AEGINA
Island life, ancient history and untamed nature
AEGINA
Island life, ancient history and untamed nature
In many ways, Aegina is the quintessential Greek island – but it’s also so much more. If you’re looking for an authentic slice of island life, you won’t be disappointed. The working town of Aegina is a hive of activity, of boisterous fishermen, colourful tavernas and winding streets. And the island’s laidback coastal villages, remote sandy beaches and rugged hillsides are an open invitation to truly get away from it all. Beyond the charms of daily life, Aegina boasts several world-class archaeological sites, including the iconic Temple of Aphea.
Aegina was the first capital of modern Greece in the early 19th-century – and its long history means it even has its own Greek myth! Zeus is said to have fled here with the daughter of river god Asopos. Her name – Aegina – was then bestowed on the island. Today, history is ever-present. The Temple of Aphea is an imposing archaeological site that sits atop a forested hill with sweeping vistas of the surrounding islands. Built around 500BC, it forms parts of the “holy triangle” of antiquity, along with the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion. Other extraordinary sites include the early 20th-century Agios Nektários Monastery, and Paleohóra, an abandoned Byzantine village still dotted with dozens of old stone chapels along its hillside. Immerse yourself in island life. One of the pleasures of Aegina is aimlessly wandering along the streets and ports of its small fishing villages.
CUISINE
The cuisine is classic Mediterranean, with subtle twists to add local colour. Eating freshly-prepared seafood straight off the boat is one of the highlights of a stay in Aegina. Local tavernas serve up the daily catch, which may include cuttlefish, sole, anchovies, yellowfin tuna and katsoula, a pinkish fish specific to the local waters. Octopus – especially charcoal-grilled – is another favourite. Soak up the atmosphere of Aegina’s daily fish market and then try a selection of grilled fish at any of the nearby mezze restaurants. And don’t forget to test the island’s other gourmet speciality: pistachio nuts. They’re used in a variety of local dishes and pastries – and are regarded as among the best in the world.
LIFE
One of the pleasures of Aegina is aimlessly wandering along the streets and ports of its small fishing villages. On the southern coast, Perdika is a picture-postcard place of narrow streets, whitewashed houses and leisurely cafés. Agia Marina is a thriving village surrounded by pine forests, a favourite with the locals for its sandy beach and shallow bay. And the relaxed harbour of Souvala is the perfect spot to watch life go by over a strong Greek coffee or a shot of ouzo. Beyond the charms of daily life, you’ll be just a short boat-ride away from tiny uninhabited islands, where you can swim in clear turquoise waters with only the swishing of the waves to accompany you.
OUTDOORS
There’s a beach for everyone’s tastes in Aegina. Take your pick from the long sandy expanses of Agia Marina, the remote coves of the east coast, or the quiet snorkelling spot of Sarpa. For the ultimate in idyllic sea swimming, take a boat to the island of Moni, inhabited only by a handful of goats and blessed with azure waters. Alternatively, why not go off the beaten track and into the hills? Much of Aegina’s inner land was formed from an extinct volcano, with hiking trails meandering past olive trees, pine forests and over rocky terrain. Climb above the treeline and you’ll be rewarded by stunning hilltop panoramas.
