Tours of Athens

Information about Aegina

Only one hour from the port of Piraeus, Aegina is among the closest islands to visit from Athens. This closeness to Athens, the interesting historical sites, the lovely villages and the crystal beaches make Aegina a popular tourist destination and even an ideal spot to fill a day before the flight home. Arriving at the port, the church of Agios Nikolaos welcomes visitors and the Neoclassical houses around the bay create a lovely atmosphere. The waterfront is lined by fish taverns, restaurants, gift shops and small kiosks selling pistachio nuts, the traditional product of Aegina. Although the waterfront is usually busy, a street or two in the inland, the town reveals itself as a calm and unspoilt place surrounded by low hills and blue sea. At the port, close to the ferry quay, horse carriages offer visitors a charming ride around the town.

Aegina is a great place for sightseeing, as the long history of the island is well reflected in the ancient monuments. In the 5th century BC, Aegina emerged as a great naval power and a serious threat to Athens, the most powerful city-state that time. Culture flourished in Aegina along with the economy and many temples were built. Among them, the temple of Apollo close to the modern port, of which unfortunately only a column survives today. This temple is widely known as Kolona and can be visited on foot from the port.

However, the most famous and interesting ancient monument of Aegina is the temple of Athena Aphaea, situated in the centre of the island. This used to be among the most important religious centres in ancient Greece and in fact, scientists have noticed that the temple of Aphaia, the Acropolis of Athens and the temple of Poseidon in Sounion geographically form an isosceles triangle. Nonetheless, the power of Aegina was to end soon, after Athens defeated the island in a battle at sea. Many centuries later, in 1829, Aegina became the first capital of the modern Greek State before losing the honour from Athens again.

Apart from Aegina Town, the rest of the island also has beautiful seaside villages that have gradually grown into tourist resorts. Souvala and Agia Marina are the most popular resorts with amazing, clean beaches. More calm spots include Marathonas and Perdika.

Other sights to visit on Aegina are the Monastery of Agios Nektarios, the patron saint of the island, and the Hellenic Wildlife Hospital, a rehabilitation centre for wild birds.