Itineraries
February 17, 2024 by yiannis
Explore the attractive and special islands from Athens.
Aegina
The island of Aegina is one of the most popular tourist destinations as it is the closest island to Athens (only 16.5 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus).
- Archaeological Museum of Kolona, Aegina.
- Markellos Tower built by Markellos, a 1821 War of Independence hero and later Governor of the island, which now houses the Kapodistrias Spiritual Center.
- Kapodistrias Orphanage, the first public building during Kapodistrias’ administration.
- Eunardeio, a 1829 building in Doric style.
- Aegina Cathedral, the first Cathedral of the Modern Greek State, which also housed Kapodistrias Government and the first parliament of the modern Greek State.
Discovering the Island
Even though the island is small, it boasts a great number of sights and natural beauties. The island’s highlight is the famous Aphea Temple. It forms in fact an equilateral triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, the so-called “holy triangle” of the antiquity. Aegina town, the capital of the island, stands out for its well-preserved buildings. On the outskirts you can find charming little villages with distinctive traditional character, such as Agia Marina, Perdika, Souvala, Kypseli, Agii and Vagia. Aegina is also surrounded by many smaller islands such as Moni, Metopi, Diaportia, Lagouses, Kyra, Dorousa, Spalathonisi, Anonyma that you can visit by boat from the port of Aegina.
Agistri
Agistri is a small pine-clad island, with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters; it’s a popular destination for all those keen on outdoor sports such as hiking, cycling, sailing, kayaking or horse riding. The place is ideal for those of you who wish to take a break from your daily routine, and enjoy some peace and quiet, long walks in the countryside, great food and lovely beaches.
Discovering the Island
Myth has it that the island’s name, Agistri (meaning “hook”), is owed to travellers who reached its shores and were captured by, “hooked” on its beauty, and inevitably grew a longing to stay there permanently.
Since ancient times, Megalochori (the island capital) has been a safe haven for ships which carried goods and supplies to its harbour. Over the ages, Agistri shared the history of neighbouring Aegina Island. Legend has it that it was part of the kingdom of Aiakos of Aegina, and it is believed that modern-day Agistri was ancient Kekryfaleia, known to have been an ally of Aegina during the Trojan War.
There are three villages on the island: Megalochori, Limenaria, and Skala. Visit them, get to know the local traditions, and taste delicious local dishes. Stroll along the island’s picturesque little alleys, visit the traditional coffee houses and the windmill.
Hydra
The Lady of the Argosaronic Gulf
A rich naval tradition and a cosmopolitan island ambience are the defining characteristics of Hydra – a popular island in the Argosaronic Gulf – which attracts every year many personalities and jet-setters from Greece and abroad. Apart from being a popular sailing destination, Hydra is also very interesting from an architectural point of view, as a number of luxury residences, built by Italian craftsmen, are scattered on the island.Discovering the Island
Hydra was the favourite destination and place of residence of painter Nikos Hatzikyriakos-Ghika, Leonard Cohen, and Henry Miller. It is also the birthplace of painter Panagiotis Tetsis, and of many other famous artists, writers etc. The island’s great beauty was appreciated also by celebrities such as Maria Callas, Pablo Picasso, and Sophia Loren. The grand houses of the local fighters for the Greek War of Independence (1821) are now museums which offer their visitors an insight into that particular period in Greek history. If you are interested in religious monuments, there are some 300 churches and 6 monasteries you can visit on the island. You will enjoy strolling about the streets of the picturesque Hydra town and the harbour; take trips in the countryside, while drinking in the amazing views over the Aegean Sea, swim in deep blue waters and savour tasty dishes in the local tavernas. Walking about the island is a true pleasure as it is car-free.
Poros
The greenest island of the Argosaronic Gulf
Its beauty has been praised by popular poets and prose writers, such as Georgios Seferis, Ioulia Dragoumi and the American writer Henry Miller. Pinewoods cover the island’s hills, and go all the way to the sandy beaches. The Poros Strait, and the seaside area of Galata with its pine, olive, and lemon groves surround the picturesque Poros town, where beautiful neoclassical buildings grace the seafront; it’s a place of great beauty!Discovering the Island
Poros is the ideal destination for watersports and activities such as swimming; visit the beaches at Mikro Neorio and Megalo Neorio, as well as the one at Limanaki tis Agapis (meaning ‘The Cove of Love’). Go diving in the crystal clear waters and sail through the nearby islands and off the coast of the Peloponnese. You can also explore the inland; go biking and hiking through Poros’ pinewoods. Poros is made up of two islands, Sferia (named after Sferos, the charioteer of Pelopas, a mythical king of the Peloponnese) and Kalavria (meaning ‘fine breeze’); a small bridge connects the two islands. At first, Kalavria was dedicated to god Apollo, who later ceded the island to god Poseidon in exchange for the Oracle of Delphi. It is a green island with freshwater springs and streams. The smaller Sferia Island is a volcanic rock, where present-day Poros town was built.
