Discover Salamina: Culture, Forests and Coves

Salamina invites you to discover the many different sides of a destination: Mycenaean traces at Kanakia, museums and a theatre, forests in the south and northwest, as well as beaches and coves. Traditional cuisine is also part of the island’s character. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can consider which of these themes matters most for your trip.

Archaeological traces and local history

At Kanakia, the Mycenaean acropolis brought a palace complex and parts of a Mycenaean settlement to light. The Archaeological Museum of Salamina presents its finds in chronological order. The timeline spans from the Late Neolithic period to Roman and early Christian times. History enthusiasts can therefore find artefacts from distinctly different periods here, rather than a collection covering just one era.

Another archaeological landmark is the circular tomb monument at Kolones in the south of Salamina. It enclosed three graves and dates from the 4th century BC. Two windmills stand above the town; they are the only surviving examples of the ten windmills that once stood on Salamina. These landmarks offer different points of interest: one is a tomb monument, the other a reminder of what was once a larger group of windmills.

The Museum of Folk Art and Culture displays traditional costumes from Salamina, as well as furniture, looms, household items and tools from various trades, particularly agriculture. Alongside archaeological finds, traditional dress and work tools are also in the spotlight. The two museums offer different themes for a culture-focused stay: chronologically arranged finds at one, and local clothing and objects from working and domestic life at the other.

Theatre and special places

The Euripides Theatre was inaugurated in September 1993. It hosts theatre performances, concerts and other cultural events. If you would like to include culture in your trip, you can make the theatre a separate stop on your itinerary. Faneromeni Monastery was rebuilt in the 17th century by Lampros Kanelos, also known as Saint Laurentios. The monastery is celebrated every year on 23 August.

The Cave of Euripides near Peristeria is another of Salamina’s notable cultural sites. It consists of ten chambers. Another unusual natural landmark is the “Orsa” olive tree near Tutouliza in Kaki Vigla: according to the official age assessment, it is at most 2,530 years old. These places appeal to different interests, from archaeological and historical sites to an exceptionally old olive tree.

Forests, coves and planning your trip

There are two different places to head for outdoor activities. Faneromeni Forest is in the northwest of Salamina and is suitable for running. Kanakia Forest is in the south and is suitable for day trips or longer excursions. Visitors can observe animals and various bird species in Kanakia Forest. If you are choosing your holiday apartment based on the scenery you want to experience, you can consider these southern and northwestern areas separately without assuming they offer the same activities.

Beaches and coves can be found in both the south and the northwest of Salamina. You can reach the beaches by private vehicle, KTEL bus or boat. Your preferred mode of transport can therefore also factor into your trip plans. Boat or ferry services run from Perama to Paloukia, and there is a passenger service between Paloukia and Piraeus. There is also a ferry service from Faneromeni to Nea Peramos.

Traditional dishes and other places

Traditional dishes from Salamina include platetsi, koygkoygkoyloyari, moystokoyloyra, fried foods and bread baked in a wood-fired oven. Their names offer a distinctive introduction to the local cuisine. Together with the museums, cultural sites and varied landscapes, these dishes add to the range of themes you can build your trip around—whether you want to focus mainly on culture, nature, beaches or local food.

More destinations to help you plan: Vathi, Vagia, Logothetianika, Idhra, Skala, Kipseli, Galatas and Platia Ammos.

For the main travel overview: Islands.