Reasons to escape to the Argosaronic Gulf: Spetses and Salamina

Spetses Island

Bekri's Cave on Spetses by dronepicr
Bekri's Cave on Spetses by dronepicr

 

Reason First: For the mansions and captains' houses

Everything is ready for visitors, the whitewashed yards, the flower pots, the welcoming smiles. The preserved mansions and captains' houses sparkle in the sun, the boats are baptized in salt and seawater. The island of Spetses preserves unchanged over time all the elements that have endeared it to the world for so many years.

Reason Second: For the walk from the old to the new port

Take a walk from the old to the new port, looking at the sea on one side and the shops on the other. If you walk a little further after the old port, you will see the lighthouse, one of the oldest in the country, since it has been operating since 1837. Those who love history, pass by the mansion of one of the greatest figures of the Greek Revolution, Laskarina Bouboulina or Kapetanissa (as the locals call it), which functions as a museum. In this mansion, built by a Moorish architect, you will admire carved ceilings, arms from 1821, portraits, and rare books.

Reason Third: For coffee, macaroons, and seafood

The multi-awarded Poseidonion Grand Hotel, created by the patrician benefactor Sotirios Anargyros, opened its doors for the first time in the summer of 1914 and is a landmark of Spetses, giving them the aroma of the Blue Coast. Even if you don't stay there, stop by for an afternoon coffee. During your stay on the island, you must try (or buy) macaroons. Made without butter and eggs, they can be stored for a long time, which is why they were once the favorite dessert of the crews of the Spetsian merchant ships, who traveled for months without calling a port. In general, Spetses is an island for gourmets: homemade taramo salad, marinated anchovies, kakavia, and pasta with seafood are some of the dishes that you will enjoy in the taverns and restaurants of the island.

Salamina Island

Salamina Island

Reason First: For horse riding and diving

Visit the Equestrian Club, located near Agios Nikolaos Lemonion, in the heart of the great pine forest, for horse riding, riding lessons, and show jumping. The group has German and English horses and crossings last from an hour and a half upwards. If you prefer to get to know the sea of ​​Salamis, try snorkeling, discover programs (i.e., a first acquaintance with the seabed, with the dive taking place at a depth of two meters), and free diving lessons or with equipment.

Reason Second: For the local gastronomy

Describe Salamina with three words: beach, ouzo, and fish. On the island, you will enjoy octopuses, squids, cuttlefish, shrimps, crabs, and bream from various regions of Greece (Macedonia, Boeotia, Kalamata, Tyrnavos, Volos, Kavala, Drama). Don't leave without trying local delicacies, namely platetsi (oil bread, with or without feta) and kouguluari (pumpkin pie with raisins).

Reason Third: For Euripides and the Sicilian

Pass by the cave of Euripides, in the southern part of the island, between Peristeria and Kolones, to see up close the refuge where the great tragic poet chose to retire (who, it should be noted, was born in Salamis). Ask the locals where to park and which path to take, so that after a 20-minute hike of moderate difficulty, you will reach the cave with an unparalleled view of the pine forest, which is also one of the most beautiful spots in Salamis. The cave was used from the Neolithic period (5300-4300 BC) as a place of worship, it was turned into a burial place in the Mycenaean years, but it is better known as the "poetic workshop" of Euripides during the Classical era. Also, very beautiful - and more easily accessible - is the house where the couple Angelos and Anna Sikelianos lived, between 1938 and 1949. It is located on the sea and you will approach it via Faneromeni Avenue.

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