Here, then, is a quick overview of these 5 islands, starting with the closest to Athens, which is historic Salamis.
In the narrow channel between Salamis and the mainland one of the most decisive naval battles in history took place, in 480 BC, when the fast, maneuverable Athenian fleet decimated the larger, slower Persians, saving Western Civilization from being strangled in its cradle.
As a tourist destination, Salamis is mostly for locals, but it has some nice beaches and hotels along its south coast.