Salamis Island

For other uses, see Salamis.

Salamis Σαλαμίνα
View of Salamina
Salamis
Location within the region
Coordinates:
Country	Greece
Administrative region	Attica
Regional unit	Islands
Government
• Mayor	Ioannis Tsavaris (Ind.)
Area
• Municipality	96.09 km2 (37.10 sq mi)
Population (2011)
• Municipality	39,283
• Municipality density	410/km2 (1,100/sq mi)
Community
Time zone	EET (UTC+2)
• Summer (DST)	EEST (UTC+3)
Postal code	189 xx
Area code(s)	21
Vehicle registration	Y
Website	www.salamina.gr

Salamis (/ˈsæləmᵻs/; 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 kilometres (10 miles) west of Athens. The chief city, Salamina, lies in the west-facing core of the crescent on Salamis Bay, which opens into the Saronic Gulf. On the Eastern side of the island is its main port, Paloukia, in size second in Greece only to Piraeus, the port of Athens.

History

Coin of Salamis, 339–318 BC. Obverse: Female head. Reverse: Boeotian shield (shield of Ajax) and sword in sheath

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 Salamis would be (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; 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.

According to Homer's Iliad, Salamis took part in the Trojan War with twelve ships under the leadership of Ajax (Aias).

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 Salamis Island 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 (2 in), and has carved Greek symbols and parallel grooves.

During the German invasion of Greece in World War II, the harbor was bombed by the Luftwaffe on April 23, 1941, sinking the Greek battleships Kilkis and Lemnos.

In the 1960s and 1970s, during the military junta period, changes in land legislation allowed the subdivision of land plots. This opened the island to massive unplanned and unregulated urban and suburban development, including many weekend homes, especially along the northern and eastern coasts. The lack of corresponding investment in infrastructure, combined with heavy industry, has led to sea and beach pollution on this side of the island. There are, however, ongoing initiatives such as help from the European Union’s Cohesion Fund toward improving sewerage by 2008.

Salamis island map

Geography

Salamis has an area of 36 square miles (93 km²); its highest point is Mavrovouni at 1,325 feet (404 metres). 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 c. 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.

Municipality

Salamis Island belongs to the Islands regional unit of the Attica region. Since the 2011 local government reform the island is administered as one municipality. Before, the island was divided into two municipalities, that became municipal units at the reform:

• Salamina
• Ampelakia

In the municipal unit of Salamina, which has a land area of 80.992 square kilometres (31.271 sq mi) and a 2011 census population of 31,776, the chief population centre is the city of Salamina (also called Salamis, Salamis City or Koulouris, pop. 25,888 in 2011), consisting of the districts Alonia, Agios Minas, Agios Dimitrios, Agios Nikolaos, Boskos, Nea Salamina, Tsami and Vourkari. Its second-largest town is Aiánteio (pop. 5,888). In the municipal unit of Ampelakia, which has a land area of 15.169 square kilometres (5.857 sq mi) and a population of 7,507, the largest towns are Ampelakia (pop. 4,998) and Selinia (2,509).

Population

As of the mid-20th century, the majority of the inhabitants were Arvanite; a thing that changed during the past 20 years due to settlement of a lot of Athenians on the island to the degree that nowadays Arvanites are a fraction of the population, living mainly in Salamina town, Ampelakia and Moulki (Aianteion). The island is known in Arvanitika as Κȣλλȣρι ("Koullouri").

Year	Salamina (town)	Salamina (municipal unit)	Salamis (island)
1981	20,807	25,215	30,402
1991	22,567	27,582	34,342
2001	25,730	30,962	38,022
2011	25,888	31,776	39,283

Villages in the municipal unit of Salamina

Salamis Naval Base

Batsi beach

Paloukia

Paloukia (Greek: Παλούκια, population 1,695) is located in the northeast of the island. Many ferryboats, fishing vessels and port police craft dock in this harbor. Paloukia is the base for the port police department of Salamina. Most visitors who come to Salamina first arrive at Paloukia via ferryboats that run between Paloukia and Perama or Piraeus.

The area is adjacent to the Salamis Naval Base (in Greek Nafstathmos), which is a major base of the Hellenic Navy.

Aianteio

Aianteio (Greek: Αιάντειο, population 4,860 as of March 16, 2011) is a large village in the southwestern part of Salamis Island and is named after Ajax, "King of the Salamis", from Homer's Iliad. The village was known as Moulki (Μούλκι) until 1915. In the region, there are churches from the 11th and 12th centuries such as Saint John and Saint Dimitrios.

