Salamis Island

Nearby  to Athens  is Salamis island, a destination ideal for fun and relaxation. A beautiful island, surrounded by modern coffee shops and traditional restaurants, beautiful beaches and plentiful historical and religious sights. The island was named ‘’Salamina’’

by  King Kychreas, as a tribute to his mother, Salamina, Aegina’s sister, and one of the 50 daughters of River God, Asopus. The Battle of Salamis was a naval battle between the Greeks and the Empire of Persia in 480 BC,  in the straits οf Salamis and  the mainland of Athens. Salamis is the homeland of mythological king Aias and one of  the greatest  tragic greek poets, Euripides. You may visit the island of Salamis to break out of Athens hustle and bustle, just through a 15-minute route.

 

Every 15 minutes a boat  is departing from Perama (route 15 min) or a ferry (24hours a day) to Port of Salamis (Paloukia) and vice versa. From Piraeus  are departing boats daily (route 40 min) and from Faneromeni area  to Nea Peramos every 30 min (route  3min).The most popular attractions of the island are : the Folklore Museum and the library at the new town hall,  Archaeological Museum, Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni,  Tomb of Karaiskakis, Panayia Eleftherotria Chapel, St. Nicolas Lemonia Historic Monastery (17^th.c.), Euripides Cave – Dionysus Temple, St.John Kalivitis Chapel (10th c.), one of the most historic and religious attractions in Salamina.
 Archaeological Museum  is really popular for its  about 3000 exhibits, archaeological finds from excavations on the island of Salamis, from prehistoric times to ancient times. Residence of well known Greek poet, Angelos Sikelianos, is located in the beach of Faneromeni Monastery. Next to the residence is located a bust of the great Greek poet. The amazing-ancient type - Euripides Theater hosts theatrical performances and cultural events. In Salamis island, you also will admire beautiful windmills, which were built in the 19th century. 
The most well known landmarks – villages in Salamina are Paloukia  (port), Salamis, Ampelakia, Faneromeni, Aianteio, Selinio. There are many options to enjoy a wonderful swim at the beaches: Banio, Kanakia, Aias Club, Resti, NATO, Peristeria, Saterli, Aianteio, Mpatsi, KakiVigla, Selinia, Coast Karaiskaki, Kolones, Pyrgiakoni, Lamprano, Kiriza, Lymniona, Yala, Psili Ammos, Steno faneromeni, Iliakti, Agios Georgios Beach, Vasilika but also  there are organized Municipal Beaches,  such as the beach  “Zephyros“ in Aianteio and “Spithari“ in Resti area.

Posted www.athens24.gr  By Evelina Nodara