About Salamin

Source www.greece-is.com

Among the hundreds of amazing destinations that Greece has to offer, Salamina has its own, distinct identity: an island once ruled by King Ajax of Telamon (of Trojan War fame) and immortalized by Euripides. It is a place of warriors and poets, steeped in incredible history, the crowning chapter of which was a great naval battle between the Greeks and the Persians 2,500 years ago.

The fish market

The main fish market of Salamina Town is, in short, quaint and inviting, a great place for a quick look around or for getting fresh fish at good prices. You’ll find cod, blue whiting, blotched picarel, cuttlefish, flying squid, octopus and other species from the waters around nearby Saronic islands, such as Aegina, Poros and Hydra.

More than 2,500 years of history

The old elementary school that’s now home to the island’s Archaeological Museum is one of the loveliest buildings on Salamina. Exhibits here present the history of the island (which in ancient times was named Salamis after the daughter of the god Asopus but also been known as known as Pitiousa, Skira and Kychreia), including its colonization by Aegina in prehistoric times. There are also displays on the stratagems of lawmaker Solon, who helped the Athenians take possession of the island after it had fallen to Megara and, of course, material concerning the famed naval battle. Among the other archaeological finds from different periods is a section of a vase engraved with the name of Euripides, found in the cave in Peristeria.

Kolones: A notable ancient monument

Locals used to believe it to be a temple dedicated to Ajax, though it was later identified as a 4th-century AD funerary monument with four graves belonging to members of a wealthy family. It is circular in shape and has been restored using 99 ancient and 22 new stone blocks.

From Ai-Dimitris to Aghios Minas

As you drive around Salamina, you may notice that there are churches everywhere. The two best-known and prettiest ones are Aghios Minas (with an icon of the saint that is said to work miracles and is always adorned with offerings) and Ai-Dimitris. Both boast work by the renowned Greek sculptor Yannoulis Chalepas.

Naval history and traditional dress

Apart from its archaeological museum, Salamina also has two more noteworthy museums, one dedicated to its naval history and one to its folk customs, both located in the town hall of Salamina Town. The Museum of Folk Art showcases the island’s sartorial traditions with displays of period costumes like that of the charcoal seller with the black felt cap or the traditional wedding gown with brightly colored detailing, gold stripes and chiffon. The Maritime Museum has displays of maps and navigational instruments, among other items.

Sunset at the poet’s house

For an idea of what Salamina Town looked like several decades ago (its older architecture has been replaced almost entirely by new apartment blocks), take a walk along Faneromenis Avenue to the home of the famous Greek poet Angelos Sikelianos (1884-1951) and his wife Anna. It overlooks the sea and boasts white walls that contrast well with the blue window frames and door. The best time to visit is at sunset, as the sky turns red and orange and the sea shimmers in the dying light of day.

Euripides’ Cave

The cave was used by inhabitants of the island as far back as the Neolithic period (5300-4300 BC) as a place of worship; it became a burial site in Mycenean times and is now famous as the retreat where Euripides went to write in the Classical period. As you near it, you’ll spot a fenced-off area of ruins belonging to a sanctuary where both the god Dionysus and the ancient playwright were worshiped.

Horseback riding through the pines

The Salamina Riding Club, located in the middle of a large pine forest, offers a range of activities. This is a great place to spend the day as a family, taking riding and jumping classes. The club, which was founded in 2010, has both horses and ponies available.

Diving for everyone

The Salamina Diving Center is open all year round, and while it maintains an office in the island’s main town, in the summer its base of operations is at the Aias Beach Club in Maroudi. It offers snorkeling (from ages 8 and up); the Discover program (ages 10+) for novices, with dives at two meters; three-day courses (free diving or scuba); boat excursions for certified divers; and diving classes for people with mobility or vision problems, or for those with Down’s Syndrome. All of the instructors are lovely people who will make you feel safe and comfortable.

Stock up

There’s a store in the main town called Evexia (meaning “wellness” in Greek), which sells organic products and traditional goods from Greece and other parts of the world. Thyme from Volos, mountain tea from Mount Olympus, honey from Argos and sugar-free bread snacks are just some of the items you’ll find, so stop by and pick up a selection of goodies for your cupboard back home or a picnic here.

Snacking on platetsi and kougoulouari

At the Begnis bakery and sweet shop in Salamina Town, you’ll find halva, glazed donuts, crostini, Hydra-style sweet almond pastries and, of course, two classic local savory treats known as platetsi (bread made with olive oil and sometimes feta cheese) and kougoulouari (zucchini pie with raisins). For a quick snack or breakfast, you can also choose from savory pies stuffed with feta or kaseri cheese, with ham and cheese, or with spinach.

Seafood by the seaside

Salamina is all about fish and ouzo by the sea. One of the best, if not the best, fish tavernas on the island is Kakias, renowned for its octopus, calamari, cuttlefish, prawns and langoustine. It serves a good selection of tsipouro (from Macedonia, Viotia, Kalamata, Tyrnavo, Volos, Kavala and Drama), as well as several brands of ouzo. Sunday lunch is its busiest time, so reservations are recommended. Another place that serves good food – and welcomes you with a bowl of kakavia fish stew – is the meze taverna Paralia. Both are in Salamina Town.