Interesting places to visit are:

• the oldest church in the island, Saint John the "Kalyvitis", which dates back to the 10th century and has remarkable hagiographies
• the monastery of Saint Nicolas which dates back to the 18th century and is situated in a forest.

Batsi

Batsi (Greek: Μπατσί) is a little community (population 212) in the north of Salamis, in the municipality of Salamis, located at the foot of a piney mountain, about 6 to 8 km (4 to 5 mi) east of Megara.

In the mountain, there is a cave of archeological interest that has not been investigated yet. In the winter there are few tourists; it is more popular with vacationers from Athens during the summer months.

Kaki Vigla

The Stone Lighthouse, 1901, Peristeria

Kaki Vigla (Greek: Κακή Βίγλα) is a small community (population 236) located at the south of Salamis Island, near Aianteio.

The beaches of Kaki Vigla are relatively clean and the area has pine and olive trees near the shore.

Agios Georgios

A new village, founded in 1960.

Peristeria

Peristeria (Greek: Περιστέρια, population 456) is a small village in the southeast of the island 45 km (28 mi) from Salamis City. It took its name from the bird of peace, the dove (Greek: περιστέρι), because it is a calm, peaceful and isolated place, away from the cars and from noise. Another interpretation says that its name may be derived from the doves which were living and had nests in the area.

View of Salamina

The area has a marina, which has yachts and fishing boats. The beaches of Peristeria are the cleanest of Salamis. The village is near the Cave of Euripides, associated with the famous ancient playwright.

Psili Ammos

Psili Ammos (Greek: Ψιλή Άμμος, population 271), which means Fine Sand is so named because it is covered with sand. The area is located at the northwest of the island opposite of Elefsina. In the area there is one of the oldest landmarks, the chantry of Saint Grigorios (Saint Gregory).

Steno

Steno (Greek: Στενό, population 985), which means Narrow in Greek, is a small community in the northwest of Salamis Island. The area is separated from Fanaromeni Monastery by a hill with shrubs and pine trees. The area is adjacent to the bay of Agios Georgios. Steno has wide and well-planned roads.

Aianteio Beach

Vasilika

Vasilika (Greek: Βασιλικά, population 4,264) which means Royal is a big village located in the northwest of the island. Vasilika is the third largest area in Salamis by population after Salamis City and Aianteio. Vasilika has a sandy large beach apt for swimming.

Xeno

Xeno (Greek: Ξένο "foreign", population 786) is located in the northwest corner of the island. The area was so named because the first residents were not from Salamis but from nearby Piraeus.

Villages in the municipal unit of Ampelakia

Ruins of ancient classical city and the port of Salamis (5th to 2nd BC) Ampelakia

Main article: Ampelakia

Kynosoura

Kynosoura (Greek: Κυνόσουρα) (Greek: κυνός-ουρά "dog's tail") is a small peninsula located in the east of the island. The area probably took its name because it is oblong, like a dog's tail. In the south are a few houses (population 69). In the north are the remains of an ancient tumulus thought to be the burial site of Greek warriors in the Battle of Salamis. Nearby is a dockyard, which constructs and fixes ships including oil tankers and containers.

Selinia

Selinia (Greek: Σελήνια, population 2.523) is a resort located a few kilometers southeast of Salamis city. Selinia once was the weekend resort of many Athenians due to its proximity to Piraeus and Athens. Selinia also features restaurants and taverns

Folklore Museum & Salamina Municipal Library. In the Municipal building. (Town Hall)

Culture

Education

Salamis island has eleven primary schools (ten public and one private), four high schools, and four lycees. The majority of students are proficient in school, and the pupils (above 13 years) usually have acquired diplomas and certificates in English, in French, or in German such as ECCE, FCE, CPE, and ECPE. Many students from Salamis island also possess many computer skills. Many students also study abroad in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. In the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, the pupils went to Italy for studies since it was close to Greece.

