A fairly large island of Aegina in Greece, not as advertised as other resorts in the country, every year is becoming more and more popular among tourists from all over the world. It is the second largest island in the Saronic Gulf. According to legend, the beautiful Aegina was kidnapped by Zeus. It happened on one of the islands, which used to be called Eona, but today they call Aegina.
The comparison of the island with the pearl in the crown of the Argosaronic archipelago is completely justified - it is difficult to find another similar piece of paradise on our planet.
A bit of history
In the distant past, Aegina was much richer than the ancient state of Piraeus (the main port of the Greek capital) and even Athens. The convenient strategic position of the island (between Attica and the Peloponnese) gave Aegina a number of advantages that the locals used very successfully.
Historians say that a few centuries before our era onAbout a million people lived in Aegina - an unheard-of figure at that time. In the ancient state, there were more than 400 thousand slaves alone. Aegina could not feed the population on her own and imported part of the food from outside.
Naturally, such a comfortable existence could not go unnoticed by the neighbors, and the state was at the epicenter of regional battles almost constantly. Most of all, prosperous Aegina did not give rest to the rulers of Athens, and they made numerous attempts to seize this territory. During the reign of the Romans, the island was passed to each other by the Roman emperors, like a passing banner.
In the Byzantine period, Aegina was part of Hellas. Then the island was conquered by the soldiers of the Ottoman Empire. During the War of Liberation (1821-1832), which ended with a peace treaty signed in Constantinople, the island of Aegina in Greece, like other regions of the country, gained independence. Interestingly, the Greeks were the first of the peoples conquered by the Ottoman Empire and gained independence.
Aegina Location
The island of Aegina in Greece (photos of picturesque landscapes you can see in this article) has a triangular shape and is located between Attica and Argolis in the Saronic Gulf, 27 kilometers from the capital of Athens. There are smaller islands near Aegina: Agistri, Hydra, Poros and Spetses.
Aegina Square - 88 sq. km, the length of the coastline is 57 km. Administratively, the island is divided into territorial units: Ayia Marina, Vaia, Perdika, Suvala and Marathonas.
Sights of the island
Rich history has made Aegina one of the most interesting and frequently visited islands in Greece. We are unlikely to be able to introduce you to all the interesting places, but we will present the most significant of them.
City of Aegina
In our opinion, it is quite logical to start exploring the sights of the island of Aegina in Greece with its main city, which bears the same name. Beautiful bright buildings in neoclassical style were built on the streets of the capital. Walking around the city, reach the house where Kazantzakis wrote his novel about Zorba.
The writer had very warm feelings for this island, and therefore decided to settle here in order to work surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Today, tourists can visit the writer's house.
Promenade
Beautiful boulevard is also made in neoclassical style. It has many cozy taverns, bars and restaurants. And near the shore, moored boats and yachts sway on the waves. This is the most crowded part of the city, especially in the evenings, when tourists go out for a walk and breathe in the sea air.
During the day, everyday life goes on here - ships and ferries come and go from the port, tourists arrive on the island and cheer, fishermen offer to buy their catch.
Church of St. Nicholas
This church of Aegina in Greece, located almost on the pier of the island, is one of the oldest and most unusual on the island. Tourists are the first to see her and the column of the temple of Apollo when they swim up to the island.
The temple belongs to the post-Byzantine period. It was erected in honor of St. Nicholas of the Sea, who is the patron saint of sailors. Built with donations from seafarers and sailors.
Cathedral of St. Nectarios and Monastery
One of the main attractions of Aegina in Greece. The magnificent complex includes an Orthodox convent and a church. It is located six kilometers from the waterfront. The monastery was founded by St. Nektarios of Aegina in 1908 and named it Holy Trinity. Here he lived until his death (1920) and was buried on the territory of the monastery.
The main monastery church is a magnificent structure, built quite recently (1973). The grandiose building is executed in neo-Byzantine style and skillfully decorated with amazing mosaics. Up the hillside from the church there is a steep staircase leading to the monastery complex itself.
Here is the Church of the Holy Trinity - the oldest temple of the monastery. In a small chapel, a marble sarcophagus has been preserved, where the body of St. Nectaria, and next to it is a source of holy water. The monastic cell, in which the saint spent his last years, has also survived to this day. Today it is open for visits. The main shrine of the monastery are the miraculous relics of St. Nectaria.
