Saronic Gulf

When we concluded the passing thru Corinth’s canal we headed east towards Athens.  Our course was in between the historic island of Salamis and the Saronic islands. 

It was in the Salamis strait in the Saronic Gulf the Greeks defeated the Persians in the Sea battle of Salamis in 480 BC. (Painting by von Wilhelm Kaulbach, 1868).  For more information on the famous sea battle that changed the course of history please visit my post on Salamis sea battle.    

Two millennia later a critical battle took place at Phaliron a southern suburb of Athens during the Greek war of independence.  It was in this battle George Karaiskakis was fatally wounded on April 23, 1827.  It was because of bravery and selfless acts of heroes like him, Greece was liberated against all odds in the titanic struggle against the all powerful Ottoman Empire.  

During our sail we realized that the Saronic Gulf is studded with merchant marine boats that load and unload their cargo in several of its ports.

Many fast moving ferries carry passengers between the port of Piraeus and islands of the Aegean archipelago.

After three weeks at sea we tied at the dock of Athens marina where relatives and friends were waiting for us. 

On the same peer we tied at the legendary cruiser “Averof” is on permanent display serving as a nautical museum.  The ship was launched in1910 and sailed into the Phaliro under the command of Admiral Kountouriotis.  Averof played a major role during the Balkan Wars of 1912-13.

Panoramic view of the Flisvos marina at Phaliron (Greek: Φάληρον).  Phaliron was the main port of Ancient Athens, until Piraeus was developed in the 5^th century BC.  Although it was tempting to finish our journey here we had to cast off again for the final leg(s) of our journey as our destination was the bay of Porto Rafti, another port of Ancient Athens on the east coast of Attica’s peninsula and Vravron the place were the Greek fleet gather before they sailed to Troy.