Description of Saronic Gulf Islands
The
Saronic Gulf Islands of
Argosaronic Gulf as it is commonly used in Greek, is an archipelago of islands spread in the Gulf on the south to the mainland of
Athens. The islands of
Hydra,
Poros,
Aegina,
Spetses are very popular for both mainlanders and foreign tourists because of their easy access and short distance of
Athens as day-trip destinations or summer resorts. There are many
hotels in each of the islands and their bays are often visited by yachters.
Geography of Saronic Gulf Islands
Saronic Gulf Islands are located south to the mainland of
Attica and west to
Peloponnese. The group comprise of the islands of:
Aegina,
Agistri,
Methana,
Poros,
Spetses,
Hydra and many uninhabited islets.
History of Saronic Gulf Islands
The islands of
Saronic Gulf have always been more or less under the historical shadow of the important mainland centres of
Attica and
Peloponnese. The highlight of their history is undoubtedly the
Battle of Salamis in 480 BC between Greeks and Persians with the fleet of Greeks blocking the Persian ships in the straights of
Salamis managed to score a decisive victory against the Persians. The island of
Aegina was at the crossroads of cultures and conflicting factions for thousands of years. Here we find traces of all periods of history: walls and foundations of the Bronze Age, Mycenaean remains, classical remains, Byzantine churches and medieval ruins of the city, monuments of the modern history of Greece for a short time which was the first capital under Kapodistrias.
Poros Island was oldest naval Amphictyony centre established in parts of the 7th century. BC. The history of islands of
Hydra and
Spetses, is better known for their maritime tradition in modern history at the end of 18th for their participation in the Greek War Independence in 1821.
Climate of Saronic Gulf Islands
The islands enjoy a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and pleasantly hot summers. The temperature in summer is lower than the mainland because of the sea breeze. The safe bays of the islands are ideal for yacht cruising.
