Saronic Gulf Islands

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Regions of Greece : Saronic Gulf islands

 

Saronic Gulf Islands

The Saronic Gulf forms part of the Aegean Sea. It is the eastern terminus of the Corinthos Canal. Islands that are lined in the middle of the Gulf are Poros, Spetses, Salamina, Aegina, Agistri and Hydra along with smaller islands of Patroklos and Fleves.

Poros island

As well as being a very popular holiday destination for many Athenians, it also attracts visitors from all over the world, who come here to escape the noise and stress of everyday life, and to enjoy the beautiful scenery and peace that the island provides.

Poros is also a very popular destination for short and weekend breaks throughout the year.

As soon as you arrive at the harbour of the island, you will be greeted by the large clock that stands high upon a rock that dominates the harbour landscape.

You will see the beautiful landscape of luscious pine trees and the traditional houses that are built amphitheatrically. It is a wonderful image that will stay with all visitors to the island. The famous lemon tree forest adds a touch of pure beauty and simplicity to the overall landscape of the island. Poros is also the land of pistachios, producing them from antiquity and offering a wide range of those excellent nuts, served in all the imaginable ways.

The clock is also a popular place for photo opportunities and to admire the beautiful panoramic views out towards that Saronic Gulf and surrounding parts of the island.

Poros is home to some very beautiful sandy beaches, and during the summer months, they are ideal for relaxing under the sun, and allowing visitors to enjoy a refreshing swim.  

Some of the beaches you will find on Poros include Mikro Neorio, Magalo Neorio, Kanali, Perlia, Vagonia and the small bays of Agapis and Nafstathmos. Some of these beaches are located in remote places, surrounded by green nature and the charming pine trees. They create an environment where one cannot help but to relax and unwind.

Poros is an island that is well organised for tourism, and visitors will find a wonderful selection of hotels, rooms, apartments and studios to let. There are also many wonderful tavernas and restaurants where you can enjoy a tasty meal. For nightlife, there is a great choice of cafes and bars where you can enjoy a drink.

 For those who enjoy walking, you should try and visit the famous Lemon Forest, which is located on the east side of the main town. Between the lemon and orange trees, you will pass by lovely watermills, and also a waterfall which creates a wonderful landscape. There are many hidden treasures on Poros, and by venturing out and exploring, visitors can easily uncover some truly exceptional places of beauty on the island.

With regular ferry boat and flying dolphin connections to the port of Pireaus in Athens and the Zeas marina, as well as the harbours of Galatas in the Peloponnese and the harbour of Aegina.

Spetses Island

Spetses island

Spetstes is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands of the Saronic, Greece. It is a lovely island that has many things to propose to the visitors: beautiful sandy beaches which combine blue crystal clear waters and ageing pine trees, a charming colorful capital composes of whitewashed houses, a heavy historical heritage and more…

The island of Spetses is a beautiful island offering tranquillity and cosmopolitan life, wonderful beaches and picturesque small bays, various interesting historical and archaeological sites to visit, many hotels and rooms for rent and all the accommodation needed to enjoy a pleasant stay. The island is very easy to reach for many routes are leading to Spetses: by ferry or hydrofoil from the harbour of Piraeus or from the Peloponnese coast.

This tiny patch of Green, riddled with dozens of sparkling little white churches presents a perfect contrast with its barren and desolated far-away neighbors, Paros or Delos, cut off in winter when the sea rises and the storm breaks. From early times, the development of a good network of communications by sea as well as by land, has turned the island into a travel nexus for people bound in different directions - West for Epidavros, North for Athens or East for the lonelier central Cyclades. Nevertheless, its real proximity to the capital - easily reached in a couple of hours by flying dolphin from Zea Marina- a cool and salubrious summer climate and a happy atmosphere, have made it, over the years, the favorite resort of those Athenians who rejoice in the island's civilized and contented grace.

Salamina island

As far as swimming is concerned, the best beaches of Salamis are Resti, Iliakti, Aianteio, Perani, Kiriza, Maroudi, Peristeria, Kolones, Satirli, Piriakoni, Kanakiani. Salamis has a population of 34160 citizens and belongs to Attica State and prefecture of Piraeus. The island has two municipalities, Salamina Municipality (established 1835) and the Ampelakia Municipality (established 1998).  

