Discover Salamina

The Capital of Salamina 

The Town of Salamina, else known as Koulouri, is the capital of the island located on the west of the island. The modern town has mantained its traditional colour through its scenic neighboorhoods. One of the most beautiful parts of the town is the coast of Karaiskakis ans its palm trees. The most important monuments of Koulouri include the cathedral of Agios Minas, the church of Agios Dimitrios, the Windmills, the Monastery of Faneromeni and the Folklore Museum.

The Cave of Euripides 

The Cave of Euripides is one of the most important archaeological sites of Salamina located in the village of Peristeria. It is a narrow cave with the ten chambers approximately forty seven meters in depth. According to tradition, the great tragedian was born on Salamina in 480 BC, the day of the historic Battle of Salamina, and he used to compose his work in this cave. Archaeological excavations brought to light findings from the Neolithic period including stone objects, burials, pottery figurines and jewellery suggesting the long term use of the cave as a place of refuge and worship. In a close distance lie the foundations of the sanctuary of Dionysus.

The Monastery of Faneromeni 

The Monastery of Faneromeni is the most important religious monument of Salamina located in the verdant area of Faneromeni. The monastery is a triple domed basilica with a central dome while the interior of the main church is decorated with wall paintings from Georgios Markos. The church of Agioi Apostoli serves as an ecclesiastical museum exhibiting holy utensils, manuscripts, icons and guns from the Revolution of 1821. The national action of the monastery in the Revolution of 1821 is remarkable, as it served as a refugee for women and children. The cells of the monastery can accommodate pilgrims wishing to stay overnight. The monastery celebrates on August 23.

The Salamineia Festival  

The Salamineia Festival is one of the most important festivals of the island held in September. The festival hosts numerous cultural festivities commemorating the Great Naval Battle of Salamina.

The Tomb of the Fighters of Salamina 

The Tomb of the Fighters of Salamina is located on the area of cape Kinosoura. The site overlooks the sea on the area where the famous naval battle of Salamis took place in 480 BC. The circular tomb was built using limestone and gravel from sculptor Achilles Vasilleou in honour of the men who fought and died for Greece. It was one of the most important naval battles of all time that determined the final outcome of the Persian Wars. Themistocles developed a plan to fight the battle on a location favouring the smaller faster Greek ships. The Persian fleet was destroyed and the threat to conquer the Peloponnese faded along with it.

The Village of Ambelakia 

The Village of Ambelakia is a seaside village located on the east side of the island. It is a charming settlement and a fine sample of the traditional architecture of Salamina. Ambelakia has an authentic island beauty embellished with well preserved old houses and the narrow streets. The most important monuments of the area include the acropolis of Salamina, the tomb of the fighters of Salamina and the building of the city hall.

The Acropolis of Ancient Salamina is located in the area of Kanakia. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe remnants of the ancient town of Kolouris, the oldest settlement of Salamina.

The Cave of Euripides is one of the most important archaeological sites of Salamina located in the village of Peristeria. It is a narrow cave with the ten chambers approximately forty seven meters in depth. According to tradition, the great tragedian was born on Salamina in 480 BC, the day of the historic Battle of Salamina, and he used to compose his work in this cave. Archaeological excavations brought to light findings from the Neolithic period including stone objects, burials, pottery figurines and jewellery suggesting the long term use of the cave as a place of refuge and worship. In a close distance lie the foundations of the sanctuary of Dionysus.

The Kingdom of Ajax is located in the area of Kanakia. Archaeologist Yiannis Lolos found remnants of the palace while hiking on Salamis in 1999 and has led archaeological excavations for a period of six years. According to Lolos, this was the capital of Ajax and the seat of the maritime kingdom of Salamina that involved trade and piracy in the east Mediterranean.

The Tomb of the Fighters of Salamina is located on the area of cape Kinosoura. The site overlooks the sea on the area where the famous naval battle of Salamis took place in 480 BC. The circular tomb was built using limestone and gravel from sculptor Achilles Vasilleou in honour of the men who fought and died for Greece. It was one of the most important naval battles of all time that determined the final outcome of the Persian Wars. Themistocles developed a plan to fight the battle on a location favouring the smaller faster Greek ships. The Persian fleet was destroyed and the threat to conquer the Peloponnese faded along with it.

