Discover Aegina

The Capital of Aegina

The Town of Aegina is the capital and harbour of Aegina located on the west side of the island.  The lovely town has an authentic atmosphere and an elegant architectural style with neoclassical colourful buildings and nice squares. On the seaside promenade of the harbour, there are cosy cafeterias and traditional taverns. On the northern side of the harbour, one can visit the ancient temple dedicated to Apollo that used to be the ancient acropolis of Aegina. A small museum displays various interesting findings from the site. Another monument worth visiting is the house of Nikos Kazantzakis, the famous novel writer of Zorbas the Greek. In the area of the fish market, you will find excellent fish taverns.

The Isle of Moni

The Isle of Moni is a small island with pristine beaches and turquoise waters lying opposite the settlement of Perdika. The island is recommended for nature and sea lovers. Hiking lovers can enjoy the route that leads to the steep mountain of the island offering amazing views of the surrounding areas. During the summer, a beach bar and a restaurant operate at Moni. Access to Moni is possible through excursion boats that operate from the harbour of Perdika.

The Monastery of Agios Nektarios 

The Monastery of Agios Nektarios is one of the most important religious monuments of the island. Considered as one of the biggest monasteries of the country, the monastery was founded from the director of Rizarios Ecclesiastical School of Athens, Metropolitan of Pentapolis Nektarios Kefalas, in 1904. He began to build the monastery with the intention of housing a sisterhood of nuns of the older monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. Nowadays, the new cathedral and the monastery Agios Nektarios are places for worship for thousands of natives. The traditional celebration in honour of the saint is held on the November 9.

The Pistachio Festival of Aegina

The Pistachio Festival of Aegina is an annual festival held in the island on September. The festival was the dream of a group of people who believed that the pistachio of Aegina must gain the recognition it deserved for its contribution to the development of Aegina. The Pistachio Festival is considered to be one of the most important festivities of the products of Greece.

The Temple of Athena Aphaia

The Temple of Athena Aphaia is the most important archaeological site of the island located in a lush greenery landscape overlooking the deep blue Aegean. The temple is dedicated to goddess Athena and it is one of the architectural masterpieces of Ancient Greece. Next to the temple, there is a small museum that displays interesting findings of the temple of Aphaia. When the atmosphere is clear, you can see the Acropolis of Athens and the Temple of Poseidon of Sounio. The temples were built in such a way, so that they could create a triangle and have visual contact in case of an enemy attack.

The Ancient Town of Paleohora was the old capital of Aegina located on a steep hill close to the Monastery of Agios Nektarios. It is an important archaeological site displaying the medieval remains of a series of churches and the ruins of the castle. The churches of Agios Georgios, Episkopi, and Metamorphosis are worth a visit for their beautiful frescoes.

The Temple of Apollo Delfinios was the religious and political base of the ancient city of Aegina. The site is also known as Kolona (column) owing to the fact that there is only one remaining column from the original construction of the temple. The temple of Apollo Delfinios is located on the top of the hill of Kolona on the northern side of Aegina Town.

The Temple of Athena Aphaia is the most important archaeological site of the island located in a lush greenery landscape overlooking the deep blue Aegean. The temple is dedicated to goddess Athena and it is one of the architectural masterpieces of Ancient Greece. Next to the temple, there is a small museum that displays interesting findings of the temple of Aphaia. When the atmosphere is clear, you can see the Acropolis of Athens and the Temple of Poseidon of Sounio. The temples were built in such a way, so that they could create a triangle and have visual contact in case of an enemy attack.

The Temple of Ellanios Zeus is standing on the top of Mount Hellanio, the highest mountain of Aegina, and it is dedicated to God Zeus. The remnants of the temple are visible along with two huge terraces, a staircase and a Hellenistic wall. Next to the temple, the church of Agioi Taxiarhes is located. The temple offers fantastic views to the Saronic Gulf.

The Cathedral of Aegina is an impressive architectural building located in the town of Aegina. The cathedral displays a series of historic relics and a collection of remarkable murals and icons. In 1828, the cathedral was used as a parliament house for the first government of Greece. The imposing bell tower was built from chiseled limestone after the order of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of the country.