Temple of Aphea
Temple of Apheia in Aegina (Greece) forms an isosceles triangle with the Athenian Acropolis and the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion. This idea of the "sacred" triangle is not new - it is a vivid example of how the Greeks could use knowledge in the field of astronomy inconstruction of places of worship.
The temple was built in the northern part of the island in 480 BC. e. The area where it is located is covered with pine trees, and offers stunning views of the sea. The construction is quite well preserved for its advanced age - out of the 34 columns of the temple today you can see 24.
As the legend says, the beautiful Afea was a poor peasant girl with whom Minos, the king of Crete, fell madly in love. Trying to escape from his harassment, the unfortunate woman jumped from a high cliff into the sea, but fell into a fishing net. Her beauty did not leave indifferent the fisherman who saved her, and he invited the beauty to stay in the fishing hut. The girl managed to escape from him into the forest, located in the depths of the island. Exhausted, she fell asleep right on the grass, and when she woke up, she realized that she had become invisible.
This miracle was performed by the Pelasgian gods, thus hiding from people the beauty never seen before in these parts. Later, the inhabitants of the island of Aegina in Greece began to deify the girl and called her Afea, which translates as "Invisible".
Archaeological site Kolonna
This is the acropolis of the ancient city, located on the island, next to the modern Aiginio. Its name is due to the fact that only one column has been preserved from the temple of Apollo located here. Ancient human footprints discovered in the area of this attraction of Aegina in Greece date back to the Neolithic period.
During the excavations, the remains of the fortress walls were discovered, whichexperts refer to the III-II millennium BC. From the 7th to the 5th century, Aegina was the most important trading center of the Aegean. An ancient temple, which, according to experts, was built in the period from the end of the 6th to the beginning of the 5th century BC. e., eloquently indicates that in those days the city experienced a period of prosperity.
On the western side of the structure, there is a religious monument of the Attalids, which appeared here at the end of 210 BC. e, when the island was captured by the dynasty of Pergamon. In the Roman (later) period, all pagan sanctuaries were destroyed.
During the Byzantine period, there was a defensive fortress here: this fact is confirmed by the discovered fortifications dating back to the 11th century.
Oikia Karapanou
House built by Dimitrios Voulgaris in 1850. The history of the area where the building and the gardens surrounding it are located dates back to the end of the 18th century. Georgios Voulgaris, who is the founder of the family, bought a plot here in 1785. Several generations of prominent political figures who played an important role in the formation of the state have lived in this villa.
In 1967, Maria Voulgaris-Karapanou, one of the owners of the house, died. The building was empty until 1990, when her great-granddaughter entered into inheritance rights. Today, this house, which has access to the sea, with shady alleys, is a hotel complex.
It can accommodate up to twenty guests. They are offered seven double rooms, one triple and one single. There is a campsite in the garden where you can stay intents. On the top floor there is a spacious and bright hall of 40 square meters. m. The windows of the hall overlook in all directions.
Huge, 300 sq. m, the area in front of the building, closed from outsiders, allows you to hold various events here.
Paleochora
This is the former capital of the island of Aegina in Greece. Palaiochora was built in the 9th century as a shelter in which the population could hide from pirates. One day, the city failed to cope with the task assigned to it - in 1537 it was destroyed by a pirate raid by Hayreddin the Redbeard, who is better known in the West as Barbarossa.
The inhabitants left Paleochora in 1826-1827. Since then, it has been deserted, but the image of this ghostly settlement is very attractive. It can be reached by car - after driving past the Cathedral of St. Nektarios, turn left, and after 400 meters you will find yourself on the spot.
Museums
The island of Aegina did not just inherit numerous ancient riches. Its inhabitants have been able to keep them in museums, the expositions of which are always of interest to tourists.
On the island is the first Archaeological Museum in Greece, located in the house of Kapodistrias. For almost two centuries of history, scientists, archaeologists and museum staff have managed to collect many artifacts from the temple of Aphaia, the sanctuary of Zeus, the Column.
The collection includes bas-reliefs, funerary vases, ancient columns, inscriptions from the archaic period, marble statues. In the capital of the island there is a museum of Kapralos - the Greeka sculptor who grew up in a poor family and achieved great success in his work. Several times he represented his country at the International Exhibitions in Sao Paulo and Venice. Now the works, the creation of which the author was inspired by military events, loved ones, everyday scenes, are exhibited in the museum.
The collection of the Folklore Museum is no less interesting. It reflects the original character of the island, the traditions and culture of the local population. Here are antique furniture, engravings, paintings, costumes, as well as family heirlooms of the founders of the museum.
