Salamina
The Battle of Salamis viewpoint, Faneromeni monastery, Kanakia beach and the old capital.
Salamina (ancient Salamis) is where the Greek fleet destroyed the Persian armada in 480 BC — arguably the most consequential naval battle in Western history. Today it's a quiet island of 39,000 residents just 20 minutes by ferry from Piraeus, a popular weekend escape for Athenians who come for the seafood tavernas, the small sandy beaches and the Faneromeni monastery. Not a tourist destination in the conventional sense — a genuine working Greek island close to the capital.
Δρομολόγιο 1 ημερών — Salamina
Μέρα 1: Faneromeni & the Battle Site
- 09:30 · Paloukia Ferry Port
Arrive by ferry from Perama (10 minutes). The crossing itself passes through the narrow strait where the battle was fought. Rent a car at the port — the island is larger than it looks. - 10:00 · Battle of Salamis Viewpoint
Look out from the ferry port across the strait to Piraeus — this is where the 480 BC battle was fought. Xerxes watched from the mainland as his fleet was destroyed. A monument marks the viewpoint. - 11:30 · Faneromeni Monastery
17th-century monastery on a pine-covered hill on the west coast — the most important religious site on the island. The interior frescoes cover every surface. Beautiful setting overlooking the sea. - 13:30 · Lunch — Eantio Tavernas
Eantio, the main town on the west coast, has the best fish tavernas on the island. Athenians drive here at weekends for the lunch. Very reasonable prices. - 15:00 · Kanakia Beach
The best organised beach on Salamina — sandy, shallow, family-friendly, with good facilities on the southwest coast. The sunset here is excellent. - 18:00 · Paloukia — Departure
Ferry back to Perama for the bus or metro to Athens. Ferries run every 10-15 minutes throughout the day and evening.
Κορυφαίες παραλίες — Salamina
Kanakia Beach
The best organised beach on Salamina — sandy, shallow and well-equipped on the southwest coast. Popular with Athenian weekend day-trippers. The sunset over the Saronic is a good reason to stay late.
- Τύπος
- Fine sand
- Μήκος
- 400 m
- Βάθος
- Shallow — safe for children
- Προσανατολισμός
- Southwest-facing — open sea, decent sunsets
- Υποδομές
- Good: sunbeds, beach bar, tavernas, parking.
Peristeria Beach
A smaller, quieter beach on the west coast — sandy and calm, with fewer visitors than Kanakia. Good alternative when Kanakia is crowded on summer weekends.
- Τύπος
- Fine sand
- Μήκος
- 300 m
- Βάθος
- Shallow — calm
- Προσανατολισμός
- West-facing — sheltered bay
- Υποδομές
- Basic: small taverna, some sunbeds. Quieter than Kanakia.