According to legend, Aegina was named after the daughter of Asopos. She was
kidnapped by Zeus who brought her to the then, uninhabited island. There, they
bore a son named Aiakos, who later became king of the island. The archeological
record shows the island to have been inhabited since the Neolithic period and
is thought to be the birthplace of the poet, Aristophanis.
The works of Pausanios state
that the temples of Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis, Dionisos and Asklipios were
located near the harbor. A pillar has been recovered from the temple of Apollo
(Doric period - 6th century B.C.). It can be seen on the small picturesque
hill named Kolonas. The most important archeological site is located on the
east of the island near Agia Marina where the temple of Aphaia is to be found.
Aphaia is an ancient goddess and protector of the island.
Apart from ancient ruins and relics
the island has many sandy beaches for those who love the sea. The visitor
can also find lots of small picturesque fishing villages and a varied landscape
throughout the island. To the south of the capital lies the seaside village
of Marathonas and along the coast is the beautiful fishing village of Perdika
where small boats take visitors to the islands of Angistri and Moni.
Poros
Poros is a volcanic island which was created from the joining of Kalavria
and Sveria. It is located very close to Argolida in the Peloponnese, separated
only by a very narrow channel. The ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon
are to found 5 km from the main town, on the road to the monastery of Zoodochos
Pighis. The temple was built in the 6th century B.C. According to legend,
this is where Dimosthenis drank the "konio" poison and died.
The town of Poros is built
in keeping with Greek island tradition with blue and white colors. On the
road to Neorio there are numerous small inlets with sandy beaches and pine
trees which almost reach the sea. Approaching the island from the sea provides
an unforgettable view. On the other side of the town, small boats take visitors
to Argolida, where there is a large lemon orchard.
Spetses
Spetses is located at the entrance of the Argolikos bay. The island has been
inhabited since 2,000 B.C. and ancient ruins have been found at Agia Marina
along with clay utensils and idols. In ancient times the island was called
"Pytiousa" since it was covered with pine trees. Today, the island is famous
its unique architecture, picturesque mansions and varied landscape. Also of
note is the landscape with a beautiful combination of pine trees, rocks, sand
and sea. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the island and the most popular
means of transport are by horse and cart or bicycle.
The most famous sites are
the mansion of Bouboulina, the heroine of the 1821 revolution along with the
mansion of Mexis which has now been turned into a museum. Also of note is
the church of Agia Marina. Among the beaches on the island, the most well
known are Agii Anargyri and Agia Paraskevi.
Suggested 7 days charter sailing
destinations
Day 1: Athens - Souvala-Aegina
Day 2 : Aegina - P .Epidavros- Poros
Day 3 day : Poros - Hydra
Day 4 : Hydra - Dokos - Spetses
Day 5 : Spetses - - Poros
Day 6 : Poros - Angistri - Athens
The Saronic Gulf islands are among the Athenians favorite resorts as they
are located close to the capital. Each one of the five islands has its own
character and color. The varied landscape and ancient archeological sites
are a magnet for both Greeks and visitors from abroad. The
Saronic islands of Aegina, Poros, Angistri, Hydra, Dokos, Spetses and the
Peloponnesian coast offer smooth sailing sheltered from strong winds. Here,
the Meltemi (winds from the North, usually strong especially in July and August)
does not blow as regularly as it does in the Cyclades or the Dodecanese, if
it does blow from North to North East, its strength is usually about force
4-5, it is normally less around the Methana peninsula and Poros.