Island vacation
It's no secret that tourists who come to Greece, and to Aegina in particular, are not limited to sightseeing. Beach lovers will appreciate the uncrowded and well-groomed beaches of the island. There are several of them, but the most popular are "Agia Maria" and "Aiginitissa".
Agia Maria Beach
This is the longest sandy beach on the island of Aegina in Greece (we posted a photo below). The flat coast and shallow water make it an ideal place for families with kids. It is located in the northeast of the island. In the beach season (May-September), you can take sun loungers and umbrellas here, enjoy the gentle sun.
Active lovers can go kayaking, canoeing and rowing, take part in amateur sailing competitions or play water volleyball. During the tourist season, fun parties are held here every day, music is played. There are several restaurants on the beach. Aegina (Greece) is famous for its cuisine, and on the island you can taste amazing delicacies. They will be prepared for you by experienced chefs.
Aiginitissa Beach
This is the best beach on the island of Aegina in Greece. According to tourists, here guests will find everything they need for a comfortable stay - the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea, clean golden sand, beach bars and taverns where you can order refreshing drinks and snacks. If you wish, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach so that the bright sun does not interfere with your relaxation.
The beach offers many activities to diversify your holiday - tennis, beach volleyball, yoga, ping-pong.
Where to stay on the island?
Since the area of this resort is small, there are few hotels on Aegina in Greece. It should be borne in mind that during the peak tourist season (especially in August), some hotels may not be available. The island has the most hotels without stars, as well as one- and two-star hotels.
Klonos Hotel
The hotel is located near the city of Aegina - the capital of the island - and a few meters from the sea coast. This is a very small pension, where a friendly atmosphere reigns and guests are offered twenty spacious rooms with all amenities. Each has a balcony, and many overlook the pool and sea.
The hotel serves a buffet breakfast daily, which is included in the room rate. During the day and in the evening, a restaurant, café andbar. Vacationers can use the tennis court and outdoor pool at any time. There is a picturesque beach next to the hotel.
Plaza
On the island of Aegina in Greece, this hotel is close to the harbour, 50 meters from the sandy beach. Guests can stay in one of 54 rooms equipped with air conditioning and necessary household appliances. All rooms have a balcony with sea view.
The hotel, according to the guests, is conveniently located. It is surrounded by the main attractions of Aegina, as well as shops, restaurants and nightlife.
Restaurants
If your hotel does not have a restaurant, or you just want a change of scenery, you will always be welcome at the following establishments:
Thymari Restaurant (Agia Marina)
Restaurant, where you will be offered delicious dishes of European, Central Asian, Greek cuisine. According to tourists, this is the best family restaurant in the country. Here everyone will be tasty and inexpensively fed, special attention will be paid to young guests and vegetarians.
Miltos (Perdika)
If you like seafood, Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, go to Miltos restaurant. It is suitable for families with children, large companies, romantic meetings. The restaurant provides not only a menu for kids, but also furniture for them (high chairs). Credit cards accepted.
Skotadis Restaurant
The restaurant is located in the capital of the island - Aegina. They offer a huge selection of seafood dishes. You can order your favorite dishes if you wish.mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant is open from lunch until late in the evening. You can pre-book a table in the hall or outdoors.
Aegina Island in Greece: how to get there?
From the main port of Athens - Piraeus - passenger ships leave every hour. Tickets can be bought at the port before sailing. If you are planning a day trip, arrive at the port early in the morning so that you can be on the island in an hour and start sightseeing.
In addition to ferries, high-speed ships - "dolphins" go to Aegina. Tickets for them are a little more expensive than for the ferry, but you can halve the travel time. All flights from Piraeus arrive in the western part of the island, in the port of the capital of the same name - Aegina.
Aegina Island (Greece): reviews of tourists
According to vacationers who visited this Greek island, their trip left vivid and very pleasant memories. A picturesque island with magnificent nature and a comfortable climate is conducive to relaxation. Tourism on the island is developing, and every year there are more and more vacationers here. In the meantime, you can safely, without fuss, enjoy a magnificent beach holiday, explore unique natural and historical monuments.
Judging by the reviews, Aegina in Greece has a significant advantage over other resorts in the country. These are quite reasonable prices for accommodation and services. At the same time, the level of service is quite high. Being in the shadow of Athens, Aegina is worthy of the attention of tourists. The picturesque island, covered with legends and having a long and glorious history, is saturated with eclecticism and the spirit of ancient times,modernity and antiquity are harmoniously combined here.
