Salamis
(Perama, 1 nautical mile.) Closest to the mainland, Salamis
(Salamina) can be reached from Piraeus and Perama. There are reasonable
sandy beaches at Kanakia, Iliakti,
Moulki and Peristeria, though
the island’s natural beauty is rather spoilt by the proximity
of heavy industry. The island has good quality roads and a network
of bus and taxi services.
Aegina
(Piraeus, 17.5 nautical miles.) Well known for pistachios
and ceramics, Aegina (Egina) makes a perfect
daytrip from Athens, thanks to its excellent
beaches, clear seas and proximity to Piraeus. Boats arrive
at the main port, Aegina Town. East from here, on top of a wooded
hill offering panoramic scene, stands the Temple of Aphaia
made up of 22 Doric columns erected in the 5th century
BC. On the coast, below the temple, Agia Marina is the island’s
very popular resort, thanks to its long sandy beach. South of
Aegina Town lies Perdika, a striking
fishing village with a good sandy beach and boat trips
running to the small wooded islands of Angistri
and Moni. Aegina is comparatively flat.
Bicycles are available for rent, and it is possible to take a
ride in a horsedrawn carriage. The island is also served by taxis
and buses.
Poros
(Piraeus, 35 nautical miles.) Poros is a thickly wooded
island separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow channel.
Regular boats cross over the channel from Galatas, on the Peloponnese
mainland. Service is also available from Piraeus. The island was
formed through the union of two smaller islands, Sphaeria
and Kalavria. The main settlement, Poros Town, is known
for its white buildings with blue woodwork, typical of
Greek island architecture. Nearby lie the remains of the Sanctuary
of Poseidon, built in the sixth century BC. The best
sand beaches lie at Neorio and Askeli
Hydra
(Piraeus, 42 nautical miles.) A barren, rocky, car-free
island, Hydra (Idra) is well-liked by artists
and jet-setters, primarily for the beauty of its chief
settlement and port, Hydra Town. Built into the hill overlooking
the harbour, Hydra Town is a labyrinth of steep cobbled
streets, filled with fashionable bars, restaurants
and art galleries. 500m above town stands a monastery,
offering fantastic views out over the sea. There are numerous
small hotels and private rooms to rent, though visitors
should make reservations well in advance as Hydra is extremely
busy through high season. Being so rocky, there are not
many good beaches, but it is possible to swim
south of town at Kaminia, Molos and Vlichos, and north
of town at Mandraki.
Spetses
(Piraeus, 35 nautical miles.) Situated at the southern extremity
of the Saronic Gulf, Spetses has long been a well liked
holiday retreat for wealthy Athenians, who are attracted here
by good beaches, beautiful pine woods and fresh air. Cars
are prohibited, except to residents. Bicycles are available for
hire, and the island is served by buses and taxis. There are many
good hotels and entertainment facilities in the chief settlement,
Spetses Town. The best beaches lie at Agia Pasaskevi and
Agia Anangiri.
Situated off the west coast of mainland Greece, the seven
Ionian Islands (Cephalonia, Corfu, Ithaki, Kythira, Lefkada, Paxi
and Zakinthos) are comparatively isolated from
one another. As a result, through the centuries each
one has developed its own identity. The most popular islands are
Corfu, Cephalonia and Kythira. Ferry connections to every destination
are given within their relative section.
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