Salamina Island

Salamina

At a distance of less than 2 nautical miles off the coast of Attica, Salamina is the closest island to Athens. Due to its close proximity from the capital of Greece, the island is a popular weekend destination for the Athenians. Although Salamina is not as picturesque as the rest of the Saronic Islands, it is worth a visit if you are in Athens and have some free time. The island features rich history, magnificent cultural heritage and some very interesting archaeological and religious sites. Moreover, it boasts a post-byzantine Monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, two interesting museums and a rich network of trails for nature lovers. Salamina has some lovely beaches to explore, especially on the south coast, and plenty of taverns where you can taste fresh sea food and other delicious Greek dishes.

Salamina was the birthplace of the Homeric king Aiades (Ajax) and the ancient Athenian playwright Euripides, also the place where it took place the Great Battle of Salamina in 480 BCE, between the Greek and the Persian Navy, which set the stage for the flourishing of the Golden Age. The excavations carried out on the island have revealed many significant finds, including the Cave of Euripides, the Mycenaean Acropolis at Kanakia, the Kingdom of Ajax and the Sanctuary of Dionysus. Unlike any other Greek island, Salamina has its own identity and fans. With so much history and such an easy access from the mainland, it is a great place to explore, so consider adding it to your bucket list next time you visit Athens.