Destinations news Aegina: Away From Athens But So Close! by GTP editing team 8 September 2014 written by GTP editing team 8 September 2014 1 comment Share 0FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail 25 Photo © milosk50 / Shutterstock Aegina, an island in the middle of the Saronic Gulf and in the vicinity of Salamina, Agistri, Poros, Methana, and, further out, Hydra and Spetses, is the second closest island to Athens (the closest is Salamina). Photo © Christos Voreakos The island has turned into a classic weekend destination for Athenians over the decades, some of who have made the gentle and low-key island their permanent home. This includes a contingent of authors and artists who have contributed to the island’s tradition of ceramics production and sculpture. Its proximity to Athens and Piraeus (some even go as far as to call it a suburb of Athens), is a blessing in disguise: too close to count as an “exotic” holiday destination, Aegina is consistently charming even when the island settles in for the winter months and has little reason to envy the glitzier Aegean and Ionian destinations. Technically a volcanic island, a fact visible in its barren inland terrain and hills, it is instantly recognizable by the sprawl of both big and small neoclassical buildings at the main town, that extends inland from its bustling harbour. Temple of Aphaia Athina, Egina, c. 500 BC. Photo © Facebook – ΟΙ ΟΜΟΡΦΙΕΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΑΣ ΜΑΣ Aegina is one the islands that played a leading role in the famous battle of Salamis in antiquity and in the 1821 War of Independence. It features prominently on the archeological map, mostly because of the temples of Aphaia, Apollo, Zeus and the site of Kolona, first inhabited 3500 years ago. In the 19th century Aegina was Greece’s first capital, a privilege that is reflected in the dignified architecture of the main town, some of it designed in the 19th by the famous architects Stamatis Kleanthis and Eduard Schaubert. Some of the notable buildings at the Chora, which comes with a lovely seaside promenade, spacious squares, and houses with soothingly regular facades, include the old Orphanage, the Governor’s building (Kyverneion) and the Markellos tower. Perdika. Photo © Facebook – ΟΙ ΟΜΟΡΦΙΕΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΑΣ ΜΑΣ Further on from the main town, Perdika, a fishing village next to the island of Moni, Anitsaio, that boasts a spectacular view of the surrounding region with the mountains of Peloponissos at the far end of the gulf, Pachia Rachi, a picturesque community built on a slope and Messagros, surrounded by the island’s famous pistachio trees, are well worth a visit. There are no spectacular beaches on the island, but lots of family-friendly swimming spots and other smaller less accessible coves. The green island of Moni, a brief boat ride from Perdika, is a definite must for swimming. Vagia, the twin beaches of Marathonas and Aeginitissa are sandy beaches dotted with umbrellas and sun beds. Portes is more on the quiet side. Recommended Paleochora, the island’s old capital that looks like a compact version of Mystras. Temple of Aphaia in one of the few forested areas of the island, overlooking the wine-dark sea. Temple of Apollo and Kolona Hill. Folklore Museum. Capralos Museum. Archeological Museum. Day trip to the islands of Moni and Agistri. How to get to the island Ferry schedules at: www.gtp.gr How to get to the island Accommodation on Aegina Follow GTP Headlines on Google News to keep up to date with all the latest on tourism and travel in Greece. Share 0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail GTP editing team This is the team byline for GTP. The copyrights for these articles are owned by GTP. They may not be redistributed without the permission of the owner. previous post Bloomberg: Hotel-Room Technology Changing The Way You Stay next post Joint actions to attract international film producers in Greece You may also like Test post 6 June 2025 Greece’s Hotel Market Sees Major Investments Over Four Months 5 February 2025 Greek Tourism Ministry Monitors Santorini Situation as Seismic Activity Continues 5 February 2025 Global Air Passenger Demand Reaches Record High in 2024, IATA Reports 5 February 2025 Greek PM Reassures Public About Santorini’s Ongoing Seismic Activity 5 February 2025 Milos: Ministry Suspends 5-star Hotel Construction Near Sarakiniko Beach 5 February 2025 1 comment Aegina Fistiki Fest 2014, όπως λέμε επιτυχία! | Πέτρος Πετρίτης 25 September 2014 - 23:45 […] https://news.gtp.gr/2014/09/08/aegina-away-athens-close/ […] Reply Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