Aegina

Aegina is a popular island among Athenians and tourists due to its rich history, old-world elegance, stunning bays, and delectable pistachios. It is so close to Athens that it can be reached in 40 minutes from the port of Piraeus.

Island location

The island of Aegina

Aegina is a little island near Athens that offers a taste of all the other Greek islands, yet it's only about an hour's boat ride from Piraeus. Yes, it will probably be your first stop if you take a day trip to the islands around Athens. However, you will want to return to spend more time here.

Aegina is a year-round vacation spot because of its long summers, moderate winters, and close proximity to Athens. A coastal town with a 19th-century feel, beaches, abandoned Byzantine churches, pine-clad slopes, mountains of freshly roasted pistachios, antiques, and traditional tavernas are all here.

The old town

You should start by taking a tour of the ancient town. But before you leave, remember to get a bag of Aegina's renowned pistachios. You may travel back in time to the 19th century by taking a tour in a horse-drawn carriage if you're feeling amorous or simply a bit relaxed. The brilliantly painted fishing caiques, some of which also double as floating greengrocers, the fish market with nearly as many tavernas as booths, and the stunning white church of Agios Nikolaos will all be on your path. Don't forget to return here to have a drink of ouzo while sampling the fish.

The Temple of Aphaia

The Temple of Aphaia's well-preserved columns, which predate the Parthenon, will be visible when you visit Aegina Island. The serene location, which rises out of a pine forest over the bay of Agia Marina, encourages you to sit and consider the ancient triangle that connects this temple to the Parthenon at the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, and maybe the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio. Could this triangle represent the powerful embrace of Athens?

Stroll through Paleahora

A walk down Paleohora's steep hillside will transport you to Byzantine Aegina and give you a glimpse of a more recent age. In order to hide from pirates, the islanders relocated to this area, which was originally the capital of Aegina. The remains of many of its 38 stone churches are all that remain. As you explore them, you'll have to go to the hill's summit to visit the twin church of Saints George and Demetrius, which was formerly the location of the medieval fortification. When the hill is covered in wildflowers in the spring, the trek is very enjoyable.