Salamina probably isn’t the Greek island that will take your breath away but it might be one of the easiest island escapes you can make from Athens.
Located in the Saronic Gulf, just off the coast of Attica, Salamina is only around 15 minutes by ferry from Perama, which means you can easily visit for the day without much planning. And I think that’s exactly how Salamina should be experienced. I wouldn’t choose it for a proper Greek island holiday, and it’s definitely not among my favourite islands in Greece. You won’t find the spectacular beaches, charming island towns or postcard-perfect scenery that you might associate with other Greek destinations.
But for an easy day trip from Athens? It works really well. Take your car on the ferry, drive around the island, discover some of its surprisingly important history, stop for lunch at a traditional taverna, perhaps go for a swim and return to Athens in the evening. Salamina is also closely connected to one of the most important naval battles in ancient history – the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC and has several interesting historical and cultural sites to discover along the way.
So, if you’re looking for a simple, affordable and easy island day trip from Athens, here’s everything you need to know before visiting Salamina.
Where is Salamina?
Salamina is located in the Saronic Gulf, very close to Athens and Piraeus. At approximately 93.5 km², it is the largest of the Saronic Islands and has around 100 km of coastline. Parts of the island are surprisingly green, particularly around the forests of Faneromeni and Kanakia.
Salamina may be close to modern Athens, but its history goes back thousands of years. The island is internationally famous for the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC, one of the most important naval battles of antiquity. A combined fleet of Greek city-states defeated the much larger Persian fleet of King Xerxes in the narrow waters around Salamina.
The victory became a defining event of the Greco-Persian Wars. The island is also traditionally associated with Ajax, the legendary hero of the Trojan War, and was the birthplace of Euripides, one of the greatest playwrights of ancient Greece. Centuries later, Salamina also became connected with important figures in modern Greek history and culture, including the poet Angelos Sikelianos. So don’t visit Salamina only for the sea – there is a surprising amount of history to discover here.
How to Get to Salamina from Athens
Getting to Salamina is incredibly easy. The most convenient route is:
Athens → Perama → Paloukia port in Salamina
Head to Perama Port, west of Piraeus and take the ferry to Paloukia, the main port of Salamina.
- Crossing time: approximately 15 minutes
- Cars are allowed on the ferry
- Ferries are extremely frequent, so advance booking is generally not necessary for the regular Perama–Paloukia crossing.
When I visited, we paid approximately €7-8 one way for the car and two people, but keep in mind that ferry prices can change, so check the current fare before travelling. One of the best things about this route is its frequency. Ferries run throughout the day, making Salamina an exceptionally easy and flexible island trip from Athens.
Do You Need a Car in Salamina?
I definitely recommend bringing a car. Salamina is larger than you might expect, and many of the places worth visiting are scattered around the island.
Although there are local buses and taxis, having your own car makes a huge difference, particularly if you want to combine the town, historical sights, the southern part of the island and a beach in a single day. And because you can simply drive your car onto the ferry at Perama, it couldn’t be easier.
Best Things to Do in Salamina
1. Explore Salamina Town
Start your day by exploring Salamina Town, the island’s main town. This isn’t a polished tourist resort designed specifically for visitors. It is a lively Greek town where people actually live year-round, which gives it a much more local atmosphere. Walk around the streets, browse the shops and stop for a coffee before continuing your day.
2. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Salamina
While you’re in town, visit the Archaeological Museum of Salamina. The museum houses archaeological finds discovered across the island and gives you a much better understanding of Salamina’s long history, from prehistoric and ancient times onwards.
If you’re interested in Greek history, it’s a worthwhile stop before exploring the island’s historical sites.
3. Visit the Monastery of Faneromeni
Next, drive towards the Monastery of Faneromeni, one of Salamina’s most important religious and historical landmarks. The monastery dates in its present form largely to the 17th century and is known for its beautiful religious art and peaceful surroundings. It also played an important role during the Greek War of Independence, providing refuge and care for wounded fighters.
The surrounding landscape, with pine trees and views towards the sea, makes the drive here worthwhile even if religious sites aren’t normally at the top of your list.
4. See the House of Angelos Sikelianos
Across from the monastery, don’t miss the House of Angelos Sikelianos. The famous Greek poet lived here for a period of his life, and the small white house sits right beside the sea.
It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot and an easy addition to your visit to Faneromeni.
5. Discover the Cave of Euripides
Continue towards the southern part of Salamina and the area of Peristeria, where you’ll find the Cave of Euripides. According to tradition, the ancient Greek playwright Euripides used the cave as a retreat where he could escape everyday life and write. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of human activity in the cave spanning different historical periods.
Even beyond its connection to Euripides, exploring this quieter side of Salamina gives you a completely different perspective on the island.
6. Explore Kanakia & relax at Kanakia beach
This is one of my favourite areas to include when exploring Salamina. The southern part of the island becomes much greener, with pine-covered landscapes and the Kanakia Forest stretching towards the coast. There are walking and cycling routes in the wider area as well as historical and archaeological points of interest. It’s one of those places that reminds you how different parts of Salamina can feel from the busy coast facing Athens.
If you’re visiting during the warmer months, don’t miss Kanakia Beach. Surrounded by greenery, it is a lovely place to stop for a swim and relax before continuing your road trip. The clear water and more natural surroundings make Kanakia one of my favourite choices for combining sightseeing with some beach time.
