Athens and the Saronic Islands

Athens is the capital of Greece. Modern Athens was a huge, cosmopolitan city, while ancient Athens was a powerful city-state and a major scientific center.
It is named after the ancient Greek mythological goddess, Athena.

Athens is located on the Attica Plain bordered by barren mountains. The low Egaleos is in the west, the Imitos is in the east, and in the northeast you’ll find the mountains of Pillis and Pendelikon. The plain is bounded on the southwest by the Aegean Sea and the Saronic Gulf.

The main inhabited islands of the Saronic archipelago are Salamis, Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, Spetses, and Dokos. Many mainland Greeks have vacation homes in the Saronic Islands, which are regularly served by ferries from the Athen’s port.
Salamis, the largest island of the group, is where the ancient Greek navy defeated the Persians in the Battle of Salamis.

The Methana Peninsula is named after the Methana Volcano. Due to the 32 volcanoes on the peninsula, volcanic activity was continuous until 300 years ago. The area is bisected by a number of tectonic cracks making it quite earthquake-prone.
The Methana Peninsula has been inhabited since 10000 BC, and the first known towns were established about 8000 years ago.

Hydra Island is one of the most romantic of the Saronic Islands. The town of Hydra is the center of the island, its buildings enclose a small bay as charming as a painting – with dazzling colors over the blue sea.

One of the main attractions of Poros Island is the Temple of Poseidon.
Situated in a large and sheltered bay, the town is famous for its clock tower on the top of the hill and the coastal market. You can find cute restaurants and bars along the crystal clear beaches.

Aegina island is not very large in size, but it has many natural and historical attractions.
Perdika is a charming fishing village on the island with great tavernas. And for those who decide to go on a trip, Mount Oros offers perfect hiking opportunity.

Agistri is a tiny paradise within the Saronic Islands with its lush vegetation. The island’s only port awaits visitors with its checkered tablecloth restaurant.
Agistri is a real, calm holiday destination, it attracts nature lovers with its dreamlike bays.

Weather:
Greece has a typical Mediterranean climate with an average annual temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. The seasonal weather is relatively constant, with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius. Summer is humid, with temperatures  around 35 degrees Celsius, especially in July and August.
Sometimes there are showers and storms, but this kind of weather lasts for up to a day.
Most of the rainfall falls in the northwestern part of Greece and in Corfu during the winter. The sea temperature is around 20-25 degrees Celsius from April to November.

Wind:
The wind and sailing conditions in the Ionian Sea are ideal and predictable, blowing north-west at Force 2 to 5 between May and September. In spring and autumn, the wind is less strong and blows usually from south-west.

Banking:
The currency is the Euro.
Master and Visa cards are accepted widely in larger stores and restaurants but you may need cash for independent, small businesses. You can find ATMs at the marinas and banks. Banking hours are Monday to Friday (8:00am to 2:00pm).

Internet:
You’ll find free Wi-Fi in many shopping malls, restaurants and cafes, but you may find that speeds vary.