Recreational areas

In Salamis Bay, a visitor can find many bars, cafeterias, beaches, and shops. The main cafeterias and bars are based in Agios Nikolaos, which is located in the western suburbs of Salamis city. The district is named for the church. Taverns and inns, which are located throughout the island, feature local food and dishes. The shops—which sell appliances, computers, clothing, souvenirs, and vehicles—are opened from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays; from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m to 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Sports

Salamis island has four football teams, Aias (Ajax) Salaminas, Ampelakiakos F.C., A.E. Salaminas and Salaminomachoi

Local newspapers and magazines

• Salamina-Press
• 30 Imeres tis Salaminas (30 Days of Salamina)
• Anatropes (Tippings)
• Apopsi (Opinion)
• Athlitikoi Palmoi (Athletic Vibrations)
• I Enotita tis Salaminas (The Unity of Salamis)
• I Nea Salamina (The New Salamis)

• I Foni tis Salaminas (The Voice of Salamis)
• Neo Ithos tis Salaminas (New Morale of Salamis)
• Palmos tis Salaminas (Pulse of Salamis)
• Politis me dikaioma (Citizen With Rights)
• Salaminiaki Protoporia (Salaminian Vanguard)
• Sports Week Salamina

Mycenaean acropolis at Kanakia 13th century BC

Source:

Landmarks

Monument for the Battle of Salamis, Kynosoura peninsula by sculptor Achilles Vasileiou.

Archaeological Museum of Salamis

Circular funerary, 4th century BC in Kolones

Landmark	Year of construction	Location
Faneromeni Monastery	15th century	Faneromeni
Chantry of Saint George	around 1250	Agios Georgios
Mycenaean city of Salamis	13th century BC	Kanakia
Ancient city and port of Salamis	5th - 1st centuries BC	Ampelakia
Fighters tomb of the naval Battle of Salamis	5th century BC	Ampelakia, Kynosoura
Circular funerary	4th century BC	Kolones
Euripideio Theatre	1993	in suburbs of Salamis City (in hill Patris)
Church of Saint Dimitrios	1806	center of Salamis City (in hononymous district)
The Cave of Euripides	450 BC	at south Salamis Island (near Peristeria)
The Cottage of Angelos Sikelianos	1935	Faneromeni
The Stone Lighthouse	1901	Peristeria
The bust of Georgios Karaiskakis	1982	center of Salamis City (in Vourkari district)
The Windmills	19th century	in suburbs of Salamis City (in a hill)
Chantry of Prophet Elias	early of 20th century	Salamis City (in a stone hill)
Chantry of Saint Grygorios	12th century	Psili Ammos
The Stony small Theater	1990	Selinia
The City Hall of Salamis	2000	Salamis City
The Monastery of Saint Nicolaos	17th century	at south Salamis Island (near Kanakia)
The Church of Saint John the Kalyvitis	11th century	at south Salamis Island (near Kanakia)
The Folklore Museum	2000	lodging at Salamis City Hall
Archaeological museum of Salamis	2013	Salamis City
The Mansion of Galeos Family	19th century	at Salamis center (at Agios Minas district)
The Church of Saint Minas	1869	at Salamis City (at Agios Minas district)

Noted people

Ajax the Great

Euripides

Mythological and ancient people

• Ajax the Great, the legendary king of Salamis island, son of Telamon and half-brother of Teucer
• Cychreus, the first king of Salamis Island
• Euripides, tragedian (480 BC - 406 BC)
• Telamon, the king of Salamis Island, father of Ajax the Great and Teucer
• Teucer, the half-brother of Ajax the Great, son of Telamon, warrior of Trojan War, and founder of the city-state of Salamis, Cyprus.

Modern people

• Georgios Karaiskakis (c. 1780-1827), Greek War of Independence hero, is buried on Salamis.
• Polychronis Lempesis (1848–1913), painter
• Memos Mpegnis (1974- ), actor
• Dimitrios Mpogris (1890–1964), playwright
• Giorgos Papasideris (1902–1977), country singer, composer and lyricist
• Angelos Sikelianos (1884–1951), poet and playwright, whose cottage was near the Monastery of Faneromeni.

Twin towns / sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Greece

Salamis Island is twinned with Famagusta, Cyprus (1998)

Gallery

• 

  Kaki Vigla beach

• 

  Kaki Vigla beach

• 

  Kaki Vigla Gulf

• 

  The historic monastery of Faneromeni

• 

  Nicolas Lemonia monastery 17th century AD, on the road between the villages Aianteio and Kanakia

• 

  Kanakia beach

See also

• Trojan War
• Greek Revolution
• Aeacus

External links

• Official website of Municipality of Salamina (English) (Greek)
• Official website of Municipality of Ampelakia (Greek)