General information about the island of Salamina
Strengths:
-
Average:
Sea and beaches, points of interest, prices, nightlife, fairly suitable for families with children.
Weaknesses:
Excursions, connections, very crowded.
- Capital: Salamis
- Population: 38000
- Area: 96 km²
- Port: Paloukia
- Airport: no
- Public transportation: yes
- Car and motorcycle rental: yes
- Campsites: yes
Salamina (from Greek Σαλαμίνα) is the largest and northernmost island of the Saronic Islands, very close to Athens. It is only accessible by sea: from the nearby Perama (2 nautical miles), which is a suburb of Piraeus, or from Piraeus itself.
It has an area of 96 km² and about 38,000 inhabitants.
The island is predominantly flat. Its highest point is Mount Mavrovuni at 365 meters. In the past, it was entirely covered with pines, but now it is highly populated and built-up. Among the island's products, resinous wine is certainly the best known. Due to many recently established industrial plants, Salamina has lost some of its appeal for tourism. It is now mainly frequented by Greeks, particularly for its proximity to Athens.
The capital of Salamina is Salamis, located about 3 km from the main port (the second largest in Greece after Piraeus) in Paloukia on the east coast of the island. Currently, the island hosts the largest naval base of the Greek Navy.
Salamina is best known for a famous ancient naval battle, named after the island, in which the Greeks defeated the Persians commanded by Xerxes. It is also the birthplace of Ajax, the Homeric hero, and the playwright Euripides.
The island's road network is good and connects the main towns and beaches. There is a local bus service, taxis, and several car and scooter rental agencies.