Transportation to and from the island is consistent, with Ferry Boats and Cruisers leaving from Perama port (Piraeus) to Paloukia port (Salamis) and vice versa every 15'. Also small cruisers leave from Piraeus main port to Salamis Island every 30'. Restaurants, Ouzeri, Taverna, Cafeteria and bars are located everywhere on Salamis and play a basic role for the entertainment of the island and the visitors.
It was inaugurated in September of 1993 by the Minister of Culture at that time, Mrs. Anna-Psarouda-Mpenaki. It has a 3000 seating capacity and many different events are hosted in the theatre throughout the year. 

Today, Salamina is a weekend destination for many Athenians who have weekend homes here. There are some good beaches on the island, especially in the south, and plenty of restaurants and tavernas throughout the island but no hotels, so prospective visitors must take into consideration that one can only visit the otherwise very interesting island on a one-day excursion basis.

On the west coast and six kilometers south of the capital, Salamina or Koulouri, is the site of the ancient city of Ajax. Further south, you will find many excellent sandy beaches. On the east coast is the main port for ferries from Perama and Piraeus, called Paloukia. Moving south from there is another busy little port that is also used, called Kamatero. Very near is the site of ancient Salamis, with some ruins of its acropolis. These are located in the village of Ambelakia. If you continue three kilometers further south, you come to the large fishing village of Selinia. During the summer season, there are smaller vessels crossing from here to Piraeus. 

Aegina island (Egina)

 

Egina island

Aegina Town is a picturesque village and the capital of Aegina. The town is packed with quaint house, blue-domed churches, narrow alleyways and small shops. Many of the traditional houses have been converted into Aegina hotels, offering visitors a “taste” of genuine life on the island.

Apart from Aegina Town, it is worthwhile visiting the other of the villages on Aegina Island. Agia Marina is famous for its stunning sandy beach and natural areas, Souvala is well-known for its therapeutic hot springs, and Perdika is a lovely fishing village, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters. Since these villages are popular resorts, visitors can find a variety of tourist facilities, including a good selection of Aegina hotels, apartments and rooms for rent for their accommodation during their stay.
We also suggest visiting the island of Agistri, which is located opposite Aegina Greece. On Agistri Island, you can swim at golden sandy beaches and rocky, secluded shores, which are ideal for fishing, as well.
Aegina possesses a plethora of historical sites, many of which are very well-preserved and provide visitors with a look into the glory of Ancient Greece.

You can travel to Aegina Greece by ferry boat, flying dolphin, from Piraeus Port in Athens. Ferries to Aegina take less than a couple of hours, and the trip is very pleasant. Flying dolphins take approximately 35 minutes. From Aegina you can also travel to other Saronic Islands, the islet Moni, Nafplion, Tolo, Porto Heli, Ermioni, Leonidio, Kyparissi, and Monemvassia in the Peloponnese Greece.

Agistri island (Angistri)

Agistri island

The Greek island of Agistri, located just 45 minutes from the Athens’ port of Piraeus, is the smallest of the Saronic Gulf group of islands but the premier choice for a unique holiday experience. 

Hydra island

As you shall be approaching the port of Hydra it is definite that the traditional picturesqueness in combination with the natural beauty of the gifted landscape will capture your sight.

Hydra is an extremely scenic island that bears an extremely important nautical history that is reflected on the renovated mansions, the old picturesque port with the loopholes and the canons, the museums, the monasteries, the naval academy and other elements that show that Hydra is a historically important island.

Hydra Town, which is the only town of the island and which has been declared scheduled, is outspread on two rocky hills and pulses with traditional houses with tiled rooftops, vivid blue-colored windows and doors, as well as flowered yards surrounded by fences.

If you are interested in spending your vacations at an extremely picturesque and traditional and at the same time cosmopolitan and much-frequented resort, seize the opportunity to visit the island of Hydra in order to relish an unforgettable experience.

Hydra must be the most beautiful island of the Saronic. It is also one of the most cosmopolitan points in the Mediteranean. It quickly became a tourist center at an international level and the reasons are obvious: the exquisite architecture, the landscapes, the high historical interest, the numerous artistically expositions, the proximity from Athens…