Aegina is the largest and most populous island of the Saronic Gulf, very close to Athens. In antiquity it was a maritime power rivalling Athens and minted some of the first Greek coins, stamped with a turtle. In 1828-1829 it was the first capital of independent Greece, under governor Ioannis Kapodistrias: neoclassical buildings such as the Governor's House and the Eynardeio recall this.
What to see
| Place | Why |
|---|---|
| Temple of Aphaia | Doric temple of the early 5th century BC, among the best preserved in Greece, on a pine-clad hill; its pediment sculptures are in Munich |
| Aegina town | Harbour with the little church of Agios Nikolaos, neoclassical houses and the archaeological museum by the Kolona column |
| Monastery of Agios Nektarios | Major pilgrimage site dedicated to a 20th-century saint |
| Paleochora | Medieval ghost town with dozens of frescoed chapels on the hillside |
| Perdika | Fishing village with tavernas, where boats leave for the islet of Moni |
Aegina is famous for its pistachios, grown all over the island and protected by a designation of origin; a pistachio festival is held in September. Beaches: Agia Marina, Marathonas, Aiginitissa, and those of Moni islet, home to peacocks and fallow deer.
Getting there
From Piraeus there are ferries (about 75 minutes) and hydrofoils (about 40 minutes) to Aegina town and Agia Marina. You can continue to Agistri, Poros and the other islands of the gulf.