Why the wealthy head to Porto Heli every Summer

Porto Heli is located on the “Greek Riviera” on the north-eastern Peloponnese coast, which is a three-hour ferry ride from Athens, or 25 minutes by helicopter.

The stunning area is surrounded by protected coves and bays on the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean and the region is renowned for drawing in large crowds of wealthy Greek families, whose million-dollar villas can be seen all over town.

From royals, elite athletes and actors to shipping magnates and entrepreneurs, you are bound to bump into plenty of rich and famous people everywhere you turn.

And it’s not only local Greeks who love Porto Heli, as every summer discerning international visitors also book getaways to Porto Heli, the “Southamptons of Greece,” as Vanity Fair described it.

Here you will find AmanZoe, the most expensive hotel in Greece and entire Europe, not to mention the palatial villas that are worth tens of millions of euros.

From fine dining to boutique stores and beach bars, there is something here for everyone and the beaches themselves, especially Ververonta with its clear water, Hinitsa with its golden sand and pine trees and Kounoupi, which is an extension of Agios Emilianos, are always packed with people of all ages.

Another hotel that has made waves the last few years is Nikki Beach Resort & Spa which has an ideal beachfront location allowing guests to enjoy the crystal clear blue waters and stunning panoramic views from almost every corner of the property. The new Nikki Beach features, the all day beach club the hottest spot for all day party venues. A collection of 66 beachfront rooms and suites and leasehold residences await some of the most discerning clientele.

Porto Heli’s fine little harbour is well protected from the wind and is a favourite for yachtsmen.

Across the water are the ruins of the ancient city of Halieis it is an ancient Greek harbor city in the Argolid (across from the modern village of Porto Cheli) that was abandoned toward the end of the fourth century BCE.

Excavated remains include fortification walls (as early as the eighth c. BCE), a city with an orthogonal street plan, an industrial quarter, and domestic architecture with evidence for agricultural processing. Parts of the city are now under water due to a rise in sea level.

The almost enclosed bay includes a large marina facility that is a must-visit spot for famous visitors and their yachts.

From rich history to fun family activities and a buzzing nightlife, Porto Heli is breathtaking and definitely worth a visit when you are in this part of the world.