PORTO HELI, Greece—While not as internationally celebrated as Mikonos or Santorini, Porto Heli nonetheless enjoys a certain degree on local fame as a popular summer destination for Greeks and other Europeans. With a rich history stretching back to ancient Greece and a vibrant restaurant and café scene, Porto Heli has managed to retain some of its small fishing village charm.

Located in the southern Peloponnese region of Greece, Porto Heli can be reached from Athens via car, bus, or ferry in around two and a half hours.

Archeological surveys show that the area now called Porto Heli or Porto Cheli has been inhabited by humans from as early as the Middle Paleolithic period, close to 50,000 years ago. Located directly across the bay from the modern town, the ancient city of Halieis dates back to the 7th century B.C.

At its most powerful, around 500 B.C., Halieis was a city enclosed by walls, accommodating around 2,500 residents in approximately 500 houses. It appears that the city was large enough to have territorial rights and mint its own coins.

Recently hit by the economic crisis in Greece, Porto Heli seems to be doing better that most of the rest of the country. Recently Aman Resorts opened a new multi-mullion dollar property a few kilometers from the town; last summer, a brand new Nikki Beach Resort opened its doors to rave reviews. Renovations have begun on several previously abandoned hotels in the area. Fueled by the new hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars have popped up in the last two years, a hopeful sign of better financial times to come.

[supsystic-gallery id=1]

PORTO HELI, Greece—While not as internationally celebrated as Mikonos or Santorini, Porto Heli nonetheless enjoys a certain degree on local fame as a popular summer destination for Greeks and other Europeans. With a rich history stretching back to ancient Greece and a vibrant restaurant and café scene, Porto Heli has managed to retain some of its small fishing village charm.

Located in the southern Peloponnese region of Greece, Porto Heli can be reached from Athens via car, bus, or ferry in around two and a half hours.

Archeological surveys show that the area now called Porto Heli or Porto Cheli has been inhabited by humans from as early as the Middle Paleolithic period, close to 50,000 years ago. Located directly across the bay from the modern town, the ancient city of Halieis dates back to the 7th century B.C.

At its most powerful, around 500 B.C., Halieis was a city enclosed by walls, accommodating around 2,500 residents in approximately 500 houses. It appears that the city was large enough to have territorial rights and mint its own coins.