The Saronic Gulf, sometimes called the Argosaronic Gulf, is situated between Attica and the Peloponnese. In this location, just off the Greek mainland, the Saronic Gulf islands – Aegina, Angistri, Hydra, Poros, Salamina and Spetses – find their home. At a distance of an hour of so from Athens, they are hugely popular islands and make the perfect idyllic getaway when Athenian experience becomes overwhelming.
As always, the Greek islands are brimming with myth and history. The home of Theseus was in the Saronic and there are numerous sanctuaries to all the gods from Zeus to Athina. There are Neolithic remains here and caves that once hid Greek revolutionary leaders as they strategised for the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire.
These islands are also sources of great creativity and there are many artists, musicians and writers that call the Saronic Gulf home. The island of Aegina is the closest one to Athens. Named after the mythological Aegina, daughter of the Asopus, the river god, and Metope, a nymph, this island boasts a history dating back to the Neolithic Age and a sublime temple to the goddess Athena. Aegina Greece, located at 37°45' N 23°26' E, is a verdant island known for its great production of colourful pistachios.
The Greek Island has a lovely capital full of fine neoclassical buildings and narrow alleys where one can enjoy fresh fish and excellent appetizers in the taverns of the fish market, in the heart of the town. The 5th century BC temple of Aphaia can be visited; it is located in an area full of olive and pine trees, overlooking the deep blue sea. It is the Flying Dolphin hydrofoil that makes the journey from Athens to the island and arrival brings one to the picturesque port of Aegina.
Angistri island is small and hugely popular with discerning Athenians who escape the chaos of the city on a weekend and arrive at this fishing island with spectacular beaches .
Hydra is famous because Leonard Cohen used to live here. No beaches to write home about, but the village is stunning and the atmosphere is festive. The typical restaurants and cafes that line the waterfront are always active and provide excellent nutrition and a place for socialising and just sitting back and watching the island locals go about their daily activities.
Poros is another island close to the Athenian capital and easily accessible. Poros not only links to Athens but also to other islands, such as the Cyclades, which makes island-hopping a favourite activity.
Salamina island is known around Greece and the “Jewel of the Saronic.” It's not the most idyllic destination, situated not far from Pireaus and busy with factories and industry, but there are some excellent beaches here and, of course, this is where the great Battle of Salamis was fought.
In fact, these days it is probably Spetses that s the real jewel of the Saronic, what with its beaches of paradise and its pine forests. Spetses is also the place on which John Fowles based his famous book The Magus and indeed the mystical atmosphere in the novel is echoed throughout this island and from here through the rest of the Saronic.
The Saronic Gulf islands may seen poor in comparison to what other Greek islands, such as the Cyclades, have to offer, but this is precisely their charm. If you are tired of the tourist trail, then the Saronic Gulf islands are an excellent alternative rich in island culture, ancient history and monuments, excellent night-life, lazy beaches, impressive and imposing architecture, and the same Greek hospitality you will on all the other islands
