Argosaronic

On the mainland, areas like Methana, Nafplio, and Nea Kios add to the region’s ecological and cultural diversity, with coastal wetlands, historic towns, and important migratory bird habitats. Despite their proximity to Athens, these destinations offer a uniquely accessible yet varied experience of island and coastal life.

Nevertheless, the Argosaronic faces growing environmental challenges that threaten its fragile ecosystems and long-term sustainability. Human-driven pressures, linked to unbalanced practices, threaten natural resources. Expanding coastal development, in popular areas, causes habitat loss, soil erosion, and increased demand on freshwater resources. High-impact fishing, escalating plastic pollution, unregulated boat traffic and uncontrolled anchoring, impact water quality and marine biodiversity, especially Posidonia meadows. Tourism is vital to the local economy, and with visitors increasingly valuing sustainability, there is an opportunity to shift toward more mindful travel practices that help protect the region’s natural heritage.  

Culturally, the Argosaronic Region is rich and diverse, shaped by centuries of maritime trade, artistic expression, and historical significance. From the neoclassical mansions of Hydra and Spetses -built by wealthy shipowners in the 18th and 19th centuries- to the ancient temples of Aegina, the region reflects a unique blend of classical, Byzantine, and modern Greek influences. Each island has played a key role in Greek history; Salamina, for example, was the site of the pivotal Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE. Traditional festivals, local crafts, and religious customs remain deeply woven into daily life. Museums, historic ports, and preserved settlements offer windows into the area’s vibrant past, continuing to inspire artists, writers, and visitors from around the world.

For more information on what to do and see in this region, see: www.visitgreece.gr/islands/saronic-islands and www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/7-islands-close-athens

Support protection of the Argosaronic Region

The Argosaronic Environment Foundation (AEF) drives the protection and restoration of natural resources and advances sustainable development in the Argosaronic region by facilitating local communities to generate environmental and socio-economic benefits. Since 2021, it has supported scientific research, reinforced local initiatives and collective actions, and fostered collaborations to safeguard both marine and terrestrial ecosystems for the benefit of the region and its people.

For more information, visit the AEF website or follow them on facebook and instagram.

Support local producers and experience local gastronomic specialities while you stock up on provisions

Found across all islands:

• Spoon Sweets (served with Greek coffee or as gifts)
• Herbal Teas & Dried Aromatics (oregano, thyme, mint)
• Olive Oil Soaps & Edibles
• Artisanal Honey (thyme or pine varieties)

From Aegina:

• Aegina Pistachios (PDO-certified – raw, roasted, salted and many other forms)
• Pistachio Butter or Spread
• Local Honey (often infused with wild herbs or pistachio blossoms)

From Hydra:

• Amigdalota (almond sweets with rosewater, dusted with sugar)
• Mandolato (soft nougat with almonds and honey)
• Local Wine or Rosé (often sold in small local markets)
• Herbal Infusions (sage, chamomile, mountain tea)

From Spetses:

• Amygdalota Spetses Style (more aromatic and slightly chewy almond flour sweets)
• Spiced Wine or Liqueurs (check local distilleries)
• Locally Pressed Olive Oil
• Homemade Preserves (fig, bergamot, bitter orange)

From Poros:

• Lemon Products (syrups, jams, sweets, cordial from local lemon groves)
• Citrus Spoon Sweets (bergamot or lemon peel)
• Local Olive Oil or Olives

Mainland (Methana, Nafplio, Nea Kios):

• Artichokes from Iria or Nea Kios (seasonal, preserved in oil)
• Tsipouro or Ouzo (local varieties)
• Wine from Nemea (especially Agiorgitiko red or Moschofilero white)
• Sea Salt or Dried Herbs from Argolic Gulf

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Don’t miss the opportunity to explore some of the many cultural sites in the main Argosaronic islands that are easily accessible on foot from their main ports or marinas:

Hydra (Port of Hydra):

• Historical Archives Museum of Hydra: 2-minute walk from the port – Displays documents, maps, and naval artifacts highlighting Hydra’s pivotal maritime role, especially during the Greek War of Independence.
• Kountouriotis Mansion (Museum): 10-minute uphill walk from the port – Lavishly preserved 18th-century mansion of Admiral Lazaros Kountouriotis, featuring period furniture and paintings.
• Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary: at the port – Located at the heart of the harbor, this 17th-century monastery church is easily recognizable by its clock tower.

Poros (Port of Poros, new town on Sferia islet):

• Poros Clock Tower: 10-minute walk uphill from the harbour – A local landmark with panoramic views of the Saronic Gulf, built in 1927.
• Zoodochos Pigi Monastery: 2 hours walk or taxi – Baroque-style monastery with a serene setting in pine forest (\~4km from the port).
• Archaeological Museum of Poros: 2-minute walk from the port – Contains ancient artifacts from the region, including finds from nearby sanctuaries and temples.

Aegina (Port of Aegina):

• Church of Saint Nicholas (Harbor Church) near the ferry pier – Small whitewashed chapel beloved by sailors, often photographed with boats in the foreground.
• Archaeological Museum of Aegina & Kolona Archaeological Site: 5-minute walk from the port – The museum is adjacent to the ancient Temple of Apollo’s single standing column (“Kolona”), overlooking the sea.
• Markellos Tower: 7-minute walk inland – An 18th-century Venetian-style tower that briefly housed the first Greek government after independence.

Spetses (Dapia Port):

• Bouboulina Museum (Mansion of Laskarina Bouboulina): 5-minute walk from the port – Home of the famous female admiral of the 1821 War of Independence, now a museum filled with historical memorabilia.
• Spetses Museum/House of Hatzigiannis Mexis: 7-minute walk from the port – A preserved 18th-century mansion, now the Spetses Museum, exhibiting island history.
• Dapia Fortifications: Directly above the port – Low battlements and cannons facing the sea; used during the Greek Revolution.

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