The Church of Agios Minas is the cathedral of the island located in the town of Salamina. It is one of the most beautiful churches of the country built in 1869. Inside the church, one can admire beautiful wall paintings from Polihronis Lembesis and Giannoulis Halepas. The church celebrates with a traditional celebration on November 11.

The Church of Agios Dimitrios was the first church of the island located in the center of the town. The church was built on the foundations of an ancient temple in 1806. Inside the church, one can admire beautiful wall paintings from Polihronis Lembesis and Giannoulis Halepas. The most historical part of the church is the tomb of Georgios Karaiskakis, one of the most important heroes of the Revolution of 1821.

The Church of Panagia Eleftherotria is an imposing church located on the hill of Patris. The church was built on the remains of the redoubts of the Germans in commemoration of the liberation of the island from the Germans on October 12, 1944. The church celebrated with a traditional celebration of October 12.

The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Lemonion is located on the west side of Mount Stavros. According to testimonies, the monastery was built in 1742. The architecture of the church of Agios Nikolaos is aisled basilica while the interior of the church is decorated with wall paintings from Nikolas Andrianos. The monastery played an important role in the Revolution of 1821, as it served as a place of refugee. In 1966, the monastery was transformed into a nunnery. In a close distance lies the chapel of Agios Ioannis Kalivitis.

The Monastery of Faneromeni is the most important religious monument of Salamina located in the verdant area of Faneromeni. The monastery is a triple domed basilica with a central dome while the interior of the main church is decorated with wall paintings from Georgios Markos. The church of Agioi Apostoli serves as an ecclesiastical museum exhibiting holy utensils, manuscripts, icons and guns from the Revolution of 1821. The national action of the monastery in the Revolution of 1821 is remarkable, as it served as a refugee for women and children. The cells of the monastery can accommodate pilgrims wishing to stay overnight. The monastery celebrates on August 23.

The Archaeological Museum of Salamina is located in the town of Salamina. The museum exhibits findings from the ancient city of Salamina and the settlements of Kanakia, Peristeria, Kynosoura and Aiantio. These include pottery vases, figures, bronze objects, stone tools and a rich collection of funerary and votive reliefs from the Neolithic period to the early years of Christianity.

The Historical and Folklore Art Museum of Salamina is housed in the new City Hall of the island. Exhibits include folklore artefacts of the history of Salamina including local costumes, furniture, utensils and ceramic objects of the daily life of the inhabitants.

The Municipal Library of Salamina is housed in the new City Hall of the island. Exhibits include 15.000 books and 10.000 titles of all categories as well as a newspaper archive of local interest and archive publications of Salaminian writers.

The House of Angelos Sikelianos has been declared as a historical monument from the Ministry of Culture. Angelos Sikelianos was one of the greatest poets of Greece who was residing in this house. The monument has been converted into a museum.

The Maritime Museum of Salamina is an open-air museum located in the harbour of Paloukia. Exhibits include maritime objects from the marine tradition of the island.

The Lighthouse of Salamina is located on the southernmost side of the island. It is a stone built lighthouse that was constructed in 1901. The monument offers spectacular views of the surrounding areas.

The Metrology Relief of Salamina is the second metrological relief in the world. Exhibits include a plaque from hard limestone reliefs depicting the human body that correspond to metric units.

The Sculpture of the Fighters of Salamina is a monument dedicated to the fighters of Salamina located in the region of Kinosoura. The site is built on the place where the famous naval battle of Salamis took place in 480 BC. The statue was built from sculptor Achilles Vasilleou with limestone and gravel.

The Windmills of Salamina were built in the 18^th century on the hill of Agios Nikolaos. The two windmills are the sole surviving from the ten windmills built in the first post-revolutionary years of Salamina. The windmills were built with the intention of insuring the food needs of the island.

Aiantio, else known as Moulki, is a seaside town located on the east side of the island. It is a beautiful settlement with a traditional character embellished with beautiful cottages and pine gardens. Enjoy the crystal clean waters of the homonymous beach and taste the fresh fish at the seaside taverns. Worth visiting areas include the church of Panagia, the settlement of Nato and the Monastery of Agios Nektarios.

Ambelakia is a seaside village located on the east side of the island. It is a charming settlement and a fine sample of the traditional architecture of Salamina. Ambelakia has an authentic island beauty embellished with well preserved old houses and the narrow streets. The most important monuments of the area include the acropolis of Salamina, the tomb of the fighters of Salamina and the building of the city hall.

