Saturday, May 24, 2014

Greek Islands: Poros, Hydra, Aegina

 The Saronic Islands of Greece, located in the Aegean Sea, are popular weekend destinations for Athenian travellers. They are easily accessible from Athens via ferry.

Poros (below) is a small Greek island. The landscape is very hilly and mountainous.




Hydra (below) has one main town, known simply as "Hydra port." It consists of a crescent-shaped harbor, around which is centered a strand of restaurants, shops, markets, and galleries that cater to tourists and locals. Steep stone streets lead up and outwards from the harbor area. Most of the local residences, as well as the hostelries on the island are located on these streets.
No cars are allowed in Hydra, so the only transport is by donkey, bicycle or foot. The inhabited area, however, is so compact that most people walk everywhere.
 







 
Aegina (below) during ancient times was a rival of Athens, the great sea power of the era.
Due to its proximity to Athens, it is a popular vacation place during the summer months, with quite a few Athenians owning second houses on the island.
Aegina is known for pistachios, cultivated since 1860. Every year in September, the island is celebrating the pistachios harvest with the Aegina Fistiki Fest.