The hidden Greek island just minutes from Athens free from the crowds
- Our Hidden Earth
- Oct 30, 2024
- 2 min read
Salamis combines fascinating history with natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for anyone wanting a peaceful escape from city life.
This lesser-known Greek island, rich in ancient history, is close to Athens but attracts only a small number of tourists.
Salamis, also called Salamina, is an important Greek island located in the Saronic Gulf, near Athens.
The island is full of history, from tales of epic naval battles to historical monuments and museums, and it’s just about an hour and a half from Athens.
It’s best known for the Battle of Salamis, a major naval battle in ancient history.
During the Greco-Persian Wars, the Greek navy, led by Themistocles, defeated the much larger Persian fleet under King Xerxes.
This victory stopped the Persian Empire from taking over Greece and is seen as a major turning point in Western history.
Today, however, Salamina is a peaceful island, popular with day-trippers from Athens.
It offers beaches, cosy tavernas, and a calm atmosphere, which feels a world away from the busy capital.
The island has ruins from its ancient past, including remains of temples, though much of its historical importance lies in the waters where the battle happened.
One reviewer on TripAdvisor said, “If you’re looking to unwind and escape, then a visit to the peaceful village of Selinia on Salamis is definitely worth it.”
Another reviewer added, “Visit the replica of an ancient theatre nearby, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a summer play or event there. Then stop at one of the many traditional seafront tavernas for a hearty meal or a small plate of meze.”
Discover more hidden gems with our interactive map!
Did you know we have a Hidden Gem Finder on our website? This handy little map shows over 12,000 hidden gems across the entire world with their exact co-ordinates available to view on Google Maps as well as an image/description for each one!
Comments