Destination Saronic Gulf Islands
The Argo Saronic Gulf Islands are very close to Athens and Piraeus, making them a popular getaway for Greeks. The Argo Saronic Greek Islands include; Salamina, Aegina, Angistri, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses. These islands are beautiful and are ideal for a one day get-away, or for a few weeks. The islands are very green, and you can find secluded bays to enjoy the crystal clear waters. The towns are quaint, with pretty harbours, cobblestone streets, and neo-classical buildings.
• Discover the Argo Saronic Gulf Islands A-Z
» Discover Aegina
The capital of the island of Aegina is the town of Aegina, situated at the northwestern end of the island. Due to its proximity to Athens, it is a popular quick getaway during the summer months, with quite a few Athenians owning second houses on the island. The island produces crops of grain, with some cotton, vines, almonds, olives and figs, but the most characteristic crop of Aegina is pistachio …
» Discover Angistri
Angistri is very close to the larger Saronic island of Aegina. The island can be reached from Aegina by a number of boats in just ten minutes. These boats include the Angistri Express and a number of small "water taxis". The island is also an hour's boat ride from the large Athenian port of Piraeus. There are only three settlements on Angistri - Milos (Megalohori), Skala and Limenaria …
» Discover Hydra
There is one main town on Hydra, known simply as Hydra port. It consists of a crescent-shaped harbor, around which is centered a strand of restaurants, shops, markets, and galleries that cater to tourists and locals (Hydriots). Steep stone streets lead up and outwards from the harbor area. Most of the local residences, as well as the hostelries on the island are located on these streets …
» Discover Poros
Poros consists of two islands: Sphairia, the southern part, which is of volcanic origin, where today's city is located, and Kalaureia, also Kalavria or Calauria (meaning 'gentle breeze'), the northern and largest part. A bridge connects the two islands over a narrow isthmus. The Municipality of Poros also includes a part of the mainland, Kyani Akti, at the easternmost point of the Peloponnese Peninsula, between the island of Poros and the island of Hydra …
» Discover Salamis
Salamis is the largest Greek island in the Saronic Gulf, about 1 nautical mile (2 km) off-coast from Piraeus and about 16 km west of Athens. The chief city, Salamina (city), lies in the west-facing core of the crescent on Salamis Bay, which opens into the Saronic Gulf. The island's main port, Paloukia, in size second only to Piraeus, is on the eastern side …
» Discover Spetses
Tourism grew in Spetses in the 19th Century as a result of the close proximity of a British Navy training ground. Officers would come to Spetses on leave and the large, neoclassical Hotel Poseidonion (still the biggest hotel on Spetses) was built to accommodate them. In the 1960s and 1970s, the island attracted a number wealthy Greek vacationers from Athens and elsewhere, owning villas or living on large yachts in the port …
» Temple of Aphaea on Aegina
The Temple of Aphaea, or Aphaia, is located within a sanctuary complex dedicated to the goddess Aphaia on the Greek island of Aigina, which lies in the Saronic Gulf. It stands on a peak on the eastern side of the island approximately 13 km east by road from the main port. Aphaia was a Greek goddess who was worshipped exclusively at this sanctuary …