Depending on which part of the island you’re exploring, you can also look for the other beaches of the island:
- Psili Ammos – A popular choice for swimming.
- Kaki Vigla – A scenic coastal area on the eastern side of the island.
- Peristeria – Convenient to combine with the Cave of Euripides.
- Vasilika – An option on the northern side of Salamina.
- Limnionas – A quieter coastal stop.
- Selinia – A seaside settlement where you can combine a walk, food and time by the water.
Angel’s tip: I wouldn’t choose Salamina specifically for a luxury beach holiday. There are other Greek islands with much more spectacular beaches for sure. What makes Salamina interesting is the combination of beaches, nature, history and local life – particularly considering how incredibly close it is to Athens.
7. Visit the Battle of Salamis Monument
Before leaving the island, learn a little more about the event that made Salamina famous around the world. The Battle of Salamis Monument commemorates the Greeks who fought in the historic naval battle of 480 BC. The wider Kynosoura area is closely associated with the ancient battle and is an interesting stop if you’re interested in history.
Every September, Salamina also hosts Salaminia, a series of cultural events commemorating the Battle of Salamis.
Where to Eat in Salamina
And, of course, no Greek island day trip is complete without a long lunch! Salamina has plenty of traditional tavernas and seafood restaurants, and these are a few options I recommend:
- Ouzeri O Kakias: A great choice if you’re looking for seafood, meze and the relaxed atmosphere of a traditional Greek ouzeri.
- Bakothanasis: Another good option for a traditional meal while exploring the island.
- Kohyli: A lovely choice to add to your list, particularly if you want to combine your meal with the seaside atmosphere.
Salamina is known for fresh fish and seafood, but also keep an eye out for some of its traditional local recipes. One of them is platetsi, a traditional olive-oil pie associated with the island.
Best Time to Visit Salamina
Salamina can be visited throughout the year because, unlike many smaller Greek islands, it has a large permanent population and doesn’t completely shut down outside summer.For swimming, May to September is the best period. However, I also really like the idea of visiting during spring or early autumn, when the weather is pleasant enough to explore the archaeological sites, forests and villages without the intense summer heat. If beaches aren’t your priority, Salamina can make an easy escape from Athens almost any time of year.
How Long Do You Need in Salamina?
For a first visit, one full day is enough to see many of the main highlights, particularly if you have a car. However, staying one night allows you to slow things down, spend more time at the beach and enjoy dinner on the island without thinking about your return to Athens.
I’d suggest:
Day trip: Perfect for the main highlights.
1 night: Better if you want sightseeing + beaches at a relaxed pace.
2 nights – weekend: Plenty of time to explore different parts of the island and relax.
The Perfect Salamina Day Trip Itinerary
If you only have one day in Salamina, this is the route I recommend:
- Morning – Ferry to Salamina: Drive to Perama and take your car on the ferry to Paloukia. The crossing takes only around 15 minutes, so you can easily start exploring early in the morning.
- Stop 1 – Salamina Town : Explore the town and visit the Archaeological Museum of Salamina.
- Stop 2 – Faneromeni: Drive to the Monastery of Faneromeni and see the nearby House of Angelos Sikelianos.
- Stop 3 – Euripides Cave: Continue south towards Peristeria and discover the Cave of Euripides.
- Lunch : Stop for a proper Greek lunch at Ouzeri O Kakias, Bakothanasis or Kohyli.
- Afternoon – Kanakia:Continue towards Kanakia, explore the forest and, if the weather is warm, spend some time swimming at Kanakia Beach.
- Final Stop – Battle of Salamis: Finish your sightseeing with one of the historical sites associated with the Battle of Salamis before making your way back towards Paloukia.
- Then simply catch the ferry back to Perama.
Is Salamina Worth Visiting?
Salamina is not one of my favourite Greek islands, nor is it an island that particularly impressed me in terms of beauty and I think it’s important to be honest about that.
Don’t visit expecting a picture-perfect Greek island, an especially beautiful main town or spectacular beaches. Greece has countless islands that I would choose over Salamina if I were planning a proper island holiday. But that’s not really why I would recommend visiting Salamina. Its biggest advantage is how incredibly easy it is to reach from Athens. In just around 15 minutes by ferry from Perama, you can leave the city behind and spend a relaxed day on an island.
Come for a simple day trip: drive around, discover a little of its fascinating history, stop for a swim if the weather is nice, enjoy fresh seafood at a local taverna and head back to Athens in the evening. For me, one day is enough and I personally wouldn’t choose Salamina for a longer Greek island holiday. But if you live in Athens or have some extra time in the city and fancy an easy change of scenery without the planning, expense or long ferry journey, Salamina does the job perfectly.
Just come with the right expectations: an easy local escape from Athens rather than one of Greece’s must-see islands.
Salamina at a Glance
📍 Where: Saronic Gulf, Attica, Greece
⛴️ Ferry: Perama → Paloukia
⏱️ Crossing: Around 15 minutes
🚗 Car: Highly recommended
⏳ How long: 1 day or 1-2 nights
☀️ Best time: Spring to early autumn, although it can be visited year-round
🏛️ Don’t miss: Faneromeni Monastery, Euripides Cave & Salamis history
🌲 Nature: Kanakia Forest
🏖️ Beach: Kanakia
🍽️ Food: Ouzeri O Kakias, Bakothanasis & Kohyli
Planning a trip to Athens? Save Salamina for an easy Greek island escape just outside the city!
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