INTERNATIONAL TOUR OPERATOR
Since 1985
SARONIC GULF ISLANDS
INTERNATIONAL TOUR OPERATOR
Since 1985
SARONIC GULF ISLANDS
The Saronic Gulf islands are among the
Athinians favorite resorts as they are located close to the capital. Each one of the five
islands has its own character and colour. The varied landscape and ancient archeological
sites are a magnet for both Greeks and visitors from abroad.
According to legend,
Aegina was named after the daughter of Asopos. She was kidnapped by Zeus who brought her
to the then, uninhabited island. There, they bore a son named Aiakos, who later became
king of the island. The archeological record shows the island to have been inhabited since
the Neolithic period and is thought to be the birthplace of the poet, Aristophanis.
The works of Pausanios state that the temples of Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis, Dionisos and Asklipios were located near the harbour. A pillar has been recovered from the temple of Apollo (Doric period - 6th century B.C.). It can be seen on the small picturesque hill named Kolonas. The most important archeological site is located on the east of the island near Agia Marina where the temple of Aphaia is to be found. Aphaia is an ancient goddess and protector of the island.
Apart from ancient ruins and relics the island has many sandy beaches for those who love the sea. The visitor can also find lots of small picturesque fishing villages and a varied landscape throughout the island. To the south of the capital lies the seaside village of Marathonas and along the coast is the beautiful fishing village of Perdika where small boats take visitors to the islands of Agistri and Moni.
Poros is a volcanic island which was
created from the joining of Kalavria and Sveria. It is located very close to Argolida in
the Peloponesse, separated only by a very narrow channel. The ancient ruins of the Temple
of Poseidon are to found 5 km from the main town, on the road to the monastery of
Zoodochos Pighis. The temple was built in the 6th century B.C. According to legend, this
is where Dimosthenis drank the "konio" poison and died.
The town of Poros is built in keeping with Greek island tradition with blue and white colours. On the road to Neorio there are numerous small inlets with sandy beaches and pine trees which almost reach the sea. Approaching the island from the sea provides an unforgettable view. On the other side of the town, small boats take visitors to Argolida, where there is a large lemon orchard.
This rocky island is famed as a
cosmopolitan and cultural centre and has played an important role in Greek history since
the 15th century. In the 18th century, the island was called by many "Small
England" due to its increased naval activity. Large mansions have survived from this
period and can still be seen as part of the characteristic architecture of the town. For
all those who love culture and art, Hydra is a famous meeting point and there are many
galleries throughout the island.
Lots of small churches and monasteries are to be found. The most famous being the Prophet Ilias, Agia Matrona and Agia Triada. There are beaches on the west of the island at Kaminia, Molos, Vlichos and Mandraki which is a former naval harbour. For those who have a boat, a trip around the island provides the visitor with some unforgettable views of the small inlets and harbours. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the island, adding to the unique nature of Hydra. The atmosphere inspires both artists and non-artists into creativity.
Spetses is located at the entrance of
the Argolikos bay. The island has been inhabited since 2,000 B.C. and ancient ruins have
been found at Agia Marina along with clay utensils and idols. In ancient times the island
was called "Pytiousa" since it was covered with pine trees. Today, the island is
famous its unique architecture, picturesque mansions and varied landscape. Also of note is
the landscape with a beautiful combination of pine trees, rocks, sand and sea. Motor
vehicles are not allowed on the island and the most popular means of transport are by
horse and cart or bicycle.
The most famous sites are the mansion of Bouboulina, the heroine of the 1821 revolution along with the mansion of Mexis which has now been turned into a museum. Also of note is the church of Agia Marina. Among the beaches on the island, the most well known are Agii Anargyri and Agia Paraskevi.
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