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Island

Salamina

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Argosaronikos
Salamina
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Salamis (Greek: Σαλαμίνα Salamína, Ancient and Katharevousa: Σαλαμίς Salamís), is the largest Greek island in the Saronic Gulf, about 1 nautical mile (2 km) off-coast from Piraeus and about 16 km west of Athens. The chief city, Salamina (city), lies in the west-facing core of the crescent on Salamis Bay, which opens into the Saronic Gulf. The island's main port, Paloukia, in size second only to Piraeus, is on the eastern side. Salamis is mentioned in Homer's writings. Some sources say it was named after the nymph Salamis, 
according to legend the mother of Cychreus, the first king of the island). Another theory, that is supported by modern linguistics, considers "Salamis" to come from the root "Sal-" (meaning salty water) and "-amis" (meaning the middle); thus alamis = (the place) amid salt water. Salamis was probably first colonised by Aegina and later occupied by Megara, but became an Athenian possession in the time of Solon or Peisistratos, following the war between Athens and Megara around 600 BC. According to Strabo, the ancient capital was at the south of the island, and in classical times it was to the east, on the Kamatero Peninsula overlooking the Strait of Salamis in modern times it is on the west. Salamis island is known for the Battle of Salamis, the decisive naval victory of the allied Greek fleet, led by Themistocles, over the Persian Empire in 480 BC. It is said to be the birthplace of Ajax and Euripides, the latter's birth being popularly placed on the day of the battle. In modern times, it is home to Salamis Naval Base, headquarters for the Hellenic Navy. The oldest known counting board was discovered on the Greek island of Salamis in 1899. It is thought to have been used by the Babylonians in about 300 BC and is more of a gaming board rather than a calculating device. It is marble, about 150 x 75 x 4.5 cm, and has carved Greek symbols and parallel grooves. 
Salamis has an area of 36 square miles; its highest point is Mavrovouni (1325 feet). A significant part of Salamis Island is rocky and mountainous. On the southern part of the island a pine forest is located, which is unusual for western Attica. Unfortunately, this forest is often a target for fires. While the inland inhabitants are mainly employed within the agricultural sector, the majority of Salamis' inhabitants work in maritime occupations (fishing, ferries, and the island's shipyards) or commute to work in Athens. The maritime industry is focused on the north-east coast of the island at the port of Paloukia (Παλούκια), where ferries to mainland Greece are based, and in the dockyards of Ampelakia and the north side of the Kynosoura (Greek: Κυνοσούρα = "dog tail") peninsula.Salamis Island is very popular for holiday and weekend visits from the Athens and Piraeus area; its population rises to 300,000 in peak season of which ca. 31,000 are permanent 
inhabitants. This supports a strong service industry sector, with many cafes, bars, ouzeries, tavernas and consumer goods shops throughout the island. On the south of the island, away from the port, there are a number of less developed areas with good swimming beaches including those of Aianteio, Maroudi, Perani, Peristeria, Kolones, Saterli, Selenia and Kanakia.

Ελληνικά

Η Σαλαμίνα, γνωστή από την αρχαιότητα και ως Κούλουρη, ονομασία που προέρχεται από το ακρωτήριο Κόλουρις άκρα,(σήμερα Πούντα), στο οποίο ήταν χτισμένη η αρχαία πόλη και το λιμάνι του 4ου αιώνα π.Χ., είναι το μεγαλύτερο νησί τουΣαρωνικού Κόλπου. Βρίσκεται ΒΔ. του Σαρωνικού Κόλπου και έναντι του Κόλπου της Ελευσίνας (νοτιοδυτικά του νομού Αττικής). Πρωτεύουσά της είναι η ομώνυμη πόλη. Η έκτασή της είναι 95 τετραγωνικά χιλιόμετρα. Είναι η πατρίδα του ομηρικού βασιλιάΑίαντα του Τελαμώνιου και του τραγικού ποιητή Ευριπίδη. Επίσης είναι η πατρίδα του μουσικού του δημοτικού τραγουδιούΓιώργου Παπασιδέρη, του ζωγράφου Πολυχρόνη Λεμπέση, που σπούδασε στη περίφημη Σχολή του Μονάχου , του θεατρικού συγγραφέα Δημήτρη Μπόγρη της τραγουδίστριας Βούλας Πάλλα και πολλών άλλων διασημοτήτων. Η Σαλαμίνα έγινε διεθνώς γνωστή από την ομώνυμη Ναυμαχία που συνέβη το 480 π.Χ., που έδωσαν οι αρχαίοι Έλληνες σταματώντας την Περσική Αυτοκρατορία να εισχωρήσει στην Ευρώπη. Στην Σαλαμίνα ο μεγάλος νεοέλληνας ποιητής Άγγελος Σικελιανός έμεινε σε ένα σπιτάκι από το 1933 έως το 1950, απέναντι από το Μοναστήρι της Φανερωμένης. Ο θρυλικός αγωνιστής της Ελληνικής Επανάστασης, Γεώργιος Καραϊσκάκης είχε το στρατηγείο του στην παραλία της Σαλαμίνας, προστάτης του ήταν ο Άγιος Δημήτρης γι' αυτό και τελευταία του επιθυμία ήταν να θαφτεί στο νησί. Στις ΒΑ. ακτές της νήσου βρίσκονται οι εγκαταστάσεις του Ναυστάθμου Σαλαμίνας.

Useful Phone Numbers

Salamina Police 2104651110
Ampelakia Police 2104672438 
Salamina Port 2104677277  
Health Center 2104651711 2104650150
Taxi 2104671575 - 2104674743
Buss 2104671333
Folk Art Museum 2104654180      
Archeological Museum 2104653572

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Weather nearby

Salamina

Today, January 26, 2021
22:00-00:00

Heavy rain

Heavy rain
14 °C

Tomorrow, January 27, 2021
12:00-18:00

Fair

Fair
9 °C

Location of this weather station:
0.3 km South-Southeast

Weather forecast from yr.no, delivered by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the NRK

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Attractions in Region

  • Blue Port
  • Eantio
  • Hill of Mills
  • Kanakia
  • Kolones
  • Perani
  • Selinia

Sites in Region

  • Monastery of Virgin Mary Faneromeni Salamis
  • Virgin Mary Eleftherotria Chapel

Culture in Region

  • Evripideio Theater
  • Museum of Folklore Arts and Culture

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