AEGINA

The island of Aegina is one of the most charming islands of the Saronic Gulf, just sixteen miles away from Athens. According to the myth, the island took its name from a nymph, daughter of the river god Asopos, whom Zeus fell in love with and took with him to the island.

Eventhough the island is small, it boasts a great number of sights and natural beauties, with reach historical and archaeological monuments. Aegina town was the first capital of the newly established Greek state in the 19th century and was during that period when Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias had impressive neoclassical mansions built to house his headquarters that today are important tourist attractions.

Aphaia – Paleohora

The pebbled and sandy coastline fill-ins with the beauty of the mountainous scenery that is cram-full of pine and pistachio trees, the impressive temple of Aphaia and the medieval town of Paleahora. Alongside the island character, Aegina reveals to the traveler the mountainous beauty of the slopes of Hellanian mountain, while the whitewashed houses and the neoclassical mansions of Aegina town give a charming aura to the island.

PDO Pistachios

Today Aegina is more famous for its PDO pistachios, the ancient temple of Aphaia, the elegant neoclassical mansions with their folklore elements, the market of the fishermen and the stretching gulls and the horse-drawn carts that amble along the port next to the traditional fishing boats.

Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or endless excitement, Aegina never disappoints.

Beyond Spaces Tips

Admire the Temple of Aphaia. This ancient temple predates the Parthenon in Athens. With Sounion’s Temple of Poseidon on the Athenian Riviera and the Parthenon in Athens - the Temple of Aphaia is the third link to a hypothetical isosceles triangle.
Spend Time in Scenic Perdika. You should definitely visit the little scenic fishing port of Perdika and dine at one of the picturesque fish tavernas.
See the Floating Greengrocers. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, it will be a feast for your eyes. Fishing boats converted into floating grocery shops offering fresh fruits and vegetables.
Eat Aegina’s Famous Pistachios. This island is pistachio land. They are harvested here with passion and they are considered the best in the world. In fact, a festival dedicated to the nut takes place here each year called the Fistiki Fest.
Discover Paleahora. Paleahora, which means old village, was once the island’s capital. There are dozens of stone chapels left including the twin chapel of Saints George and Demetrius where a medieval fortress once stood.