Saronic Gulf Islands Subregion

Salamis (Greek: Salamina) is the largest of the Saronic Gulf Islands, lying just off Piraeus in the shadow of Athens. It is far more a busy, largely residential commuter island than a polished tourist resort, but its name is written into history as the site of the decisive naval Battle of Salamis in 480 BC.

Close to Athens, Aegina offers short ferry crossings, the well-preserved Temple of Aphaia and pistachio orchards. Day-trippers and weekenders come for seaside tavernas, archaeological sites and calm beaches.

A small island opposite the Peloponnese with a crescent harbour, pine-clad hills and neoclassical houses. Ferries from Piraeus bring day-trippers for beaches, sailing, seafood tavernas and short coastal walks.

Stone mansions ring a cosmopolitan harbor where donkeys and water taxis still rule. Visitors arrive for clifftop walks, museums in restored merchant houses, and seafood tavernas that open onto small mooring-lined bays.

A Saronic isle with pine slopes and mansions, Spétses lures sailors, day-trippers and food hunters: seaside tavernas, horse-drawn carriages, the naval museum and sheltered harbors make it an easy stop from Athens.