Overview of Salamina
Salamina is the largest Greek island in the Argosaronic Gulf and the closest one to Attica; this can be good for some and bad for others, depending on your preferences and point of view. Many consider Salamina as an Athenian suburb; indeed, it has the basic features of a modern town, such as all the facilities you could wish for (good transportation network, lots of dining, shopping and entertainment options in reasonable prices, etc).
Although it is an all-year long destination, it remains popular as a day trip from Athens (there are frequent boat connections to mainland Greece and numerous commuters to the Greek capital, as well). Salamina has been famous since antiquity, because of the crucial sea battle that took place here in 480 BC between the Greeks and the Persians. Nowadays, it boasts of a satisfactory number of sights (archaeological, historical and cultural), including places associated with prominent Greek figures such as the ancient poet Euripides, Georgios Karaiskakis (hero of the Greek Revolution) and the contemporary poet Angelos Sikelianos.
The island also features two nice forests, ideal to walk, cycle or have a picnic – a rare luxury when you’re so close to Athens. As for the island’s beaches, the cleaner ones are situated at the north and generally identify with the average beaches found in Attica (aka less charming than those in the rest of the Greek islands, but quite enjoyable). Salamina looks both continental and islander; this is obvious at the port of Paloukia with the famed fish market, but also at the island’s most popular settlements (Salamina town/Koulouri, Eantio, Peristeria and Selinia, among others). Maybe you won’t fall for Salamina at first sight, but this Greek island surely deserves your attention; after all, as with every destination, first you have to explore and then reject or conquer.
Photo gallery of Salamina
Beaches
Food
Things to see & do
: Usually crowded and also young people’s favorite hang outs, with trendy beach bars and various facilities. 6.0 : Two of the most tranquil beaches on the island. 6.0 : Situated at the settlement of the same name, it’s fully organized, with amenities for all tastes. 6.0 : Located at a scenic spot surrounded by pine trees, it’s one of Salamina’s most popular beaches. 6.0 : A remote yet organized beach. In order to reach it, you cross the beautiful forest at the region of Kanakia. 6.0
: Salamina town, Sea food. 9.0 : Eantio, Greek cuisine. 9.0 : Selinia, Greek cuisine and sea food. 8.0 : Salamina town, Italian cuisine. 8.0 : Kanakia, Greek cuisine. 8.0
: The tomb of Salaminian Fighters - it’s located at the region of Kynosoura, near the spot where the famed ancient battle took place. The remains of the acropolis, where the island’s ancient capital used to be, can be seen at the area of Kanakia, while the ancient port lies at Ambelakia. You can also visit the large mazy cave of Euripides (presumably it was the ancient poet's haven) and the sanctuary of Dionysos (very close to the cave, at the area of Peristeria). 8.0 : There used to be ten windmills on the island (built in the18th c), but nowadays only two survive, overlooking the town of Salamina. 7.0 : There are numerous and take place all year long: The Carnival (with traditional customs), Karaiskakia (dedicated to Georgios Karaiskakis) and Fisherman’s Feast (at the end of August). Feast of Faneromeni (at the church of the same name, August 23-25th), Salaminia (anniversary of the battle of Salamina, held in September) and a variety of summer cultural events (at the theatre of Euripides). 7.0 : The island has two forests (Faneromeni and Kanakia), perfect to walk and relax. 7.0 : The Archaeological and the Folklore Museum at the town of Salamina display important findings and exhibits about the island’s history and traditions. 7.0 : Panagia Eleytherotria (it’s related to the Greek Liberation in WWII) and Agios Dimitrios (it houses the tomb of Georgios Karaiskakis, one of the most prominent heroes of the Greek Revolution, as well as works of significant Greek artists). 7.0 : One of the island’s top sights, situated at the area of Faneromeni. The poet’s former residence is now turned into a museum. 7.0 : Located amidst a pine forest at the eastern part of the island, this historic monastery played a substantial role during the Greek Revolution. It attracts many visitors and features important icons, frescoes and relics. 7.0 : In Salamina you can taste fresh fish, platetsi (oil bread), moustokouloura (cookies made with grape must) and kougoulouari (pumpkin pie). 7.0 : A beautiful open-air theatre located at the hill of Patris, which hosts many cultural events every summer. It is dedicated to Euripides. 7.0
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