Aegina: Athenians' favourite island getaway

World-famous for its PDO pistachio ("fistikia Aiginis" in Greek) the ancient rival of Athens (located 17nm south-west of the Greek capital) has evolved into one of the most popular sailing holiday destinations and a treasured hideaway of artists and intellectuals.

You will instantly fall in love with its bustling port capital with the colourful traditional fishing boats, the horse-drawn carts, the traditional cafes and fish taverns and the well-preserved neoclassic buildings.

Εxplore the town's imposing buildings from the era it was the first capital of the newly founded Greek state (1828-1829). Visit the island's charming villages such as traditional Anitsaio as well as the majestic Temple of Aphaia that stands on a pine-clad hill in the northeast. And make time to discover hidden treasures such as the ancient olive grove (eleonas) on the slopes of Mount Oros that was featured in a recent Hermes campaign.

 

Must-Visit Attractions in Aegina

  • The majestic Doric Temple of Aphaia that commands superb views towards Athens and forms an equilateral triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.
  • Aegina's Town museums such as the Archaeological Museum, the Historical and folklore museum and the Christos Kapralos Museum dedicated to the Greek sculptor, painter and engraver.
  • The sanctuary and the archaeological museum of Apollo Delfinios, also known as Kolona, that took its name from a tall Doric-style column that stands on the site.
  • The deserted medieval capital and castle of Palaiochora with the panoramic view and the 38 preserved churches.
  • The pink Markellos Tower that housed Kapodistrias' government until the Governor's Residence, known as the "Palace of Barbayannis" was built.
  • The byzantine-era Monastery of Agios Nektarios that is one of the biggest monasteries in Greece.

Sail and Swim

The popular beaches of Agia Marina, Perdika, Souvala, Marathonas, Aeginitissa, Kleidi, Sarpa and Vayia, as well as the Moni islet.

Ports & anchorages

Besides the bustling Aegina harbour & marina, the island offers a variety of choices for your sailing boat such as the port in the fishing village of Perdika, the dock at resort chic Ayia Marina (near the Temple of Aphaia), the mini harbour of Souvala on the north coast, the coves near Marathona bay, the bays of Klima and Mazioti or nearby Agistri island and Aponisi and Dorousa islets.