Saronic Islands

The Saronic Islands are located in the Gulf of Athens, they are the closest islands from the capital, so you can go for a day trip there and come back at night. You take the ferry from Piraeus, normal ferry or new speedboats. The location of the Saronic islands also makes them easy to combine with a visit of the Peloponnese, if you are traveling by car you must know that cars are restricted or prohibited on the smallest islands. AEGINA The island is located twenty kilometers south-west of Athens. It has the shape of a triangle, with the point facing south. The island is divided into three regions: a mountainous, coastal plain to the west, the rest of the island is volcanic. The island is the main producer of pistachio nuts in Greece. Aegina is famous for its temple of Aphaea, one of the three temples of the sacred triangle Parthenon, Sounion, Aphaea. It was for long a rival of Athens, from antiquity until the early nineteenth century. Aegina was one of the first maritime cities and districts of the ancient Greece and was the first capital (1828-1829) of Greece fighting for its independence. One of the most popular places on the island is Aghia Marina, this is a resort in the bay of the same name in the north-east of the island. It is especially remarkable because of its beach of over 500 meters long, lined with pine trees. In summer, Aghia Marina is directly connected to Pireas.

SPETSES Spetses is a Saronic Island situated 52 miles from Piraeus. It has an area of ​​27 km2 and a little less than 4000 inhabitants. It is an island with abundant vegetation and greenery. Villages have remained authentic. The capital of the island, composed with neoclassical houses, with wooden balconies and walls tinted. The current heart of the city is the neighborhood of Daphia, where is situated the main port of Spetses, the old city center is Baltiza, a fishing district, where now stands the old port of the island. See also The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos which is located just outside the town of Spetses. A few kilometers from Daphia you can find the most famous beaches of the island, Agios Mamas and Agia Marina. On the other side of the island there are two other beaches: Anargiroi and Agia Paraskevi. Ferries and water jets are regularly traveling from Piraeus, Tyros and Nafplion. The use of motor vehicles is severely restricted in the island, transportation is provided mainly by horses, carts and taxi-sea. Only few taxis and buses are allowed to drive on the island. AGISTRI Agistri is a small Greek island of 13 km ² planted in the middle of the Saronic Gulf, a few kilometers from Piraeus. The island is also very close to Aegina, just 10 minutes by boat.

It is a green island, covered with pines, you can find many beaches with crystal clear waters. The capital of the island is Milos, followed by Skala and Thassos.

Skala is a seaside resort located 20 minutes walk from Milos along the sea.

Thassos is a tiny village of a hundred people, the total population of the island does not exceed 1,000 inhabitants.

SALAMINA Salamina as most of the Greek islands is mountainous, arid. You will arrive at Salamina by landing at Paloukia. Salamina is very popular as a holiday destination, it is the closest island to Athens, many Athenians are accustomed to come to Salamina just for the weekend. In the south of the island, away from the bustle of Paloukia you can find peace, with wild and beautiful beaches. If you are looking for night life, you should go to Agios Nikolaos. HYDRA Hydra is well known for its beautiful neo-classical houses, and its very chic marina. Cars are not allowed on the island. Hydra is very close to Piraeus, you can get there in less than an hour. www.hydra.com.grTweet