Key Takeaways
- Aegina Island is an ideal destination for escaping the heat of Athens and experiencing an authentic Greek island getaway.
- The island is rich in history, with important archaeological sites and landmarks that reflect its significance in Greek history.
- Aegina offers a diverse range of attractions, from the well-preserved Temple of Aphaia to the medieval ruins of Paleochora and the serene islet of Moni.
- Visitors can explore the charming town of Aegina, try local products like pistachios, relax on beautiful beaches, and visit notable sites like the Tower of Markellos and the Saint Nektarios Monastery.
Continuing our quest for the best island destinations just an hour away from Athens, we introduce to you Aegina Island, ideal for escaping the rising temperatures of Athens and getting a taste of an authentic Greek island experience!
The island of Aegina is the second-largest island of the Saronic Gulf and holds a really important place in Greek history.
One of the close to Athens island destinations, with only an hour-long distance from the port of Piraeus, Aegina is an excellent destination to combine archaeological sites, monuments, and landmarks related to modern Greek history, with long, stretched sandy beaches and picturesque secluded islets.
Here you will find the best attractions of Aegina Island that you should absolutely visit during your stay.
Visit the best-preserved classic Temple of Aphaia
The Temple of Aphaia - credits: en.wikipedia.org
Situated in the eastern part of Aegina island, the temple of Aphaia is one of the most impressive ancient temples in Greece and one of the most charming landmarks in Greece. The temple faced numerous construction phases since the Bronze Age but particularly after the Archaic times.
The existing ruins belong to its latest phase, in 500-490 BC. Originally, the sanctuary, where the temple is located, was dedicated to the Aeginetan deity Aphaia, a deity of fertility often associated with the Cretan deity Vritomartis.
After the Athenian domination of the island, the cult of Athena, of the Olympian gods, was merged with this local deity, along with the cult of Artemis. Pausanias, in the 2nd century AD, said:
"On Aegina, as one goes toward the mountain of Pan-Greek Zeus, the sanctuary of Aphaia comes up, for whom Pindar composed an ode at the behest of the Aeginetans.
The Cretans say (the myths about her are native to Crete) that Euboulos was the son of Kharmanor, who purified Apollo of the killing of the Python, and they say that Britomartis was the daughter of Zeus and Kharme (the daughter of this Euboulos).
She enjoyed races and hunts and was particularly dear to Artemis. While fleeing from Minos, who lusted after her, she cast herself into nets cast for a catch of fish. Artemis made her a goddess, and not only the Cretans but also the Aeginetans revere her.
The Aeginetans say that Britomartis showed herself to them on their island. Her epithet among the Aeginetans is Aphaia, and it is Diktynna of the Nets on Crete."
The temple stands on the top of a hill, following the Doric order, and was built entirely out of local limestone.
Due to its location, it creates two imaginary triangles, one with the temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion and the temple of Hephaestus in Thissio and another one with the temple of Apollo in Delphi and the Parthenon of Athens. It also offers amazing views of Aegina and the Saronic Gulf.
Ever since antiquity, it was known for its wonderful sculptures made out of Parian marble, which decorated its pediments. On the west side, there was a depiction of the second Trojan War (the one narrated by Homer), including the notable figure of Ajax.
In the east, there was a depiction of the first Trojan War, with Telamon and Hercules fighting against the king of Troy Laomedon. Statues of the goddess Athena occupied the central space of those two pediments.
The sculptures were discovered by the English archaeologist Charles Robert Cockerell in the 19th century when he was conducting excavations at the ancient temple during his Grand Tour.
After their discovery (and the removal of those still in place), they were sent to Zakynthos island and then to Malta, where eventually, the King of Bavaria Ludwig I bought them at auction. Nowadays, they are on display at the Glyptothek of Munich.
Stroll Paleochora
Paleochora - credits: weloveaegina.com
After the end of the Peloponnesian War, Aegina was not able to recover from the continuous clashes and warfare. In the 2nd century AD, Pausanias, who visited the island, admitted that most of its ancient monuments were left in ruins, and the old port was under the sea. Generally, nothing really raised his interest.