The Monastery of Agios Nektarios is one of the most important religious monuments of the island. Considered as one of the biggest monasteries of the country, the monastery was founded from the director of Rizarios Ecclesiastical School of Athens, Metropolitan of Pentapolis Nektarios Kefalas, in 1904. He began to build the monastery with the intention of housing a sisterhood of nuns of the older monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. Nowadays, the new cathedral and the monastery Agios Nektarios are places for worship for thousands of natives. The traditional celebration in honour of the saint is held on the November 9.

The Monastery of Panagia Chrysoleontissa is the oldest monastery of the island located on the highest spot of Aegina. The monastery was built from the monks with a fortified architecture in order to protect themselves from pirate invasions in 1610. The fortified tower along with the imposing old carved wooden iconostasis will impress the visitors. In 1935, it was converted into a female convent following the decision of Archbishop of Athens. The monastery celebrates in honour of the Annunciation of Virgin Mary on August 15.

The Hellenic Wildlife Hospital is a non-for-profit rehabilitation center located close to the settlement of Pahia Rahi. It is the oldest and largest hospital of this kind in Greece. The hospital was established for the rehabilitation of the wildlife species of the country and the awareness to the general public.

The Tower of Markello was built as a base for the interim government from Spyros Markellos, a member of the Society of Friends and a member of the Parliament of Aegina, around 1802 and 1826. In 1828, the period that Aegina was the capital of the newly formed state, the tower was used as a guest accommodation for the ministers of government. Today, the tower serves as the spiritual center of the municipality of Aegina.

The Archaeological Museum of Aegina is located in the region of Kolona. The museum exhibits archaeological artefacts including statuettes, inscriptions, weapons and copper vessels dating back to the prehistoric ages, which are important indications of the continuous cultural tradition of Aegina.

The Archaeological Museum of Aphaia is located on the grounds of the Temple of Aphaia. The museum exhibitions include fragments of statues, ceramic vessels and stone tools.  A model of the temple is on display at the entrance of the museum.

The Eunardios School of Teaching is a neoclassic building standing next to the Cathedral of Aegina. The school was build from a generous donation of the Swiss banker Eunardios in 1830. It contributed to the new state as it was in need for educated citizens and qualified teachers. Although the school does not operate, the building is kept in a good condition.

The Historical and Folklore Museum of Aegina is housed in a neoclassical building in the town of Aegina. The museum exhibits traditional, cultural and historical artefacts from the history of Aegina. The museum also houses the historical museum archives.

The Museum of Kapralos is located on the northwest side of the town of Aegina. Christos Kapralos (1909 – 1993) was a Greek sculptor who studied painting in the School of Fine Arts and sculpture in the Grande Chaumiere. Kapralos represented the country at the Venice Biennale in 1962.  Two years before his death, the artists founded the Kapralos Foundation in Aegina that established the Museum of Christos Kapralos. Exhibits include a rich collection of wooden and stone sculptures inspired by the Greek resistance against the Germans.

The Government House is a traditional house located in the center of the town of Aegina. The house was built in 1803 and it was renovated and prepared from the temporary government committee in advance of the arrival of Ioannis Kapodistrias in 1827. Today, the house has been converted into a museum.

The House of Nikos Kazantzakis is a neoclassical house located in the vicinity of the lighthouse in the area of Plakakia. Internationally acclaimed author Nikos Kazantzakis, who have written the novel Zorba the Greek, lived on the island of Aegina for various periods of time. The house was constructed in 1936 and Kazantzakis lived there during the years of the German occupation of the Second World War. The house is located in the vicinity of the lighthouse of Aegina in the area of Plakakia. However, the house is not open for visitors.

Agia Marina is a seaside village located on the east side of the island. The settlement is known for the temple of Athena Aphaia and the ancient town of Pelohora. It is a charming village with beautiful natural surroundings. If you are in the island on the 17^th of July, don’t miss the traditional festival in honour of Agia Marina held in the village. The settlement is definitely the most popular area of Aegina and it is a must visit.

Mesagros is a mountainous village located on the northeast side of the island. Known for its ceramic pottery, the settlement lies in a fertile valley with beautiful surroundings, colours and aromas and beautiful views of Aegina. The village is a fine specimen of tradition architecture. It is worth visiting the byzantine church of Panagia Politissa built from refugees of Constantinople in 1457 and the House of Rodakis representing a prime example of the architecture of the 19^th century.

Pahia Rahi is one of the oldest villages of the island located on the foot of Mount Oros. It is a mountainous village embellished with stone houses and beautiful views towards the town of Aegina, the island of Moni and the peninsula of Marathonas. The most important attraction of the village is the Church of Agios Dionisios with an imposing bell tower and a blue dome.

