Xionodromika

Aegina: “The island of peanuts”

Aegina


Αίγινα, Αργοσαρωνικός

Aegina is an exquisite and much-frequented island of Argosaronikos Gulf, which is just 17.5 nautical miles far away from Piraeus Port. Aegina, known as “island of peanuts”, is the second biggest island in Argosaronikos after Salamina. Aegina is particularly scenic, with picturesque landscapes and many sights.

The town of Aegina maintains its traditional color, with the blue domes of churches, the yellow or rosy faces of its houses, and the narrow streets surrounded by lovely small shops. For a little time, it was the capital of then liberated Greece, in 1828. In Aegina, the first coin, Heloni, was cut in 700 B.C.

The visitor can be shown round the town of Aegina, enjoying a jaunt with the buggies.

Aegina Map

Aegina Attractions & Surrounding Area

Aegina Island is full of sights. You can visit the fascinating temple of Afaia Athena, a building of Dorian architecture of 5 th century B.C., Kapralos Museum where works of unforgettable sculptor and painter Christos Kapralos are exhibited, as well as Markellos Tower, which was built in 1802 and looks like a Venetian building, and where the Intellectual Centre of Aegina Municipality is today lodged.

It is worth visiting the archeological area of “Kolona”, where the remnants of the temple of Apollo are found. In this area the Archeological Museum of Aegina is also situated. In the Historical Museum of Aegina, there are many historical and folklore exhibits.

On Oros Mountain, there are remains of a prehistoric settlement as well as the ruins of Elladios Zeus temple. Next to Ellanio or Panellinio mount, the Care Centre of Wild Birds and Animals which are threatened by extinction is found. The voluntary work in the Centre will be a memorable experience.

Two kilometers west of Aegina, we find the church of Saints Theodoroi, a small single-aisle basilica of 13 th century, with kempt murals. Do not neglect to visit the imposing Monastery of Saint Nektarios. You can also visit the Cathedral of Aegina, the Government House, the Orphanage, the Monastery of Panagia Xrysoleontissa in Pacheiorahi, and Souvala with the famous hot water springs.

Aegina also offers a lot of beaches, where one can swim, enjoy the sun and go in for sea sports. Some beaches are organized with taverns and bars around. Famous beaches are these of Saint Marina, Panagitsa, Aiginitissa, Ayra, Kolona, Souvala, Saint Vasilios, Marathonas and Vagia which is indicated to underwater fishing.

Aegina with the rich history, the beautiful verdurous hamlets, the wonderful beaches, the important archeological finds and the vivid night life challenge the visitor.

How to get there

Coastally: Ferry Boats (about 1 hour and 15 minutes) and flying dolphins (about 35 minutes) depart daily from Piraeus Port to Aegina.

Aegina Photos

Aegina Useful Telephone Numbers (Calling code for Greece 0030)

Aegina Municipality
22970 22409
Aegina Port Authority
22970 22328
Aegina First Aid Station
22970 22222
Piraeus Port Authority
210 4226000
Aegina Police Station
22970 23333
Aegina Bus Station
22970 22787, 22412
Aegina Tourist Police
22970 27777
Monastery of Agios Nektarios
22970 53800, 53806