heartily swam ashore, building up the perfect appetite for the fantastic home-cooked meal that was to come: fried freshly-caught calamari, Greek salad with dark red, juicy tomatoes glistening with tangy olive oil, spicy and smooth tirokafteri cheese dip, crisp, giant shrimp in feta and tomato sauce perfect for dunking bread into, and crunchy and succulent maridaki – tiny fried fish you pop into your mouth after dousing it in lemon juice – all washed down with icy-cold beer that makes you say “ahhh” like in an advert.

And then on the trip back, I floated into a long, restful nap on the deck, gently rocked by the boat, hypnotized by the sun and caressed by the wind, before being woken up and handed a chilled glass of prosecco to enjoy with lively conversation, music and laughter just before before having to return to land.

Upon returning we strolled along the pretty waterfront, observing the yachts, hearing laughter from kids playing along the street, taking in the last honey-coloured rays of the sun as everything and everyone glowed in a way that can be experienced on an island. There are many stores to enjoy dipping into here, selling everything from kaftans and silk dresses to evil eye bracelets, Greek herbs and olive oil. My favorite was actually right next door to our hotel; Think Greek sells modern accessories, home decor items and mementos that have a contemporary Greek design twist, and handmade jewelry.

Soon hungry (again) after a day at sea, we changed out of our swimsuits and headed to Apagio taverna for a dinner that Ioannis promised we would love – and he was right. White, well-spaced tables, a buzzy, elegant seafront ambiance and interiors featuring decor items that reflect the family-run restaurant’s story since it opened in 2000 draw you in. Founded by Liz and Spiros – later joined by their sons Iakovos, who manages the restaurant and Alexandros, who’s the executive chef – this place honors the island’s tradition of serving up fresh, daily‑caught seafood with artful modern touches. Highlights include Liz’s tuna pate, fried fennel croquettes, a savoury ‘cheesecake’ – with a rusk base, feta cream and tomato marmalade – alongside black‑and‑white taramosalata.

We found the black seafood risotto – made with cuttlefish ink, shrimp bisque and topped with mussels and prawns – so delightful that we talked about it for hours after; my travel companion even dreamt of it. The professional and friendly service, refined and delicious tastes and great ambiance made me definitely want to return and try more of the menu soon.

Your last few hours on an island with someone who’s returning abroad the following day is not the time to call it a night, even when the sun, salty breeze and swimming have left you feeling delightfully satiated and sleepy.

There are many seafront cafe-bars to choose from, like Oceanis Rooftop Garden Cocktails, Ampelos Wine Bar or Cielo Sea Lounge, but we followed Ioannis’ advice and returned to Perel to say a final goodbye to him over the perfect Espresso Martini.

Before leaving the gorgeous open view of the sea to return to gritty Piraeus and confining urban reality, we came across the newly opened Serenita, this time recommended by the receptionist at Hotel Saron where we stayed. A stylish all-day retreat that brings a refined and contemporary energy to the island’s mostly traditional food scene, it has a crisp and coastal setting – white stone, natural wood, soft sea light – designed for lingering. We tucked into their signature Eggs Benedict, which arrived layered in a flaky, house-baked croissant, draped in golden, fluffy Hollandaise. There are several fresh smoothies and cold-pressed juices to choose from too – we tried the super refreshing and hydrating Energy juice with cucumber, green apple and ginger – which balanced the indulgence.

If you’d rather head there for lunch or dinner, try a creamy mushroom risotto with truffle oil that’s quietly decadent, and a burrata salad brightened by Aegina pistachio pesto and Black Angus ribeye with Porto sauce.

In just 24 hours on this Saronic gem, we left replete with colorful and rewarding impressions – from the natural and architectural charm of this historic place, to its people, culinary scene and wonderful ways to enjoy the sea’s expansive allure on the Swimming Cruise – that would keep me feeling happy and tranquil for at good while. Above all, the mere knowledge that we can pop there again within an hour of escaping our desk, is the most refreshing feeling of all.