SARONICOS GULF ISLANDS

GENERAL INFORMATION

A stone"s throw from the capital, one will find six little islands which provide nice solutions for your short or longer escapes. Their advantage does not only lie in the small distance separating them from the mainland.

HISTORY - CULTURE

The beginning of the Saronicos history lies in the far depths of pre-history with the first settlements of these islands. The peak is in the 6th century B.C. when trade flourished and the merchant marine and culture were very important, always in the shade of the big neighbour, Athens. Then the islands were conquered by the Macedonians, the Romans, the Byzantines (when repeated pirate raids damaged the area"s development) and finally by the Turks. The Greek revolution against the Turks, in 1821, owes a great deal to the islands of the Saronicos which contributed with ships and money to the national cause.

SIGHTS

Astonishing beaches, sea views, traditional settlements and magic sun-dawns are the powerful net these islands throw to their visitor. One can always find worth-visiting historical buildings. Ancient monuments and natural beauties without a big reputation but with a remarkable beauty. The most known sights are the Lemonodasos (lemon-tree forest) at Galatas of Poros, Ancient Troizina, the Temple of Athina in Aegina, the crater of the dead volcano in Methana, the Stone-built houses in Ydra, Spetses and elsewhere.

ENTERTAINMENT - SPORTS - SHOPPING

The islands of the Saronicos offer themselves for quite vacations in the winter and for ... any kind of vacations in the summer, when they transform into tourist centres without losing their typical colour and picturesque character. Tavernas, cafeterias and a few bars are open all over the year. In the summer though, even the most demanding "party-lover" will be satisfied. Sports in the islands are only available in their sea form and only in the summer whereas in the winter one can enjoy a few walks and some fishing. The same goes for your buys: the summer brings the flourish of the little streets and the ports of the small islands. At this time of the year one can find almost anything. If, nevertheless, something is missing, the calmness and the good mood you will automatically be in when coming here will make this lack ... insignificant. Here too, as in the rest of Greece, the local products and foods will fascinate you. Ceramics, decorative articles, pistachios from Aegina and nuts are the most popular products whereas the local restaurants include in their specials fresh fish and sea food as well as home-made sweets.

ACCESS

Ferry boats and flying dolphins depart all year long from the ports of Piraeus and Perama for the island of Salamina. In the summer, communications are more frequent. By bus, you can only reach Methana and Poros, through Nafplion. Also there is a bus service for Spetses through Kranidia (187 km.).