Aegina

If you stand on the Acropolis or the roof of your hotel and look towards the sea you will notice an island a few miles off the coast. That is Aegina, a city state in it's own right in ancient times, and at times a visible thorn in the side of classical Athens.

Aegina lies in the centre of the Argosaronic Gulf and has an area of 85 sq. km., a shoreline of 57 km and a population of 11,000. The island lies only 16 nautical miles away from Piraeus and the crossing by the ships or ferries, which provide a daily service, takes only an hour. There are also the "flying dolphin" hydrofoils, which cut this time down to half an hour.From here, you can go in every destination in the Argosaronic Gulf and even in Peloponnese.

Aegina is a pinecovered island with beautiful beaches, pictuesque villages, very important historical monuments and modern tourist facilities. Today Aegina, due to its proximity to Piraeus, has became a place that attracts many Athenians during the weekends, but is also a very popular destination for many tourists. The beautiful landscapes, the inviting sea and the enormous historical interest make Aegina an ideal place for your vacation!

The island has much to offer in the way of sandy beaches for sun worshippers and swimming enthusiasts, along with delightful fishing villages, and a richly varied landscape.

South of the capital is the seaside village of Marathon, followed by the fishing port of Perdika (9 km.). From Perdika small boats ferry visitors to the picturesque islets of Angistri and Moni, ideal spots for enjoying nature, solitude and relaxing pursuits.

The road to the northeast of the island cuts through pistachio and olive groves to the village of Kipseli and the small basilica of St. Theodore (1282). It then proceeds to the seaside hamlet of Souvala, winding up at Agia Marina 14 km.),a village known for its long sandy beach, the biggest on Aegina; it is the most popular resort on the island.

Nowadays Aegina is famed for its pistachios and its ceramics.