An aromatic paradise across from Poros
Just opposite Poros, on the Peloponnese coast, the famed Lemon Forest stretches across a fertile hillside. It is near Galatas—though its lemon groves have traditionally belonged to families from Poros. From above, the view is striking: terraced orchards cascade down toward the sea, while in the distance you can spot the town of Poros and passing boats gliding through the strait.
The Lemon Forest’s reputation dates back to the 18th century, when its lemons were exported to major Mediterranean trade centres such as Smyrna and Thessaloniki. By the early 20th century, production had reached impressive levels, with around 25,000 lemon trees yielding tons of fruit each year. Its romantic atmosphere was immortalized in 1930 by writer Kosmas Politis in his novel Lemon Forest, bringing nationwide recognition to the area.
Lemon trees dominate the landscape year-round—lush green in summer, in full bloom during spring, and heavy with fruit in winter. Among them grow pomegranate trees, cypresses, olive trees, and other Mediterranean trees that enrich the scenery. In the past, abundant natural springs nourished the land: a small natural waterfall powered a watermill at the top of the hill, while water was channeled to the groves through stone—and later concrete—irrigation channels known locally as kontinta.
Today, although production has declined and irrigation relies mainly on boreholes, the area retains its unique charm. Visitors can wander along scenic paths, taste traditional products such as marmalades, juices, spoon sweets, and almond confections filled with lemon, and of course enjoy a refreshing swim while taking in the view.
The Lemon Forest’s reputation dates back to the 18th century, when its lemons were exported to major Mediterranean trade centres such as Smyrna and Thessaloniki. By the early 20th century, production had reached impressive levels, with around 25,000 lemon trees yielding tons of fruit each year. Its romantic atmosphere was immortalized in 1930 by writer Kosmas Politis in his novel Lemon Forest, bringing nationwide recognition to the area.
Lemon trees dominate the landscape year-round—lush green in summer, in full bloom during spring, and heavy with fruit in winter. Among them grow pomegranate trees, cypresses, olive trees, and other Mediterranean trees that enrich the scenery. In the past, abundant natural springs nourished the land: a small natural waterfall powered a watermill at the top of the hill, while water was channeled to the groves through stone—and later concrete—irrigation channels known locally as kontinta.
Today, although production has declined and irrigation relies mainly on boreholes, the area retains its unique charm. Visitors can wander along scenic paths, taste traditional products such as marmalades, juices, spoon sweets, and almond confections filled with lemon, and of course enjoy a refreshing swim while taking in the view.