Kanakia is a seaside village located on the northwest side of the island. The charming settlement has an atmoshpere of tranquility ideal for those looking for relaxation. Among the most interesting sights of the area are the monastery of Agios Nikolaos Lemonion and the acropolis of Salamina.

Paloukia is the harbour of Salamina located on the northeast side of the island. Ferryboats arrive here from the harbours of Perama and Pireaus.

Peristeria is a seaside village located on the south side of the island. It is a beautiful settlement with  embellished with picturesque coves and rocky seashores. Worth visiting sights include the cave of Euripides and the temple of Dionysus.

Salamina, else known as Koulouri, is the capital of the island located on the west of the island. The modern town has mantained its traditional colour through its scenic neighboorhoods. One of the most beautiful parts of the town is the coast of Karaiskakis ans its palm trees. The most important monuments of Koulouri include the cathedral of Agios Minas, the church of Agios Dimitrios, the Windmills, the Monastery of Faneromeni and the Folklore Museum.

Selinia is a seaside village located on the east side of the island. It is a beautiful settlement embellished with neocllasical houses and traditional mansions. The area is an ideal place for those looking for tranquility and relaxation. Selinia is known for its delicious fresh fish taverns. Worth visiting sights include the Library and the Church of Agios Nikolaos.

Spot: Lighthouse of Salamina, South Salamina

Spot: Theatre of Euripides, West Salamina

Spot: Village of Ambelakia, East Salamina

Boat Trip:  The Island of Aegina is the most endearing island of the Athenian lying just sixteen miles away from the beautiful capital of Greece. The island character is revealed from the glorious mountainous beauty of the slopes of Hellanian Mountain while the whitewashed houses and the neoclassical mansions lying at the narrow cobblestone streets of Hora give a charming aura to the island. Whether you want to explore the pine wood vegetation of the north and the dramatic rocky coastline of the east, or the fishing village of the south and the olive and pistachio groves of the west, you will definitely find your own natural beauty corner on this island.

Boat Trip: The Island of Agistri is an idyllic island with a tranquil atmosphere endowed by pristine tropical seashores and charming coves surrounded from dense vegetation of pine trees and low green hills. Traditional villages, whitewashed houses with flowery courtyards and terraces, exotic beaches with azure waters, pine and olive trees and scents of thyme and oregano will take your breath away. The hospitality of the islanders, the calmness of the virgin nature, the emerald waters of the sea will compensate the travellers from the first moment!

Bicycling: The countryside of Salamina is an ideal place for cycling lovers. There are numerous bicycle rentals on the island where you can rent a bicycle and discover the beaches and villages of Salamina along with the forest of Kanakia.

Camping: Are you a camping lover? You will find campsites in the village of Kaki Vigla and Agios Nikolaos.

Horse riding: Salamina offers invigorating experiences of riding a horse along the seashore. You can find the riding school in the village of Kanakia.

Walking: Salamina hosts numerous paths ideal for lovers of walking. The forest of Faneromeni and the forest of Kanakia are perfect for walking and picnics.

Iliakti is a pebbled and sandy beach with azure waters and verdant vegetation located on the western side of Salamina. It is considered to be the most beautiful beach of the island.

Kanakia is a secluded pebbled beach with crystal clear waters located on the southeast side of the island. At the edge of the beach, there is a small marina for sailboats. The beach is well organized and has taverns.

Kaki Vigla is a sandy beach with crystal clear waters and verdant vegetation located on the southern side of the island. The beach is ideal for snorkelling.

Limnionas is an idyllic pebbled beach with crystal clear waters. The beach is rather secluded ideal for those who are looking for tranquillity and isolation.

Nato is a long sandy beach with crystal clear waters located in front of the homonymous settlement. The beach is well organized with numerous amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas and water sport facilities. The beach has taverns and beach bars.

Peristeria is a pebbled beach with crystal clear waters located on the southeast side of the island. The beach is considered to be one of the cleanest beaches of the island and it is ideal for those looking for an isolated and peaceful place. There are numerous taverns in the area.

Psili Ammos is a white sandy beach with crystal clear waters and cedar trees located on the northwest side of the island. The beach offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas.  There are numerous taverns in the area.