Perdika is a fishing village with traditional scenery located on the south side of the island. The settlement is built on top of a hill with beautiful views of the Aegean and the island of Moni. The sheltered harbour is known for its traditional seafood taverns. One of the largest traditional feasts of Aegina is held in the village on September 7. Also, the small marina of Perdika can host boats and yachts.

The Town of Aegina is the capital and harbour of Aegina located on the west side of the island.  The lovely town has an authentic atmosphere and an elegant architectural style with neoclassical colourful buildings and nice squares. On the seaside promenade of the harbour, there are cosy cafeterias and traditional taverns. On the northern side of the harbour, one can visit the ancient temple dedicated to Apollo that used to be the ancient acropolis of Aegina. A small museum displays various interesting findings from the site. Another monument worth visiting is the house of Nikos Kazantzakis, the famous novel writer of Zorbas the Greek. In the area of the fish market, you will find excellent fish taverns.

Spot: Ancient Town of Paleohora, Hill of the Monastery of Agios Nektarios

Spot: Beach of Aeginitissa, Northwest Aegina

Spot: Harbour of Perdika, Northwest Aegina

Spot: Beach of Portes, Southeast Aegina

Spot: Mount Hellanio, Highest Point of Aegina

Spot: Temple of Athena Aphaia, North Aegina

Boat Trip: The Island of Agistri is an idyllic island with a tranquil atmosphere endowed by pristine tropical seashores and charming coves surrounded from dense vegetation of pine trees and low green hills. Traditional villages, whitewashed houses with flowery courtyards and terraces, exotic beaches with azure waters, pine and olive trees and scents of thyme and oregano will take your breath away. The hospitality of the islanders, the calmness of the virgin nature, the emerald waters of the sea will compensate the travellers from the first moment!

Boat Trip: The Isle of Moni is a small island with pristine beaches and turquoise waters lying opposite the settlement of Perdika. The island is recommended for nature and sea lovers. Hiking lovers can enjoy the route that leads to the steep mountain of the island offering amazing views of the surrounding areas. During the summer, a beach bar and a restaurant operate at Moni. Access to Moni is possible through excursion boats that operate from the harbour of Perdika.

Sailing: Due to its close proximity to Athens, Aegina is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts. Sailing around Aegina is fully recommended. Ideal anchorage points include the marina of the town of Aegina that is protected from all weather conditions, excluding the southern winds. Also, the bay of Aeginitissa on the western coast of the island is a good anchorage spot protected from the northern winds. Ormos Klima and Ormos Mourioti offer the best shelter on the south side of Aegina. Moreover, the small bay of Perdika on the southwest side of Aegina is an ideal spot for mooring as it is protected from summer winds. However, the marina is quite small just for five yachts. One of the best spots for anchoring is the isle of Moni lying opposite to the fishing village of Perdika.

Thermal Springs: The thermal springs of Aegina have been known for their therapeutic properties since antiquity. They have healing properties for arthritis, rheumatism, skin and digestive diseases. The thermal springs of the island are located in the village of Therma.

Windsurfing: Aegina is known for its ideal conditions for lovers of windsurfing, as the island gets really windy especially in the summer. The beaches of Agia Marina and Marathonas are ideal for practising windsurfing.

Yoga: Are you a yoga enthusiast? Destination offers the opportunity to enhance your stay by joining one of the regular yoga classes at the beach of Aeginitissa.

Aeginitissa is one of the most popular beach spots of the island. The beach is located on the beautiful bay of Aeginitissa surrounding from huge trees and scenic sunsets. The seawater is turquoise blue. The beach has various taverns.

Agia Marina is the longest beach of Aegina and it is a favourite summer destination for travellers. It is a well organized sandy beach with amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas and  water sports facilities. The seawater is crystal clean surrounded from big pine trees. The beach has various taverns.

Klima is a peaceful sandy beach with crystal clear waters. The beach is located on the south side of the island and it becomes a popular anchorage during the weekends. The beach is ideal for snorkelling lovers. There is a beach bar at the beach.

Marathonas is a long sandy beach with crystal clean waters surrounded from lush vegetation. It is located four kilometres away from the harbour of the island. The beach is one of the main resorts and it has a well-organized beach with numerous amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas and water sport facilities.

