The rocky, volcanic chain of Argo-Saronic islands, most of them barely an olive's throw from the Argolid, differs to a surprising extent not just from the mainland but from one another. Less surprising - given their proximity to the mainland - is their massive popularity, with Égina (Aegina) almost becoming an Athenian suburb at weekends. Ídhra (Hydra), Póros and Spétses (Spetsai) are not far behind in summer, though their visitors tend to be predominantly cruise- and package-tourists. More than any other group, these islands are at their best out of season, when populations fall dramatically and the port towns return to a quieter, more provincial life.

Égina , important in antiquity and more or less continually inhabited since then, is the most fertile of the group, famous for its pistachio nuts, as well as for one of the finest ancient temples in Greece. Its main problem - the crowds - can be escaped by avoiding weekends, or taking the time to explore its satellite isle, Angístri .

The three southerly islands, Spétses, Ídhra and Póros , are pine-cloaked and comparatively infertile. They were not extensively settled until medieval times, when refugees from the mainland - principally Albanian Christians - established themselves here. In response to the barrenness of their new homes the islanders adopted piracy as a livelihood. The seamanship and huge fleets thus acquired were placed at the disposal of the Greek nation during the War of Independence. Today, foreigners and Athenians have replaced locals in the rapidly depopulating harbour towns; windsurfers and sailboats are faint echoes of the massed warships and kaïkia once at anchor.

 

The closest island of the Argo-Saronic group, Salamína , is virtually a suburb of Pireás, just over a kilometre offshore to its east, and almost touches the industrial city of Mégara to the west. It is frequented by Athenian weekenders or is a base for commuting to the capital, but sees very few foreign visitors. Despite its proximity to the metropolis, it is noted for its distinct folk dances and costumes.