During the coming years, many invasions that happened in the mainland of Greece resulted in the relocation of groups of people towards the island, boosting that way the economy and social dynamics of Aegina once again.
In the 10th century, piracy forced the Aeginetans to leave the coastal areas and found a settlement in the mountainous region of the Aegina island to ensure their protection.
Therefore, the Aeginetans decided to establish the new capital -Paleochora- of their island approximately at the center of it, and the settlement remained its main town for many centuries. Paleochora suffered numerous attacks and invasions over the years, with one of the notorious pirates Barbarossa in the 16th century being the most memorable one.
After the end of the 18th century, though, the islanders abandoned Paleochora and resettled the coastal areas of their island. Nowadays, the visitors of Paleochora can walk among the medieval ruins of the settlement and visit the Byzantine churches with their magnificent frescoes.
Without a doubt, this destination is a must-see site of Aegina, often described as the Mystras of the island. At the site, you will find 38 of the 366 churches Paleochora used to have, worth visiting for their architecture and murals that still survive to this day.
At the top, you will find features of the Venetian castle, a Greek castle built in 1654, as well as enjoy the spectacular view of the island.
Sail to the islet of Moni
Moni island, Aegina, Greece - credits: Sven Hansche/Shutterstock.com
In case you want to swim in the waters of an uninhabited islet full of dense pine forests and sandy beaches in the Aegean sea, Moni islet is the place to be.
In order for you to get there, head to the main town of Perdika, located in the southern part of the Aegina island and one of the most beautiful of its regions, and hop on a small boat from Perdika beach that will take you to this small paradise.
Just 500 meters away from Aegina, the islet has nothing but a single monastery on it. Wander around its lush forests, hike to the highest point of the islet, and enjoy the panoramic view of Aegina and the Saronic Gulf.
While there, you will have the chance to see up close the islet's wildlife, which includes deer, wild goats, and peacocks! Moni is being protected as a natural park. Therefore, regulations over littering and camping are quite strict.
Choose its beach to relax with a drink in hand, and finish your day in one of the few delicious taverns found at the port of the fishing village of Perdika for you to explore the riches of Greek cuisine. Aegina is quite popular for its seafood dishes!
Spend some time in Aegina Town
Aegina Town - credits: leoks/Shutterstock.com
The town of Aegina is one of the most historic towns in Greece, closely related to the modern history of the country.
Except for the picturesque alleyways of Aegina town, you can choose one of the sites located nearby, which reflects the history of the island from prehistoric times up until the 19th century.
Right next to the port, the archaeological site of Kolona includes the Late Neolithic (4th mill. BC), the Bronze Age settlement (2600-2500 BC), and the sanctuary of Apollo (with one column of the ancient temple still standing) that lasted up until the 3rd century AD.
In addition, you can visit the Venetian tower of Marcellus (17th century), located inside the Aegina's capital, or discover the importance of Aegina regarding the history of the New Greek State.
After the Greek War of Independence, Aegina was chosen by the first governor of Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias, as the first capital of the State in 1827.
Ioannis Kapodistrias founded on Aegina the first archaeological museum of Greece, the first national library, public school, and orphanage of the modern Greek state, all of them still exist today, with the archaeological museum still operating!
After the relocation of the capital to Nafplio in 1829, Aegina island lost its political importance but remained an important urban center in the Saronic Gulf, more powerful than most mainland destinations.
Try the local products of Aegina and the Greek islands
Aegina pistachios, Greece - credits: clickatlife.gr
There is no way you visiting Aegina island without trying something pistachio flavored! Most known for its award-winning pistachio production, you will fall in love with the local delicacies including it.
Eat it directly with its skin is a great healthy snack for when you get late-night cravings.
You can also feel refreshed with some pistachio-flavored ice cream or satisfy your sweet tooth with a breakfast pistachio spread and handmade sweets.
