Porto Heli, a seaside village with 1900 inhabitants, belongs to the Prefecture of Argolis and is located on the southern tip of the Ermionida municipality, opposite to the islands of Hydra and Spetses. The name of Porto Heli, according to a prevailing opinion, is due to a gradual linguistic corruption of the name ”Alieis“, the ancient city were Porto Heli is built on. The name Alieis became Chalieis and then Heli. In order to be distinguished from the nearby village of Heli (which now has been renamed to Arachnaio) it got the nickname “Porto” because of its harbor.
Porto Heli is built in an enclosed bay with a natural port and is one of the most developed tourist locations of Argolis, a very popular tourist destination for all seasons of the year, while the western side of the bay of Porto Heli, the small peninsula of Northeastern Peloponnese, stands out not only for its classy villas that adorn the lacy coast, but also for its enchanting nature and its sweet and mild climate.
Porto Heli is globally known for its piney shores, its clean beaches and its wonderful climate. The picturesque landscape includes trawlers, boats and sailboats, ouzo and fish taverns on the coast. It is the perfect place to relax but also to indulge in sports; from daily excursions to the surrounding islands, water skiing, diving and sailing, to hiking and horse riding, the area has something unique to offer.
Its attractions include the lagoon of Ververonta, which according to the tradition it was the favorite refuge of the pirates, the Tower of Elli and the ruins of the ancient city of Alieis on the opposite coast, the windmills in Kranidi, the caves of Didima, the monastery of Avgou and the monastery of St. Anargiri.
Several cultural events are taking place within the framework of the “Cultural August” organized by the municipality of Kranidi, while the “Maritime Week “, an institution of the Ministry of Mercantile Marine, with cultural events and sports, takes place every 2 years. Also the “Festival of Art and Culture” is organized every year, a private initiative taking place every summer at the “Manesi Domain”.