The Battle of Salamis was the major turning point in the Second Persian Invasion of Greece. Although the Persian host had suffered setbacks, delays and even minor reversals at Thermopylae and Artemesium, the main body of the force had not suffered any major setbacks.

Themistocles' ruse that the Greek fleet at Salamis was all but ready to retreat embolded the Persians to attack despite the natural force multiplier that the Straits of Salamis provided to the Greeks.

After this defeat, Xerxes could see the writing on the wall, and sent word back to Persia of his "victory" over the Athenians and that he would be returning to Persia.

Source: http://www.shsu.edu/~his_ncp/Herosal.html

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