Salamina
According to the myth, the name Salamina (Salamis) was given to the island by Kychreas in honour of his mother Salamis, one of the five daughters of the river god Asopos.
Discovering the Island
Municipality of Salamina Folk Art and History Museum: It host exhibits of the island’s history, including a collection of local costumes, furniture, agricultural tools, weapons and ceramic items.
Maritime museum: An outdoor museum in the area of Paloukia exhibiting cannons and torpedoes.
Ancient port: The ancient port is located in the area of Ambelakia and dates back to the 4th century BC. The port contributed significantly to the economic development of the ancient city of Salamis. The famous naval battle of Salamis also took place here. Ambelakia is the oldest village on the island, 4 km south of Salamina, and it certainly worths a visiting!
Churches and Monasteries like Faneromeni Monastery, Agios Nikolaos Kalyvitis and Agios Dimitrios Church.
If you want to swim, visit the southern side of the island, where the beaches are cleaner. The most popular beaches are Selinia, Kanakia, Faneromeni, Saterli and Kaki Vigla.
Maritime museum: An outdoor museum in the area of Paloukia exhibiting cannons and torpedoes.
Ancient port: The ancient port is located in the area of Ambelakia and dates back to the 4th century BC. The port contributed significantly to the economic development of the ancient city of Salamis. The famous naval battle of Salamis also took place here. Ambelakia is the oldest village on the island, 4 km south of Salamina, and it certainly worths a visiting!
Churches and Monasteries like Faneromeni Monastery, Agios Nikolaos Kalyvitis and Agios Dimitrios Church.
If you want to swim, visit the southern side of the island, where the beaches are cleaner. The most popular beaches are Selinia, Kanakia, Faneromeni, Saterli and Kaki Vigla.
Methana
The peninsula of Methana with its two steep volcanic slopes is actually a volcano that emerged from the sea! Welcome the opportunity to explore a stunning volcanic landscape with dense vegetation, coastal villages and diverse flora and fauna. The establishment of the spa complex in 1870 made it a popular spa town attracting mainly senior citizens from many European countries.
Discovering the Island
Follow a fascinating route to the fishing village of Agios Georgios and on to the Baths of Pausanias, one of the peninsula’s hot springs, or follow the footsteps of the ancient historian Pausanias to the ancient city of Méthana. In the village of Paleókastro stand the remains of the classical walls and gates of an acropolis, the rest of which fell into the sea due to a volcanic eruption.
The peninsula boasts approximately 32 volcanoes. Climbing to the largest crater is a truly challenging experience. Start from Kameni Hora and follow the path on a 25-minute climb to the lip of the volcano. Step on now solid red lava flows and take in views of a different world of savage black, red and green crags and sharp abysses… Last but not least, soak up the atmosphere along the island’s volcanic beaches (Nissaki Agion Anargiron, Limnionas and Vathy).
Kythnos
Simply irresistible
Despite its proximity to Attica’s coast, Kythnos is one of the lesser-known islands in the Cyclades. The southern part is practically uninhabited, and in the north you will find Merichas (where the island harbour is located), Chora or Mesaria (the island capital), Loutra and Dryopida.Discovering the Island
Kythnos wears the standard blue and white colours of the Cyclades, its countryside is dotted with bald hills, dry-stone walls that stretch for kilometres ahead and more than 350 snow white little chapels scattered around the island. It has more than 65 beaches (the majority ending in off-road access tracks) and picturesque villages with the narrow cobbled streets, the white-washed houses, squares, churches and windmills.
Kea (or Tzia)
The island of Kea (aka Tzia) is a famous and charming Cycladic island with age-old traditions and interesting history. Its landscape will catch your attention with its green fields, high hills, vineyards, olive groves, ravines, coves and secluded beaches.
Discovering the Island
Visit the largest oak forest in the Cyclades and keep an eye out for the rich bird fauna. Explore its numerous caves (Trypospilies Cave at Kalamos, Agios Timotheos Cave, and Agios Panteleimonas Cave) and the mining area at Orkou. Follow the 81 km paths and discover four ancient city-states of the island (Ioulida – Karthaia – Korissia – Poieessa).
Kea is a famous sailing destination mainly due to its proximity to Attica. Its waters are great for divers as a large number of shipwrecks reside on the sea bottom.
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