Saterli is a dark pebbled beach with crystal clear waters with a scenic waterfront tavern. The beach is rather secluded ideal for those who are looking for tranquillity and isolation.

Vasilika is a pebbled beach with crystal clear waters adorned from the charming chapel of Agioi Anargyroi. The beach is well organized with beach bars.

Coffee Corners

Begnis Pastry Shop: Pastries, Salamina Town

Coffee Shops: Coffee, Beach of Nato

Coffee Shops: Coffee, Agios Nikolaos

Estoril Café: Coffee, Salamina town

Paliria: Coffee, Aiantio

Gastronomic Delights

Agirovoli : Seafood, Salamina Town

Bakothanassis : Seafood, Salamina Town

Entefxis: Greek Cuisine, Salamina Town

Kakias : Seafood, Coast of Karaiskaki

Karnagio: Seafood, Salamina Town

Kohili: Ouzo and Meze, Salamina Town

Krinos : Greek Cuisine, Coast of Karaiskaki

Megali Skala: Ouzo and Meze, Coast of Karaiskaki

Cocktails Inspirations

Aiantio: Cocktails and Drinks, Kaki Vigla

Belair: Cocktails and Drinks, Salamina town

Castello Club: Cocktails and Drinks, Vasilika

The local products of the island include mussels, octopus and shrimps and meat dishes including roast lamb and pork.

The local specialties of the island include custard filled phyllo pastry called galaktoboureko, kougougoulouari, a type of pumpkin pie, moustoukouloura, a type of traditional cookie and the bread baked in wood oven.

Every spring, the Carnival of Salamina takes place in the island of Salamina.

Every May, the Karaiskakeia Festival takes place in the island of Salamina hosting a series of athletic and cultural events in honour of Georgios Karaiskakis, one of the greatest heroes of the Greek War of Independence.

Every August, the Aiantia Festival takes place in the island of Salamina hosting a series of cultural, musical, theatrical and athletic special events.

Every end of August, the Fishermen Festival is organized from the Fishery Association of Salamina.

Every 23^rd of August, the traditional celebration in honour of Virgin Mary takes place at the Monastery of Faneromeni.

Every September, the Salamineia Festival takes places in the island of Salamina hosting a series of cultural festivities with the intention of commemorating the Great Naval Battle of Salamina.

Every year, the Festival of the Municipality of Salamina takes place at the Euripidean Theatre hosting a series of cultural events, theatrical shows and concerts.

Every year, the Festival of the Municipality of Ambelakia takes place at the Stone Theatre in Selinia hosting a series of cultural events.

Mythology

According to mythology, Salamina was named after the homonymous daughter of Asopos, the river god, with whom Poseidon fell in love and gave birth to Cychreus, the first king of the island. Telamon was the second king of the island who married Glauce, the daughter of Cychreus, and after her death he married Erivia who gave birth to legendary Aias (Ajax), the leader of the Salaminian army of the Trojan War.

History

Archaeological findings show that Salamina was has been inhabited since the Neolithic times. The most noteworthy historical event of the island is the Great Battle of Salamis, which resulted in the naval victory of the Alliance of Greek States Fleet against the Persian Empire in 480 BC. During the Turkish occupation, Salamina gained certain benefits owing to its strategic geographical position while the inhabitants of the island were active contributors to the struggle for liberation. Salaminians participated in the Orloff Revolt whilst the Society of Friends, a society that was formed to encourage the War of Independence, was formed under the leadership of the abbot of the Monastery of Faneromeni. During the Revolution of 1821, Salamina took a vital role in the struggle for independence assisting the leading members of the revolution as a place of hospitality and a military hospital. At the end of the revolution, Salamina enjoyed a development of maritime professions and the establishment of the Hellenic Naval Base. The Salaminians played also an important role in the resistance during the German Occupation (1941-1944).

By Boat (6 and 1 Nautical Mile): Salamina is accessible by boat from the harbour of Piraeus. The journey usually lasts forty minutes.  Salamina is also accessible by boat from the harbour of Perama. The journey usually lasts fifteen minutes. The quickest way to travel to the island is traveling with the ferryboat service from Perama, a suburb of Piraeus, which leaves every 15 minutes. Book your tickets with FerriesinGreece.com !