Don’t miss the chance to try Aegina’s local product in a traditional pasteli, a sweet bar dating back to Homer’s time!
Go swimming and enjoy Aegina beaches and beach bars
Aegina beaches - credits: Viviana Delidaki/Shutterstock.com
Looking for more things to do in Aegina? The island's beaches from the north to the east coast are waiting for your exploration.
Enjoy the turquoise waters of Agia Marina Beach and Souvala, the most popular beaches and beach bars in Aegina, and you'll forget any mainland destinations you've ever thought of visiting.
Soak up the sun on the sandy coasts before finding shelter in one of the many taverns and hotels in the area. If you want to get away from the crowd, you can try the secluded beach of Marathon, a picturesque fishing village, or Vagia, with the most beautiful green scenery in Aegina.
Are you feeling a bit adventurous? Get that sweet adrenaline rush by going scuba diving in Aegina’s mesmerizing waters. Whether you are a skilled diver or just a novice, you can explore the deep blue, making your vacation to Aegina an unforgettable experience.
Pay a Visit to the Tower of Markellos
One other landmark not too well-known is Markellos Tower—a surprise salmon-pink building left by the Venetians at the start of his second rule on Aegina.
The tower is carved out of stones, and the building became a military headquarters in 1821 in response to the Greek revolt. It was certainly constructed to counter an Ottoman attack that ended up taking place in 1715.
Many of these fortress walls were constructed during this period as Turkey seized the islands, leaving the tower behind. Later, it became an office of the Greek temporary government.
Marvel at the famous Saint Nektarios Monastery
If you decide to visit the Doric Temple of Aphaia, you must make sure to stop at the Saint Nektarios Monastery before leaving.
Even if you're not a religious person, you will be intrigued by the spectacular monastery and its architecture. Arguably, Saint Nektarios Cathedral is one of Greece's most impressive buildings.
There is parking available on-site; however, one thing to keep in mind is that, unfortunately, there is a strict dress code, which is the case with the vast majority of Greek monasteries.
To enter the church, women should wear long skirts, while men should wear pants instead of shorts. There are spare skirts available at the entrance. However, we highly recommend you bring your own.
FAQs
Why is Aegina so popular?
Aegina is a picturesque Greek island located near Athens and, therefore, a popular destination when it comes to short getaways.
Aegina belongs to the Saronic Islands group and is rich in archaeology, scenic villages, beautiful beaches, and the incredible scenic Aegina town, the island's capital!
How to get to Aegina From Athens?
The ferry from Athens to Aegina carries passengers daily from the port of Piraeus to the island. These ferries will take you to two additional Greek islands in the gulf: Hydra and Poros.
A day excursion between Athens and Athens involves a 45min ferry trip. You can choose between the conventional ferry, which will take around an hour and 15 minutes, and the Flying Dolphin, which cover the distance in 40 minutes.
The price of the tickets is 9€ and 15 € accordingly, while the service operates about every hour during the high season. Still, it is a very good idea to buy tickets in advance.
Best Time To Visit Aegina island
Due to its proximity to the Greek mainland, Aegina is a lovely destination all year round. Whether you visit Aegina during the high season months of summer or during winter, which may be less busy, there's plenty to enjoy, from a number of beaches with fun beach bars to be explored to scenic walks to take.
Please keep in mind that if you visit it in winter, you may encounter a number of establishments closed. Despite that, during the colder winter months, there is a chance that you can find cheaper accommodation.
Final Thoughts
Aegina is one of the most important and historical Greek islands with a vast heritage.
Just an hour away from Athens -so close that it has even earned a mention in our Athens travel guide- it offers so many options to the traveler, from ancient sites, medieval settlements, and modern history landmarks to wonderful beaches and secluded islets.
In case you are in Athens and you're planning your Greek islands escape, choose Aegina, and you won't be disappointed! Let us help you to plan your own trip to Aegina, or check out one of our Greece tours!
Frequently Asked Questions
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