Where to stay in Porto Heli: The best areas and 18 accommodations

Porto Heli is the most well-known resort in Ermionida, located in the southeast of Argolis, boasting a large, sheltered bay that makes it a safe anchorage and a popular destination for families and yachts. Surrounding it are Costa, Ermioni, and Kranidi, three areas with distinct characters that often confuse first-time visitors looking for accommodation.

Choosing your accommodation area here has practical implications, as the distance from the beach, the port, or the high-speed ferries to Hydra and Spetses can significantly alter your holiday plans. The same applies to your budget, as prices vary considerably between the centre of Porto Heli and more remote spots in Costa or Kranidi.

In this guide, you will find the four main accommodation areas around Porto Heli, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as specific accommodations with real features and price ranges, so you can decide based on your actual needs.

What to see and do in Porto Heli

Porto Heli is situated at the southeastern tip of Argolis, in the region known as Ermionida, approximately 155 km from Athens and 35 km from Nafplio. Access by road is via the Athens-Corinth national highway, then through Argos and Kranidi, with the journey typically taking two and a half hours. There is no railway connection, and the nearest airport is Athens, Eleftherios Venizelos, from where transport is by car or private transfer. Alternatively, many visitors reach Porto Heli by high-speed ferry from Piraeus, a journey that takes about two hours and passes through Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses.

Porto Heli bay is one of the largest natural bays in the Mediterranean, which explains why the area has historically attracted leisure boats and demanding tourists since the 1960s. The bay beach, in front of the centre, has calm, wave-free waters, setting it apart from other local beaches and making it ideal for families with small children. In the surrounding area, you will find other beaches with more open views, such as Zonga and Kostaritsa, featuring cooler waters and fewer crowds on weekdays.

Costa, to the west of Porto Heli, is the departure point for high-speed ferries and fishing boats heading to Hydra, a mere ten-minute journey that makes a day trip to the island easy. Costa has its own beach with organised sunbeds and several tavernas overlooking the island, and it is quieter than the centre of Porto Heli, suitable for those seeking tranquility without losing easy access to the sea.

Ermioni, built on a peninsula about 10 km south of Porto Heli, is a traditional fishing village with cobbled alleys, neoclassical buildings, and an active port. It retains a more authentic character compared to the more touristy Porto Heli, with fish tavernas at the port and small beaches nearby, such as Bisti and Askeli, which are easily accessible by car or even on foot from the centre.

Kranidi, approximately 8 km north of Porto Heli, is the largest town in the area and functions more as an administrative and commercial centre than a tourist destination. This means cheaper accommodation and an authentic daily life, but also a greater distance from the beaches. Many choose Kranidi as a base for greater economy, with a car being essential for travel to the coast.

The gastronomy of Ermionida is mainly based on fresh fish and seafood, with the tavernas of Ermioni considered among the best in the area, but also on vegetable dishes and meat from the hinterland around Kranidi. Olives are a predominant crop in the area, with many local olive oil products sold in the small grocery stores of Kranidi. The best time to visit is from mid-May to late September, with July and August being the busiest months due to leisure boats and visitors from Athens. Spring and autumn offer milder prices and fewer crowds, with the sea remaining swimmable until mid-October.

The best areas to stay in Porto Heli

Porto Heli Centre

Porto Heli centre is the most practical choice for those who want everything within walking distance: the beach, restaurants, shops, and the port with its boats. It is the busiest area in summer, with a fair amount of activity in the evenings.

Advantages:

• Zero distance from the bay beach
• Many dining and entertainment options within walking distance
• Easy access to high-speed ferries for Hydra and Spetses

Disadvantages:

• Higher prices in July and August
• Quite a lot of noise and activity in the evenings
• Difficulty parking in high season

Recommended accommodations:

1. AKS Porto Heli Hotel
Hotel with a private beach in front of the bay, in Porto Heli’s main square. It features a swimming pool and a restaurant with sea views.

• Average cost: approximately 180€ per night

2. Galaxy Hotel
Hotel with a private beach and direct access to the water, just a few minutes from the centre. A good choice for couples who want peace and quiet close to the action.

• Average cost: approximately 140€ per night

3. Porto-Heli Matilda's House
An apartment in the centre of Porto Heli, ideal for families who want a kitchen and independence, with everything within easy reach.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

4. Luxury House Irida
A luxury residence with a pool near the centre, suitable for groups who want space and privacy without being far from the life of Porto Heli.

• Average cost: approximately 320€ per night

5. Hapimag Resort Porto Heli
A large resort with a private beach in the Agios Aimilianos area, offering many sports facilities and an organised space for families.

• Average cost: approximately 160€ per night

6. Epavlis Beach Resort
A beachfront complex in Agios Aimilianos with beach access and a tranquil environment, a few minutes' drive from the centre.

• Average cost: approximately 175€ per night

Costa

Costa is a few minutes' drive from Porto Heli centre and is mainly known as the small harbour from which high-speed ferries depart for Hydra. It has its own beach and is smaller in scale compared to the centre, making it a more relaxed option.