Sarpa is a wide sandy beach with crystal clear waters surrounded from trees. The beach is well organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, a volley field and a small cantina. The views from the beach towards the island of Moni and the peninsula of Methana are fantastic.

Vagia is a charming hamlet located on the southern side of the island. It is an ideal destination for those looking for tranquillity and relaxation. The beach is well organized.

Coffee Corners

Aiakeion: Coffee and Pastries, Aegina Τown

Mikro Kafe: Coffee, Perdika

Pagoudis: Pastries, Aegina Τown

Remvi: Coffee, Aegina Town

Gastronomic Delights

Argyris: Greek Cuisine, Mesagros

Babis: Greek Cuisine, Aegina Town

Bakalogatos: Ouzo and Meze, Aegina Town

Manitas Sto kima: Greek Cuisine, Faros

Mavros Gatos: Greek Cuisine, Aegina Town

Nontas: Seafood, Perdika

Ostria: Seafood, Marathonas Bay

Proraion: Greek Cuisine, Aegina Town

Remezzo: Seafood, Perdika

Skotadis: Ouzo and Meze, Aegina Town

Steki Tou Kinigou: Greek Cuisine, Anitseo

Steki: Ouzo and Meze, Aegina Town

Stratigos: Greek Cuisine, Marathonas Bay

Cocktails Inspirations

Avli: Cocktails and Drinks, Aegina Town

Famous Grouse: Cocktails and Drinks, Perdika

Inn on the Beach: Cocktails and Drinks, Aegina Town

Perdikiotika: Cocktails and Drinks, Aegina Town

Remvi: Cocktails and Drinks, Aegina Town

Vartan: Cocktails and Drinks, Aegina Town

The local products of the island include the pistachio nuts of Aegina that are products with protected designation of origin. Moreover, the island is known for its agricultural products of almonds, grapes, figs and olives.

The local specialties of the island include octopus with pasta, pistachio pate, cuttlefish in wine and aubergine pie.

Every 10^th of June, the Fish Festival takes place in the harbour of Souvala.

Every 27^th of August, the traditional celebration in honour of Agia Marina takes place in the village of Agia Marina. The celebration is followed from traditional music and dance.

Every August, the International Music Festival of Aegina takes place in the island. Numerous musical events are held in various locations of the island.

Every 15^th of August, the traditional celebration in honour of the Assumption of Virgin Mary takes place in the Monastery of Chrysoleontissa. This is the most important religious festival of Aegina.

Every September, the Pistachio Festival of Aegina takes place in the island.

Evert 3^rd of September, the traditional celebration in honour of Agios Nektarios takes place in the Monastery of Agios Nektarios.

Mythology

According to mythoilogy, Zeus fell in love with one of the daughetrs of Asopos, whose name was Aegina. He kidnapped her and took her in the island. The island was named after her, where they had a son named Aeacus who was the first king of the island. Aeacus turned the ants into people, so that the island could have citizens. For this reason, the inhabitants of Aegina were called Mirmidones!

History 

Archaeological findings show that Aegina has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. The island flourished in terms of both economic and naval power around the second millennium BC, developing its trade with its own ships carrying local products to the Aegean Sea. At that period, the inhabitants built temples to honour the gods for this prosperity including the Temple of Apollo in Kolona and the Temple of Ellanios Zeus in the centre of the island. Aegina reached its zenith of development during the 6^th and 7^th century BC, when its naval power extended until Egypt as Aegina was the first place of Europe to mint coins, the silver turtle coins. During the Battle of Salamina, the powerful fleet of the island made a major contribution against the Persian fleet. Following the Persian defeat, the island continued to flourish and the inhabitants built the magnificent Temple of Aphaia. However, the Athenians attacked Aegina in 459 BC and forced to pull down the walls of the city, making the island sank to geopolitical obscurity. Aegina fell under the dominance of Philip of Macedonia, the Roman rule, followed by the Byzantine and the Venetian domination and the Turkish occupation until the Greek War of Independence of 1821. During the Greek War of Independence, Aegina played an important role against the Turks while it served as the temporary capital of the partly liberated state of Greece in 1827 for two years.

By Boat (15 Nautical Miles): Aegina is accessible by boat from the harbour of Piraeus. The journey usually lasts from thirty minutes to one hour and fifteen minutes. Aegina is also connected with the islands of Agistri, Salamina and the peninsula of Methana. Book your tickets with FerriesinGreece.com !