Aegina

Island Vacations nearby Athens

Colorful neoclassic villas in the waterfront. Pedestrian streets in the town. White houses in Perdika, the most beautiful corner of the island. One of the most well-preserved temples of ancient times, the Temple of Aphaia. The most turquoise waters of Saronic Gulf in the uninhabited island of Moni.

So close to the port of Piraeus and Athens itself, Aegina is the jewel of the Saronic Islands and has something to offer for all.  With ANES FERRIES daily routes throughout the year, the most certain is that you will come back again and again. Because even if it seems small at first glance, Aegina is not an island you can see in a weekend.

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The island’s villages

The capital of the island is called simply Aegina and not Chora as in all the other Greek islands. Here also lies the central harbor of the island. From the town of Aegina starts all the sightseeing and the walks in the heart of the island. Take a look at the colorful neoclassical villas at the waterfront. Visit the Archaeological museum and then the Historic-Folklore museum to know better the history and the traditional life of Greece’s first capital after the Greek War of Independence. Don’t forget to include in your visit, the Orphanage, which was built by Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of Greece, to shelter and educate the many orphans left by the war. The Orphanage is now known as Filakes (Prison) due to its much later use as a political prison. The town of Aegina is also famous for its fishing boats which sell not only fish but also groceries. And of course buy Aegina’s is famous peanuts. Pistachios.

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Ten kilometers south of the town of Aegina lies the traditional village of Perdika, maybe the most beautiful village of the island. Perdika’s main characteristic is the small white houses with their yards to connect with each other all looking at the opposite verdant island of Moni. The perfect time to visit Perdika is around sunset to enjoy fresh fish and of course ouzo in one of its famous fish tavernas near the sea. Also, Perdika is ideal for a bicycle excursion (bicycles travel for free with ANES Ferries) since the road which connects it with the town of Aegina is nearly flat and by the sea.  

Other big villages are Agia Marina and Souvala, 12 km east and 8 km north of the town of Aegina correspondingly. Both of them have their own harbors with ANES Ferries operating daily routes from the port of Piraeus in summer. Agia Marina is a touristic and cosmopolitan village, a famous summer resort in the ‘90s, with many options for accommodation, food and nightlife, whereas Souvala is a more quiet and off-tourist destination.

Top-5 sights of Aegina

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The Temple of Aphaia: One of the most well-preserved ancient temples throughout Greece, the Temple of Aphaia is located very close to Agia Marina. It was built in 480 B.C. and is one of the three temples of the famous isosceles triangle formed with the Parthenon and the Poseidon’s Temple in Cape Sounio (the holy triangle of ancient times). The Temple of Aphaia is of Doric style and lies in a place covered with pine trees and with a view of the beautiful blue sea. Next to it you will find an on-site small museum with replicates of its wonderful pedimental sculptures. The genuine ones are in the Glyptothek Museum in Munich.

Paleachora: The medieval village and former capital of Aegina is located on the steep hill behind the Monastery of Saint Nektarios (Agios Nektarios), one of the greater if not the greatest Greek Orthodox Monasteries in Balkans which is considered miraculous.  Paleachora is ideal for trekking and picnics especially in spring, when all vegetation is a brilliant green both on the hill and in the valley below, seen in panoramic splendor from high above.  It is also known for its remained 33 churches out of 50 in total most of them built of stone and of various styles and architectural rhythms, dated from 12th to 18th century.   

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The archaeological site of Kolona: It is named after the one and only Doric pillar (kolona in greek) which remains until today when the Temple of Apollo, built on the 6th century BC, was destroyed by an earthquake. Kolona is located on the left from the harbor of Aegina. The archaeological site includes also the remains of a prehistorical town which flourished around 2500 BC, parts of the town’s post-roman fortification wall as well as a medieval tank.

The Archaeological Museum: It is located on the site of Kolona in a 5 minutes distance on foot from the harbor. It accommodates all the finds from the excavations on the hill of Aegina telling a thousand year old story, from the prehistoric ages until Medieval Times.  

The Temple of Ellanios Zeus: Aegina’s highest mountain is called Mountain Ellanio with height of 532 meters. At its peak you will find the ruins of the sanctuary of Ellanios Zeus. Mountain Ellanio worth your visit not only to enjoy the truly fantastic view of the whole Saronic Gulf but also to explore on your way up here the island’s picturesque mountain villages such as Anitsaio and Pachia Rachi. Last but not least, at the mountain basin lies the Valley of Elaionas. Elaionas is perfect for trekking to see the ancient olive trees the age of some of the older ones is estimated at 1500-2000 years. Their internal cavities are like small apartments-some of them reach 30 square feet.

Top-6 beaches of Aegina

Klidi: A local secret that was revealed because such beauty rarely stays hidden for a long time, the sandy beach of Klidi is located near Perdika and has probably the most beautiful waters of the island. The beach is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds with only little space if you want to lay your own towel in the sand.

Agia Marina: The longest beach of the island with thick gold sand is ideal for children due to its shallow and clear waters. The beach is organized, very popular and is located right under the homonym village.  

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Kolona: The beach under the archaeological site of the same name is also sandy, with clear waters which deepen abruptly (be aware those of you who have children) and shadow under the pines of its hill. Kolona beach is also organized as the most beaches of the island.

Marathonas: Marathonas is actually two beaches at the half of the road from the town of Aegina to Perdika. While both of them have gold sand and clear waters, the first beach is bigger and more suitable for families whereas the second one has a much younger vibe hosting often popular beach parties.

Aeginitissa: Two kilometers away from Perdika, right after Marathonas, Aeginitissa beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. Its rich vegetation goes all the way up and the blue crystal water of the sea is impressive. It is organized and has also a beach volley area.

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Moni: The uninhabited island of Moni, 5 minutes on boat from the harbor of Perdika, has by far the most beautiful waters of Saronic Gulf. Their turquoise color is in full contrast with the green of its pine forest which nearly reaches the sea in many spots. Deer, wild goats and peacocks walk around on the island. Locals say that they are left here since the royal family used Moni island as a hunting destination.