| The much-frequented Saronic Island - due to its proximity to Athens - will fascinate you the minute you get there. Aegina's picturesque little back streets, mansions, blue church domes, horse drawn carriages are a wonderful retreat - if, of course, you are lucky enough to ensure accommodation. The island is extremely busy from June to the end of August and all year round on week-ends. Aegina has many hidden charms and many surprises. Aegina town, the capital and the port of the island, will immediately captivate you with its quaint beauty. The island, is also rich in history and mythology. The ancient temples and ruined settlements are an indication of Aegina's past glory.
The splendid Temple of Aphaia - one of the most important
monuments of antiquity - standing on a hill dominates the east coast
of Aegina. The Doric style temple was built in the 5th century BC.
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From the temple admire the beautiful
sunset accompanied by the idyllic view of the sea and just across,
the Attica shores. You will also see the only remnant of the
Temple of Apollo, a Doric column, at the place where the temple
stood, the Metropolis, the house where Nikos Kazantzakis stayed,
Kapothistria's governor's mansion, among other sites. You should
also visit the Archeological Museum which houses sculptures
and relieves from the Temple of Aphaia, the statue of Hercules
from the Apollo Temple and the famous marble Sphinx of Aegina
and other items.
For a pleasant swim (to cool off, since it gets awfully hot), opt
for the remote beaches such: Vaia; Souvala; Pharos (lighthouse);
Aeginitissa and the outskirts of Aegina like: Aghia Marina with
the most touristic activity of the island. In Palaeohora, there
is the monastery and church of Saint Nectarios, where the
20th century saint lived the last years of his life (died in 1920).
The monastery has a guest house.
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Another picturesque little Saronic islet is Agistri,which can
easily be reached either from Aegina or Piraeus. Escape from the hustle
and bustle to the serenity and relaxation that this verdant isle offers.
Visit its sandy beach at the port or other smaller ones. The most-frequented
one is Skala, walking around the coast, however, you discover
smaller fairly remote shores like: Limenaria, Drakonera, Mariza
etc. Visit the old village Metoho, on the slope of a hill and
an amazing view. Another smaller inlet, Moni, offers almost
the entire coast for swimming , especially the Marathonas shore. |
General Information for Aegina