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June 23 - I took a three-island day cruise to the Saronic Gulf Islands with Aegina, which is located 17.5 nautical miles from Piraeus, as my first port of call. It's 83 sq.km (32 sq. miles). Because of the small distance from Piraeus, many people who live in Athens go to Aegina for their weekend. The narrow paths, the cute little houses and the small shops, give Aegina its special character. We dropped anchor at Aghia Marina.
The Temple of Aphaias (Afeas) is one of the most important in antiquity found in the island. Dedicated to the goddess of wisdom and light, the temple was built between 510 and 480 BC. Of the original 32 columns, 24 have been preserved, as well as the foundation of an altar and the remains of a priests' chamber. The magnificent sculpture pediments depicting scenes from the Trojan War were, sadly, removed by Prince Ludwig of Bavaria in 1813 and are now housed in Munich, Germany.
With its fresh ocean air and sparkling blue waters, the narrow paths, cobbled streets, waterfront cafes and the houses, it is indeed an ideal place for day trips. Hydra is famous for its traditional picturesque old stone mansions. The Tompazis mansion had been a School of Fine Arts and is now a guest house exclusively for art students. The Sahtouris mansion now shelters the National Merchant Marine Academy, the first Marine Academy in Greece. The Koudouriotis mansion has been acquired recently by the Greek ministry of Defense and is currently being renovated. Other famous mansion are the Voudouris, the Voulgaris and the Rafalias.
After Hydra Island, we sailed to Poros which is a small island and is 35.5 nautical miles from Piraeus. Poros lies just off the east coast of the Argolid peninsula across a narrow strait which opens out at its western and into Neorion Bay enclosed by splendid wooded hills. A canal divides the island into 2 parts: the major part called Kalavria, is a limestone ridge rising to 390 m - 1279 ft.; the minor is a volcanic islet called Sferia where Poros town, the main port, is reflected in the calm waters of the strait opposite Galatas on the Argolic shore.
In the typical fishermen's district the cafes and tavernas serving fish dishes are decorated with native paintings. There are daily excursions to Poseidon Temple (6 C. BC) and Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi (18th century whitewashed building dedicated to the Virgin of the Life-Giving Spring). |
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The isle of Aegina comprises a series of volcanic heights in the center and the south
which culminate in mount Zeus (alt. 532 m - 1745 ft.), now known as mount Profitis Ilias;
each pyramidal silhouette, formally crowned by a temple to Zeus, acted as a landmark for
sailors. To the north and west the island consists of a coastal plain and low hills
covered by plantations of pistachio nuts, almonds and olives and a few vineyards.
After lunch, we cruised to Hydra. It is probably the only place
where not only cars, but motorbikes and bicycles are prohibited. 
Poros Town - The white cubed houses with jasmine trailing over the
trellises and courtyards, mount the slopes of the promontory towards a blue
painted belltower; from the top there is a view of the town, the roadstead
and the hills of Troizen (Trizinia). A stroll along the quay opens up a
picturesque view of Galatas, the strait and the roadstead where in 1831 Miaoulis'
fireships set fire to the frigate Hellas which Kapodistrias wanted to
lend to the Russian fleet to punish his rivals from Hydra. 