Areas of interest

The Argosaronic is located between the east coast of Peloponnese and the west coast of Attica, encompassing the Argolida peninsula where the ancient Mycenae civilization thrived. The region includes the Argolic and Saronic Gulfs, which have been inhabited since the Neolithic Era islands. Limited arable land led island residents to maritime pursuits early on, fostering a strong maritime tradition. 

The Argosaronic Gulf was crucial in ancient times, notably during the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC, where Greeks defeated the Persians. The islands faced pirate raids in late antiquity and Byzantine times, leading to coastal abandonment and inland fortification. Venetian rule began in the 13th century, followed by Turkish control in the 16th century. During Greece’s War of Independence in 1821, islanders played a significant role, especially shipowners and captains who supported the struggle. 

After Greece’s capital moved to Athens, the islands declined but recovered post-World War II with tourism driving economic growth. Proximity to Piraeus port, natural beauty, archaeological sites, and vibrant cultural traditions have made the islands popular tourist destinations, fostering community growth. 

The region’s mountainous terrain plunges into the Aegean Sea, with waters reaching almost a kilometer deep. Forested hillsides and Mediterranean shrubs surround small valleys of citrus and olive orchards. Coastal lagoons and wetlands serve as vital fish nurseries and bird habitats, while deep waters host marine life like sardines, tuna, dolphins, and seals.  

While this incredible concentration of biodiversity is currently under pressure from a variety of human activities, there is no reason that the region’s natural capital must be sacrificed for the sake of economic development. Indeed, only by protecting the former can we ensure the latter.  

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