Salamis

Salamis is an island in the Saronic Gulf, located off the eastern coast of the Attica region in Greece. It lies to the north of the city of Piraeus and the Athens metropolitan area. The island is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel and is accessible by road and regular ferry services. It forms the municipality of Salamina, within the Attica regional unit.

Historically, Salamis has been inhabited since ancient times. It is best known for the naval Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE, where an alliance of Greek city-states achieved a decisive victory over the Persian fleet during the second Persian invasion. The outcome contributed to shaping the course of the Persian Wars and Classical Greece. Over the centuries the island passed through Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule before becoming part of modern Greece in the 19th century. Archaeological remains from the ancient city and its fortifications are studied and celebrated in local museums and sites.

Today Salamis has a mix of coastal towns and villages with an economy centered on tourism, agriculture, and fishing. The island is noted for its landscapes, beaches, and historical associations, attracting visitors seeking a combination of natural beauty and antiquity. It remains a popular nearby destination for residents of Athens, with transportation links that connect it to the mainland and the wider Greek mainland.