Aegina island

General info:
The island of Aegina (elsewhere Egina) lies off in the Argosaronic Gulf. It is the second in size among the Saronic ones, covering an area of some 55 square km and having a population of 13,000 residents approximately.

Its peaceful nature is composed by smooth hills, pine –tree areas, remote coves and some nice beaches, while scattered around the island there are few yet important archaeological sites.

Aegina, which has played an important role to the ancient and modern Greek history, today  is an attractive mixture of neoclassical buildings and modern amenities and has become  a favourite destination of the weekenders, among others also  for its  proximity to  Athens.


Historical profile:
According to mythology, Aegina took its name after the nymph Aegina, daughter of the river god Asopos and also mother of Aeakos, who was the first king of the island.
Historically speaking, eexcavation finds testify the human presence on the island since the 4th millennium BC.  Aegina was  flourished during the Mycenaean Era, while around the 7th century BC it was developed to a considerable marine power and trade centre and participated in the Battle of Salamina. In the centuries followed,  Aegina was dominated by they Macedonians and the Romans and was subjected  to frequent pirates raids that led  locals to move inland  founding new settlements. In 1204 Aegina came under Venetian rule until 1537 when the Ottomans took over and destroyed a great part of the island. The role of Aegina in the Greek War of Independence in 1821 was important and  it  was  the first capital of the newly-established Greek State from  1828 until 1829, when  Naflpio was declared the capital of Greece.

Villages:
Aigina   is the island’s capital and an enchanting settlement itself. Built amphitheatrically, offering a great view to the sea and with  evident the traces of its prosperous past, the capital is an attractive mixture of well-preserved neoclassical buildings,  elegant mansions, neighbourhoods of traditional   stone- houses with blooming courtyards, remarkable churches and some historical sites. Yet it is also a town that has developed a well-organized tourist industry, offering many accommodation facilities and all amenities that promise a comfortable staying and  its  night-life  is quite lively.

The port of the capital is a  popular shelter for  fishing boat and yachts , while the waterfront, dominated by the delightful whitewashed chapel of Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicolas),    is a popular gathering place or both visitors and locals day or night. Here most of the  taverns, cosy coffee-bars,  bars and shops of any kind are found.  Don’t; fail to experience a hackeny coach- ride and also to buy some pistachios for which Aegina is worldly famous.

Wandering through the streets of the capital is  a wonderful experience; the Tower of Markelos built in 1821; the Government House; the Public Library of Aegina and the  13th century  so-called “Beautiful Church” ( of Agioi Theodoroi) with interesting frescoes are only few of the worth-seeing sights of Aegina.

The  archaeology-enthusiasts will have the chance to initiate themselves to the island’s  history by visiting  the archaeological site  of Kolona, on the top of the homonymous hill, in which the  6th -century BC Doric  temple of Apollo (from which only a column has survived)  and ruins of the acropolis can be seen. Another worth-seeing site is the one that the tombs of fighters of Salamina have been uncovered.
The  capital has  its own Archaeological Museum which houses collections of   interesting finds uncovered all over the island and also a Folklore Museum in which local costumes, historical records and objects of daily use are exhibited. The Christos Kapralos Museum, which used to be the workshop of the Aeginean sculptor, today houses his works.

Agia Marina is an enchanting seaside resort and also the most tourist developed town in Aegina, located some 13 km east to the capital. Built amphitheatrically in the arms of a beautiful cove and surrounded by a  verdurous scenery of pine forests, Agia Marina attracts plenty of visitors each year for its natural beauty, its qualitative services and also for being the heart of the island’s night life. Accommodation choices for every pocket and entertainment options for all tastes are all found here.  Its main road is lined with bars, night clubs, romantic restaurants and lounge coffee-bars. The lively sandy beach with its splendid crystalline waters and the peaceful coves in the surrounding area, for those who prefer more privacy are another asset for visiting this resort.

If you wish to explore the place don’t fail to visit the Monastery of Agios Minas, located among a spectacular pine forest and also the archaeological site of Aphaia, which crowns a tree-toped hill, offering a spectacular view to the Gulf. The Temple which is considered among the most beautiful and well-preserves ones was originally erected in the Bronze Age. It was expanded and widely recognized as an important one during the Archaic Era. Today most of its pillars and the propylaeum can be seen. The Archaeological Museum of Aphaia houses important exhibits uncovered at this site.

Mesagros   is a mountainous village located some 10 km east to the capital. Surrounded by  a verdant landscape  and gifted with a fertile soil, the village is known for teh rare species of its  rich flora . The locals who are mainly occupied themselves with agriculture are famed for their skills in ceramics.  The main attraction of the village is the House of Rodakis , an excellent example of folk architecture, erected  in 1880, that you  shouldn’t  miss. Having a peculiar shape, and with an ornamented rooftop with statuettes that symbolize fortune, time, evil and peace has arisen the interest of many architects.

Palaiochora, just some 5 km east to the town of Aegina is an uninhabited medieval town that was the capital of the island until the early 18th, when it was abandoned due to severe  pirate raids. Built amphitheatrically on a hill and  offering a panoramic view, today, it accepts many visitors for its remarkable churches and the ruins of the 15th- century Venetian castle.

Perdika   is a charming fishing village, built in the arms of a quaint small bay, some 10 km southeast to the capital.  The village attracts many visitors for its idyllic atmosphere, and its traditional character, while its picturesque harbour is famed among yacht-owners for being a safe shelter. Cobbled narrow streets, delightful small white houses with colourful courtyards, beautiful churches with the one of Agios Sozontos to be the most famed, compose the romantic picture of Perdika.

The village becomes quite lively during summer and here you will find several accommodation facilities and also taverns, coffee-bars and lounge bars at the edge of the sea, where you can taste delicious dishes of fresh fish or to enjoy your drink admiring some of the most amazing sunsets on the island.

Beaches:
Though Aegina is not particularly known for its beaches, yet it offers several attractive ones, either organized or isolated, sandy or rocky that are worth-visiting.

The beach of Agia Marina is undoubtedly the most popular one. It is a long, sandy beach and the best organized one on the island. It has clear, shallow waters, and thus  is family-friendly. The water sports facilities, the nearby accommodation amenities, the taverns  and the  bars that stay open until the early morning have made  Agia Marina beach a lively one day or night.

Other equally popular and organized beaches are the beach of Marathonas (Marathon) at the homonymous quaint  village, with white sand and  amazing crystal-clear waters; the Perdika  beach a rather rocky beach with splendid waters; the Klima beach with fine sand and thick pebbles, particularly  popular among youth  for its beach- bar parties and also among  yacht –owners for its picturesque bay and the Souvala beach, a sandy one with splendid waters popular for its nearby sulphur springs . if you appreciate privacy, you will find your favourite spot in one of the several  secluded coves and isolated small  beaches of the island.
 
Access:
Aegina   is connected by scheduled trips via ferry boat or hydrofoil with Piraeus Port, and also with the island of Poros, Spetses and Hydra via ferry boat.

 

 

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