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In ancient times, Poros made up a part of the Roman Empire along with Trizina, to which it was a tributary. During Byzantine times, Poros were often attacked by the pirates who dominated the Aegean Sea.

The Venetians occupied Poros in 1484 and used it as a strategic port in their sea battles with the Ottomans. At that time Poros was the most powerful city of the wider area, also governing Methana Island, Epidaurus, Damalas (Trizina), Valario and Fanari. In this period, Paros island had about 15,000 inhabitants, making it one of the largest cities in Greece. In 1715 the Venetian rule ended.

The Ottoman Period in Poros began in 1715, much later than in the rest of the country. Shipping and commerce were the main activities of the inhabitants of Poros.

The island had a key role during the Greek Revolution in 1821, due to its strategic position. Poros was the place where the Greek revolutionary leaders, often met to discuss and plan their future actions. In 1828 in Poros was established the first Greek naval base and remained there until 1878. In September 1828, the ambassadors of the Great Powers, including France, England and Russia met in in the city with Ioannis Kapodistrias in order to determine the borders of the future Greek state, which was established in 1830.

Russia secured free shipping for its navy throughout the waters of the Ottoman Empire. As Russian naval activity developed, need arose for a supply station, and land was acquired at Poros town. Extensive materiel, coal, and food storage facilities were created, as well as a hardtack baking factory. The number of Russian residents in Poros increased and even a Russian school was created. In the early 20th century the Russian naval activity declined, and the abandoned buildings were left to decay. In 1989 the ruins in elaborately carved stone, were listed as protected architectural monuments.