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.
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.
