SARONIC AND ARGOLIC GULF

The five Saronic Gulf Islands are the closest group to Athens. The Saronic Gulf is named after the mythical King Saron of Argos, a keen hunter who drowned while pursuing a deer that had swum into the gulf to escape. Highlights are the rambling ruins of the old town of Paleohora on Aegina, views over the Saronic Gulf from the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina, and exploring the backroads of Spetses by motorcycle. Spetses has the best beaches, but these islands are not the place to be if you want long stretches of golden sand. And except for the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina, the islands have no significant archaeological remains. Nevertheless, the islands are a popular escape for Athenians.

AEGINA
Aegina is the closest of the Greek Islands to Athens. Aegina Town is located on the west coast and is the island’s capital and main port. A column is all that’s left of the 5th century Temple of Apollo, which once stood on the Hill of Koloni. The site, on the far side of the town beach also has a museum. The splendid well-preserved Doric Temple of Aphaia a local deity of pre-Hellenic times is the major ancient city of the Saronic Gulf Islands. The ruins of Paleohora are fascinating to explore as well the Monasteries of Moni Agiou Nektariou and Moni Hrysolentissas. The Pistachios of the island are extremely delicious they gained European Union Protection. Do not forget to enjoy the crystal-clear blue waters of Aegina.

DOKOS
Dokos is a small island of the Saronic Gulf, between Hydra, Spetses, and the mainland coast of the Peloponnesus. The landscape of the island is rocky and mountainous, reaching a height of 308 meters, and is therefore ideal for hiking lovers. In 1975 there was a huge discovery of a wreck near Dokos that has been dated around 2700-2200 BC and is the oldest underwater shipwreck known! On the east side of the island lie the ruins of a great Byzantine Venetian Castle. Not only has the island historically a few sites to offer, but also let us not forget the breathtaking views and the perfect turquoise-colored waters. Dokos is a very popular stop for yachts.

HYDRA
Hydra is the Saronic Gulf Island with the most style. The gracious white and pastel stone mansions that line the hills around Hydra Town’s beautiful harbor are a reminder of the days in the 18th and 19th centuries when Hydra ruled the waves in the Mediterranean. Hydra has no motorized transport except for sanitation and construction vehicles. Donkeys (hundreds of them) are the only means of transport. The name Hydra suggests the island once had plenty of water. Hydra has many walking paths where you can easily visit some monasteries like the Moni Profiti Ilias, Moni Efpraxias, Moni Zourvas, Moni Agias Triadas, and Moni Agios Nikolaos. The pebble beaches of Hydra are in Mandraki, Kamini, and Vlyhos.

POROS
The island of Poros is little more than a stone’s throw from the mainland. Poros has few places of interest and its beaches Kanali Beach, and Neorion Beach are fine. The best beach is located at Russian Bay, 1.5 km past Neorion. The 18th century Moni Zoödohou Pigis on Kalavria has a beautiful gilded iconostasis from Asia Minor. There is not much left of the Temple of Poseidon, but the walk is worthwhile for the scenery on the way. Poros Town is the island’s main settlement, a pretty town of white houses with terracotta-tiled roofs, and there are wonderful views over to the mountain of Argolis. The Peloponnesus mainland opposite Poros can easily be explored from the island. The celebrated citrus groves of Lemonoadassos and the Ruins of ancient Troizen are worth visiting.

SPETSES
Pine-covered Spetses is the most distant of the group from Piraeus. The island was known in antiquity as Pityoussa (meaning ‘pine-covered’). The pine-covered hills that greed the visitor today is a legacy of the wealthy philanthropist Sotirios Anargyrios. He bought two-thirds of the then largely barren island and planted the Aleppo pines that stand today. No cars are permitted on the island. The old harbor is a delightful place to explore. It is ringed by old Venetian buildings and filled with boats- from colorful little fishing boats to luxury cruising yachts. Spetses Town has a few museums worth the visit, including the beautiful mansion of Lascarina Bouboulina. Spetses coastline has numerous coves with small, pine-shaded beaches.