Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Porto Heli gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from PKH to the city takes roughly 30 minutes by local transport, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at PKH:
First, verify that you can enter Greece — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 30 minutes into Porto Heli, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — EUR is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Porto Heli from the Airport
From PKH, the local transport gets you to Porto Heli in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Porto Heli Side Trip
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Porto Heli might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$14 USD
- A meal: ~$27 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$51 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Luggage storage options at PKH can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Porto Heli for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Exploring Porto Heli on a Layover
If you head into Porto Heli, here are two things worth checking out:
Porto Heli Marina Walk is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
Ancient City of Halieis is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside PKH, you can spend time at Porto Heli FBO Lounge or try Private Aircraft Spotting. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
In Porto Heli
If you make it into town, Taverna Spirandreas is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Hippocampus.
Inside PKH
If you’re staying in the terminal, Executive Lounge Refreshments is your main option. Airfield Quick Bites works too if you want something quick.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, PKH has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at PKH, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Porto Heli itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Greece that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Porto Heli with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Porto Heli may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.