Saronic Gulf Splendour; Aegina
PHOTOGRAPh - Chris Lawton
“An unspoiled vacation island, Aegina exudes a unique energy. From the moment you arrive, you feel as if you have come home.”
Five kilometres east of Agistri, Aegina is sits proudly awaiting visitors to its bustling and colourful port. From Agistri, Aegina is accessible by one of the regular ferries sailing from Megalochori.
Its regal presence is not a surprise, as tradition derives the name from Aegina, the mother of the hero Aeacus, who was born on the island and became its king.
This island though slightly larger than Agistri, is still small and ever so authentic. An unspoiled vacation island, Aegina exudes a unique energy beckoning hundreds of repeat visitors and even those who relocate to live fully the island life. From the moment you arrive, you feel as if you have come home.
Local Colour
Ayía Marina is the cosmopolitan tourist resort with many hotels, rooms to let, beach cafes, bars, and open-air restaurants. The sight of fresh octopus drying in the sun is photograph worthy, as are the many locals bringing in their daily catch.
Beaches are varied and offer sun-lovers unparalleled swimming and beach time. For starters, try these few; Pérdika, a quiet pebbly beach in the traditional village of Pérdika, Souvála, well-appointed for its warm, therapeutic waters, Marathónas, which offers two sandy beaches, one next to another, 4 km away from the centre of town.
Engaging Island History
The ancient Temple of Aphaia is situated in a beautiful spot above the pine forests in the hills of Aegina, with spectacular views across the Saronic Gulf. As you wander the bleached sandstones, you can well imagine 2500 years ago when the surviving temple was built, or for the first known worshippers on Aegina, another thousand years prior.
Close to Ayia Marina lies the 500 BC Doric Temple of Aphea Athena, the most important monument on Aegina. The temple formed an equilateral triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, the famed “holy triangle” of antiquity. The most impressive part of the temple is its sculpted pediments which are exhibited at the Glyptothek of Munich. Excavation findings are on display at the Archaeological Museum of Aegina.
In 1904, the now world-famous miracle healer Agios Nektarios chose to live in Aegina and transformed a desolate monastery as his home and place of worship for all. Today this monastery Saint Nektarios Monastery, is one of the most visited sights on the island and brings many visitors a sense of calm.
Aegina has also attracted many artists with its very special light offering them unending inspiration and creativity. In current times, the island also serves as a popular location for numerous workshops & seminars. Aegina is an island of perpetual nostalgia, and one you will not take lightly to depart from without a firm commitment to return.
Unforgettable Moni
A few heavenly places in your lifetime will be positively unforgettable, and Moni is sure to be one of them.
A matter of seconds across the narrow strait from the port town of Perdika on Aegina, lies Moni Island, breathtaking at first glance for its natural pristine beauty.
The island belongs to the Monastery of Chryssoleontissa in Aegina – therefore named “Moni”, which in Greek translates to “monastery”.
Moni is an exotic sanctuary, so silently special that many visitors to Greece will never be aware of its presence.
There are no residents on Moni, and so your first greeting may be the sight of sight of striking deer, wild goats and the island’s specialty, spectacular wild peacocks. These naturally make an unforgettable visual against the backdrop of crystal-clear turquoise sea stretching magnificently to the horizon.
Moni has only one beach bar that offers snacks and refreshments, conveniently next to the jetty and the sandy beach. The back side of the island features rocky shores and deeper aquamarine waters for those who are seeking absolute privacy.
Valerie Paavonpera
Explore The Saronic Islands
Walk in the streets of Aegina to a local pistachio farm. Learn about the tree and how to cultivate and collect the fruit. Drink Greek traditional coffee, sample pistachios delicacies and other local snacks.
Set sail for the Saronic Islands aboard a spacious Greek sailing ship. Find your favorite spot on deck to soak up the Mediterranean sun while island-hopping to Agistri, Moni, and Aegina. From ancient temples and wild peacocks to pristine beaches, there’s something for everyone at each stop. Swim and snorkel right off the boat, and indulge in a delicious Greek lunch onboard during this luxury island adventure.
Getting there
From Athens Port of Piraeus there is daily connection to Aegina: By Flying Dolphin or Hydrofoil. Aegina can also be reached by boat from: Agistri, Hydra, Póros and Spetses.
Map of AEGINA
POSTCARDS FROM Aegina and Agistri
