Not so in the islands of the Saronic Gulf, where well-heeled Athenians meet for leisurely beach lunches of fresh-grilled whole fish with lemon and olive oil and stroll coastal boulevards or hike ...

The Saronic Islands are steeped in history and culture. Aegina, for example, boasts ancient ruins, including the Temple of Aphaia, while Hydra is renowned for its preserved 18th-century architecture.