Vacation Packages to Aegina

Where is Aegina located?

Aegina, also called Egina, is one of the Greek islands located in the center of the Saronic Gulf. Aegina is bordered to the west by Angistri Island and the south by Poros Island. It is also located 10 km from the Methane Peninsula (Peloponnese) and 20 km from the port of Piraeus (the main port of Athens).

General Information of Aegina

Aegina was the first capital of Greece to fight for the country's independence. It was also the first Greek city to have an official currency and the first Hellenic territory to form its marine fleet.

Since ancient times, the island has been a great commercial competitor in the region, thanks to its levels of production and export of local products. One of its star-fruits is the pistachio, which is highly valued throughout the world.

The meaning of Aegina refers to the nymph with this name, who was the lover of Ares and whose love gave birth to the king of the island, Aeacus.

Currently, it has more than 13,000 inhabitants and its capital has the same name as the island.

Geography of Aegina

The island of Aegina has a mountainous landscape. The capital of Aegina is the homonymous city and the highest point is Mount Oros, 539 meters above sea level.

But of course! Don't let this confuse you. Although it is a rocky and uneven island, Aegina is known worldwide for its fabulous beaches and coves.

It is also an extremely fertile territory, so you will not be surprised to see a large number of pine trees, and olive trees, as well as crops of pistachios, olives, grapes, almonds, etc.

Architecture of Aegina

In the city of Aegina, it is possible to observe neoclassical constructions of the 19th century, among which are imposing and luxurious mansions, churches, and museums. These buildings materialize the mercantile power that the region possessed during that period.

However, the history of the island of Aegina dates back to very ancient years, from the 3rd century BC, with Roman and Byzantine populations, whose settlements remain, in part, to date.

All this makes the city of Aegina a beautiful meeting point between old and new culture, especially notable in the mixture of constructions.

What to Eat in Aegina?

You can eat on the island of Aegina different dishes from fresh fish from the Ionian and Mediterranean.

The island also specializes in harvesting fruits, such as lemons, orange trees, apples, and almonds, among other options.

In turn, you can enjoy typical sweets and desserts, especially pistachio.

Don't forget to try the delicious Greek breakfast, its olive oils, and a rich local wine!

Aegina Festivals and Events

On the island of Aegina, you can witness different festivals and cultural events. Here we mention the most important ones.

International Music Festival in Aegina

It is an organized music festival that has been taking place since 2006 and brings much renowned jazz and classical artists to Aegina. It normally takes place during August and lasts about two weeks.

Pistachio Festival in Aegina

The Fistiki Fest is a festival that takes place in September around the entire island, which seeks to promote local pistachio production. It is a whole celebration where multiple manufacturers show their dishes, sweets, liquors, and courses concerning pistachio.

You can also enjoy theater performances, local music, and exhibitions of artistic works, among other things.

In turn, in the festival markets, you can buy pots and ceramics, objects highly valued by tourists who visit Aegina.

Celebration of Agios Nektarios

This is the most important celebration on the island of Aegina, in honor of Agios Nektarios, also called Saint Nektarios, the patron saint of the island. This celebration takes place on September 3 and November 9. During these two days, many believers visit the Agios Nectarios Monastery.

Celebration of the Chryssoleontissa Monastery

This celebration takes place on August 15, a very important date for believers on the islands of Greece. In the case of Aegina, the celebration takes place in the Chryssoleontissa Monastery, which dates back to the 17th century and is located in the capital of Aegina.

Aegina Attractions

Surely you are wondering which are the most interesting sites in Aegina. Here we will mention what are the most important places on the island, especially if you think of traveling to Aegina for a day.

Port of Aegina

One of the most photographed postcards by travelers. It is a very quiet fishing village, which stands out for its landscape of old houses, boats, and the electric blue sea.

In the background, you will find the Isodia Theotokou Orthodox Church, which stands out among the buildings with its yellowish walls and its round orange dome.

Temple of Aphaia

The Temple of Aphaia, located in Agia Marina, is a Doric temple that was built around 420-480 BC. It is located on top of a hill, specifically 13 km from the port of Aegina, and is dedicated in honor of the goddess of wisdom and trades, Athena.

The curious thing is that, together with the temple of Poseidon in Sounion and the Parthenon in Athens, the three buildings form a geographically perfect isosceles triangle.

Temple of Apollo

It is a temple in honor of the god Apollo. It is also known as Kolona and is built on top of a hill. It has only one column standing today and is located very close to the port of the city of Aegina.

House of Nikos Kazantzakis

Located 2 km northwest of the city of Aegina, tourists from around the world visit the house of Nikos Kazantzakis, a world-renowned Greek writer, and poet.

This author lived much of his life in the city of Aegina, mainly during the German occupation. Here you can see famous works of art such as the Monument to the women of Pindos.

Aegina Folklore Museum

You can find the Aegina Museum of Folklore and History in the city center of Aegina. It is a building dating from 1828, which has neoclassical architecture.

Inside you will find multiple paintings, manuscripts, maps, books, and traditional clothing from the area, as well as enjoy cultural events that take place in its facilities.

Polymnia Iriotou Thomakou, daughter of Panagis Iriotis, an important Greek archaeologist and scientist, donated this construction to the city municipality.

Markellos Tower

It is a tower located in the capital of the island, the city of Aegina, which counts as one of the most important tourist attractions for visitors and dates from the year 1802.

In this building, you will be able to observe part of the Venetian architectural style, as well as appreciate its characteristic pink color.

Christos Kapralos Museum of Aegina

Located in the neighborhood of Plakakia, in the city of Aegina, it is a museum that was previously used as the work center of the famous artist and sculptor that gives it its name. There you can see different pieces of his work.

Agios Nektarios Monastery

Located in the town of Kontos, this monastery is named after a saint who inhabited the building between 1908 and 1920. It is a gigantic temple that is 7 km from the city of Aegina.

Its imposing architecture stands out for its light colors, which stand out from the vegetation of the landscape. Today, this building is considered the most important religious center in Greece, so you can't miss it.

Eunardios Teaching School

It is a teaching college, whose building has a neoclassical style and is located right next to the Cathedral of Aegina, the capital of the island. It dates from the year 1830 and was built after a donation from the Swiss banker Eunardios.

Although this building no longer functions as an institute itself, it is still in good condition and functions as a tourist spot.

Packages to Aegina

Aegina is the closest island to the capital of Greece. For this reason, this destination is one of the most famous to do on a day trip from Athens or as a connection point between different Greek locations.

You can consider tour packages to Aegina along with other international destinations that will amaze you, for example, Rome and Classical Greece, Athenians and Arabians, Greece and the Middle East, and Olympic.