The cluster of the Saronic Islands cluster is located in the heart of the Saronic Gulf, which is situated between the prefecture of Attica and the eastern side of the geographical district of the Peloponnese, and comprises of the following exquisite islands: Angistri, Aegina, Poros, Salamina, Hydra and Hydra.

An island dependent upon tourism, well-to-do Athenians comprise a sizeable segment of Hydra's visitors. Ferries arrive regularly from Piraeus (the port city adjacent to Athens), as well as from the port in Nafplion, which is on the nearby Peloponnese coast.

Besides garbage trucks, motor vehicles are not permitted on the island; which leaves the bulk of public transportation up to donkeys and water taxis. The inhabited area, however, is so compact that most people walk everywhere.

Aegina is triangular in shape, 13 km (8 miles) long from Northwest to South-east, and 15 km (6 miles) broad, with an area of about 106 km² (41 square miles).

Two thirds of Aegina constitutes an extinct volcano. The northern and western side consist of stony but fertile plains, which are well cultivated and produce luxuriant crops of grain, with some cotton, vines, almonds, olives and figs, but the most characteristic crop of Aegina today (1990s) is pistachio. Economically, the sponge fisheries are of notable importance.

Salamis

The Greek island of Salamis is the largest island in the Saronic Gulf, about 1 nautical mile (2 km) off-coast from Piraeus. Paloukia Port is the main port, in size second only to Piraeus in Greece. The name Salamis is probably derived from Salam (chalam), meaning calm or peace, under which it was mentioned in Homer's writings. It also could have been named after Cychreus's mother (Cychreus was the first king of the island).

Gulf of Salamis Salamis city centre (known as Koulouri) Paloukia portSalamis island is known for the Battle of Salamis, and is said to be the birthplace of Ajax and Euripides, the latter's birth being popularly placed on the day of the battle of Salamis.

Spetses the deep blue island of argosaronic sea. Ferries arrive regularly from Piraeus and Plaka near Leonidi and Napflion on the Peloponnese. No motor vehicles are allowed on this island, so the public transportation is provided by taxi-donkeys.(correction: There are plenty of motorcycles on Spetses).

The inhabited area is so compact that most people walk everywhere. The port is also known as Dapia. Trails encircle the island and totals about 25 to 30 km.


From 1821 to 1822, the island played an important role in the Greek War of Independence in fighting against the Turks. Disney Club which was aired every Saturday came to the island in the 1990s and included games and about the island. Hydra was an island of no importance.