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I get a lot of clients and friends asking for the quickest and easiest Greek island day trip from Athens.
If that’s you right now, I recommend a quick visit to Salamina.
I took this trip with my mother a few years ago, and have since been meaning to write down my impressions and suggestions.
The island of Salamina is so close to Athens, you can literally see it from Piraeus — which means the ferry and route won’t eat up much of your day.
There are also some unique things to do once you arrive.
So if you’re in Athens or planning to visit and want a quick island escape, here’s what I suggest.
I use and compare prices for car rentals, with Discovercars.com. It is a giant rental and comparison site on the market and it has a lot of perks that make sense if you travel often.
Once you head to Discover Cars, you’ll find an easy search engine to filter by location, dates and pick up location.
Tip: Always check a few different pick up locations when booking a rental car.
How to Get to Salamina from Athens
There’s really only one way to get to Salamina from Athens, but it’s both fast and easy. First, make your way to Piraeus (the ferry port area) and then hop on a ferry that takes about 20 minutes across to the island.
Depending on the season, you’ll want to book tickets ahead — especially if you’re bringing a car (which I recommend).
I usually use Discover Cars as a provider because it lets you compare multiple rentals in the area. While that’s great for Athens, just make sure the company allows you to take the car on the ferry — not all of them do.
The other option is to rent a car or scooter once you arrive in Salamina, which works well if the weather is good and you’re visiting outside the peak months.
Quick Facts About Salamina
- Salamina is the closest island to Athens — just 15–20 minutes by ferry from Perama.
- The island has around 37,000 permanent residents.
- Its highest point is Mount Mavrovouni, at 375 meters.
- The name comes from the nymph Salamis, daughter of the river god Asopos.
- It was the site of the Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE, where the Greek navy famously defeated the Persians.
Things to Do in Salamina
Even though Salamina is relatively unknown and not one of the larger islands, I was surprised by how much there is to see.
Some of the activities are also quite unique and offer a perspective you won’t find elsewhere.
1. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Salamina
Located in the main town, this museum features finds from across the island, including Mycenaean tombs, pottery, inscriptions, and artifacts related to the Battle of Salamis. It’s small but informative — especially if you’re into ancient history. You don’t need much time here, but it’s definitely worth a stop.
2. Explore the Folklore Museum of Salamina
The other museum on the island worth checking out is the Folklore Museum, which focuses on daily life in 19th and early 20th century Salamina. Expect traditional costumes, weaving tools, kitchenware, and more. It’s housed in a lovely neoclassical building and gives a snapshot of life on the island a century ago.
Bonus: One of the dolls inside has an uncanny resemblance to a former prime minister — gave me a proper laugh.
Please tell me I’m not the only one that sees the similarity!
3. Visit the House of Angelos Sikelianos
Probably my favorite part of this trip was seeing the house (right by the water on Leoforos Faneromenis) of major Greek poet and intellectual Angelos Sikelianos. You can’t go inside and there’s no formal tour, but the house and setting are incredible. I spent quite a while just taking photos here.
Also managed to get some really nice photos of my mother!
4. Explore the Monastery of Faneromeni
This 17th-century monastery is one of the most serene places on the island. The peaceful grounds, sea views, and mix of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art make it worth the short drive or taxi ride. The setting really feels miles away from the urban sprawl of Athens.
5. Shop for Fresh Fish and Visit the Local Market
If you’re an early riser or want to get a feel for local life, head to the main market near the port. Salamina has a strong fishing culture, and the fish market is worth a visit — especially if you enjoy seafood or want to see what locals are buying.
Even if you’re not in the mood to shop, the market gives you a great sense of rhythm and pace. You’ll find fruit stalls, bakeries, and small shops selling olive oil, honey, and herbs. It’s a nice contrast to more touristy islands and offers a glimpse of everyday life on Salamina. Οf course it goes without saying, that after all that exploration, you want to stop for lunch at a nice taverna by the water.
6. Go Swimming at Selinia or Kakí Vígla
No island trip is complete without a swim, and Salamina has several beaches where you can take a refreshing dip. Two of the most accessible and scenic are:
Selinia Beach – Located near the port, this is one of the most popular spots on the island with calm water, cafés, and places to eat nearby. It’s easy to reach if you’re not venturing far.
Kakí Vígla – A bit further out, this beach offers clearer water and fewer crowds, making it a nice option for a more peaceful swim. There are some tavernas nearby, too, so you can make a whole afternoon out of it.
Even though Salamina isn’t famous for its beaches, these are more than enough for a relaxed summer swim — especially if you’re coming from central Athens and just want a quick seaside break.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting Greece
- Emergency: Dial 112 for all emergencies. For police, dial 100. For ambulance 166. For fire dial 199.
- Language: English is widely spoken in most tourist areas. Common phrases to learn are “Kalimera” (Good morning), “Yia” (Hello and Bye – informal), and “Efharisto” (Thank you).
- Water: Tap water is safe in Athens, mainland Greece and a small number of islands. Always ask beforehand.
- Driving: Right-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.
- Islands: There are a lot of islands, spread out around the country. Start with a map or ferry service to get an idea of travel times. Ferry Scanner is the best for ferry bookings to the Greek islands.
- Activities: From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.
- Public Transport: For Athens, use the Athens Metro. If you are not renting a car, use Trains (Hellenic Train) or KTEL (Public Buses) services.
- Domestic Airlines: The main airlines for air travel are Aegean Airlines and Sky Express. I recommend Aegean Airlines and its rewards program.
- Taxi: Always use a taxi app, instead of flagging down a taxi from the road. Use FREE Now (formerly BEAT).
- Culture: A siesta nap is still common in less touristy areas. This also means businesses will close between 2 PM – 5 PM. Except for hospitality businesses, everything is closed on Sundays.