Advantages:

• Direct connection to Hydra in ten minutes
• Quieter atmosphere than the centre
• Good villas with pools and island views

Disadvantages:

• Fewer dining options compared to the centre
• Car needed for transport
• Limited nightlife

Recommended accommodations:

7. Villa Serendipity Sea View
Villa with a pool and views of Hydra, suitable for families or groups who want a private space close to the sea.

• Average cost: approximately 280€ per night

8. Porphyra Collection Villas Porto Heli
A complex of luxury villas between Kranidi and Ermioni, with a pool in each residence and car access to the coast.

• Average cost: approximately 250€ per night

9. Edem Resort
A complex of villas with a garden and pool, in a quiet location near Costa, a good base for day trips to Hydra.

• Average cost: approximately 190€ per night

10. Vineyard Estate
A residence in a rural setting on the Porto Heli to Costa road, with a pool and space for large groups.

• Average cost: approximately 300€ per night

Ermioni

Ermioni is located approximately 10 km south of Porto Heli, built on a peninsula with an active fishing port. It has a more authentic character than Porto Heli, with fewer tourists and more locals in its streets.

Advantages:

• Authentic fishing port atmosphere
• Excellent fish tavernas at the port
• More affordable accommodation prices than Porto Heli

Disadvantages:

• 10 km distance from Porto Heli centre
• Less organised beaches
• Car needed for getting to surrounding coasts

Recommended accommodations:

11. Hermione Horizon
Accommodation with views of Ermioni port, close to tavernas and shops, a good choice for couples.

• Average cost: approximately 110€ per night

12. Ermioni Villas
Villas near Ermioni beach, with a garden and quiet surroundings, ideal for families who want space.

• Average cost: approximately 150€ per night

13. Ermioni Elegance Hotel
A small hotel in Ermioni centre, with direct access to the port and fish tavernas.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

14. Ermioni View Seaside Rooms
Rooms with sea views, next to Ermioni beach, a simple and affordable option for a short stay.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

15. Hermione Port Luxury Residence
An apartment near the town hall and Ermioni port, renovated, suitable for couples or small families.

• Average cost: approximately 120€ per night

16. 180 South Seaside Hotel
A beachfront accommodation in the Plepi area, near Thermisia, with a private beach and quiet surroundings south of Ermioni.

• Average cost: approximately 170€ per night

Kranidi

Kranidi is the largest town in Ermionida, about 8 km north of Porto Heli, with a more urban character and a less touristy appearance. It serves as a practical base for those seeking economy and who don't mind a short drive to the coast.

Advantages:

• Cheaper accommodation compared to the coast
• Good access to the national highway towards Argos
• Authentic daily life, shops, and market

Disadvantages:

• Distance from beaches, car needed
• Less touristy character
• Limited nightlife for visitors

Recommended accommodations:

17. Kranidi House
An apartment in Kranidi centre, a good base for those seeking economy and easy access to the national highway.

• Average cost: approximately 65€ per night

18. The Bellhouse Kranidi
A small accommodation on a quiet street in Kranidi, suitable for couples seeking affordable and comfortable lodging.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

Practical tips for your stay

• Book early for July and August. Porto Heli is a popular destination for yacht owners and families from Athens, so the best accommodations sell out months before high season.
• Consider Costa if you want to visit Hydra. From Costa, high-speed ferries reach Hydra in ten minutes, much faster than if you start from Porto Heli centre.
• Rent a car if staying in Kranidi. Kranidi has cheaper accommodation, but the distance from the beaches means daily travel, so a car is essential.
• Choose Ermioni for dining. The fish tavernas in Ermioni port are considered among the best in the area, so an evening out is worthwhile even if you're staying elsewhere.
• Spring and autumn for lower prices. If you want to avoid the high summer prices, May, June, and September offer good weather and significantly cheaper accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Porto Heli from Athens?

Approximately 155 km, by car the journey typically takes two and a half hours via Corinth and Argos.

Can I reach Porto Heli by boat?

Yes, there are high-speed ferries from Piraeus that pass through Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses, with the journey taking about two hours.

Which area is best for families with children?

Porto Heli centre, due to the calm bay beach and close proximity to restaurants and shops.

Where should I stay if I want to visit Hydra daily?

In Costa, from where high-speed ferries to Hydra take about ten minutes.

Is Kranidi a good choice for accommodation?

If you want economy and don't mind driving to the coast, yes. If your priority is the sea within walking distance, it's better to stay in Porto Heli or Ermioni.

What is the best time to visit Porto Heli?

From mid-May to late September, with July and August being the busiest months.

The conclusion

Porto Heli and its surrounding areas, Costa, Ermioni, and Kranidi, cater to different needs: from the convenience of the centre with the beach on your doorstep, to the authentic atmosphere of Ermioni and the economy of Kranidi.

Before booking accommodation, consider how important the distance from the sea is to you, whether you plan a trip to Hydra, and what your budget is, so you can choose the area that truly suits your holiday plans.

Also check out our guides on where to stay in Palaios Panteleimonas and where to stay in Leipsoi.