Salamis of the Saronic Isles
Salamis lies in the small bay opposite Piraeus, Elefsina
and Megara.
The heavy industry in the area has blighted the natural beauty of the island, but its name
still evokes its illustrious past. Salamis, birthplace of the tragic poet Euripides, made
its mark on history with the famous battle in 480 B.C., when the Greeks routed the fleet
of Xerxes, consolidating the Greek miracle.
Today the strait where the battle was fought is plied by the ferries linking Perama and
Paloukia.
Pausanias in his guide speaks about Salamis, mentioning the Agora and the ruins of the
temple of Aiakos and the related mysteries. He also refers to the Sanctuaries of
Asclepius, Dionysus and Artemis. Echoes of the Byzantine era are also present, in the
convent of the Virgin Faneromeni and the remarkable frescoes in its church.
Today's tourists will also enjoy the sandy beaches of Iliakti, Moulki, Kanakia and
Peristeria.
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