The island of Aegina / Egina in Greece

Aegina is one of the Argo-Saronic islands which are situated close to the capital Athens. At a mere 20 kilometer south of the Athenian harbour Pireaus it is one of the most touristed islands in Greece. It is a nice destination for people that have one or two days of holidays left before they fly back home from Athens. Although Aegina is popular it does not feel overcrowded and it is also a nice base for people that want to visit Athens and explore the sights of the capital. The island of Aegina is quite green with forest and there are plenty of small coves with sand beaches. Aegina is also famous for it's pistachio nuts.

During history Aegina was an important place and one of the main rivals of Athens. For a short time in 1829 Aegina Town was the first capital op Greece. Aegina Town is the main centre and it has lots of neoclassical buildings (like Ermoupolis on the island of Syros). It is one of the ferry destinations (Aghia Marina is the other one, connected to Piraeus on the mainland by a small passenger ferry). The harbour front of Aegina Town has the majority of the tavernas, restaurants and tourist shops. Behind that the streets of the town are pretty unspoilt and it gives the impression of being in an authentic small island town. There are small squares, old houses and plenty of pistachio trees. In the ancient commercial harbour down south of the ferry quay there are caïques (small traditional wooden boats painted in bright colours) and there is a fish market. North of the quay are the remains of the old harbour where the war ships used to be positioned. Behind it are the remains of the acropolis of Kolona / Temple of Apollo (destroyed by the Athenians now one column remains - Kolona meaning "one column"). Here, north of the capital you also find a good beach. Along the coastal road from Aegina Town to Kolona and the beach you find several restaurants and hotels (like the Danea Hotel - see also below). Ticket offices for the ferries are few and often open up just half an hour before the ferries and hydrofoils depart. If you plan to take a fast hydrofoil back to Athens late in the afternoon than it is wise to book ahead or buy your return ticket the minute you arrive in Aegina Town. These fast / late returning hydrofoils tend to be booked out quickly.

The other main place with tourist facilities on Aegina is the village of Aghia Marina on the east side of the island. This village is connected to Piraeus by ferry as well and there is a regular bus service between Aghia Marina and Aegina Town. This is a more vibrant village with nightlife and designed more especially for the tourists. At a 2 kilometer distance from Aghia Marina you can find the Temple of Aphaia, which is set on a pine tree covered hill. In the north of the island lies the third harbour of the island, the village of Souvala, where you can also find a reasonable beach.