Day Trip: Aegina
Take a day to visit Aegina, an island with history reaching back to the bronze age
Another popular destination among Athenians, Aegina, is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece in the Saronic Gulf. The island got its name from Aegina, the mother of the hero Aeacus, who was born on the island and became its king.
How to get there
It takes between 40 min. to an hour to get from Piraeus port to Aegina. Ferries between Piraeus and Aegina operate throughout the year with 15 daily connections. The earliest ferry from the port is at 07:20 AM. and the latest at 20:30 PM. The Athens - Aegina ferry price varies between 10.50€ and 19€. However, ferry ticket prices get higher or lower depending on reductions, offers, seat type and cab selection.
Things to do in Aegina
Pay a visit to Ancient Eleonas, a place with trees that are over 2,500 years old. The Temple of Aphaia, which forms an isosceles triangle with the ancient temples in Thiseio and Sounio, is quite imposing.
A walk in Paleochora with its 365 small churches will not disappoint you. The poet Nikos Kazantzakis's house, the Historical and Folklore Museum and the Monastery of Agios Nektarios are also worth a visit.
Do not forget to take a ride on the romantic horse-carriages and try the famous Pistachios of Aegina, not only in their traditional version but also in more special combinations, such as pistachio paste or yogurt with honey and pistachios.
In the dozens of taverns that operate at the island you can enjoy fish that literally smells like the sea.
Useful links
- Athens/Piraeus ferries on ferryhopper.com
- Walking at Eleonas of Aegina, a sacred place on aeginagreece.com
- The Temple of Aphaia on wikipedia
- The Castle of Palaiochora on kastra.eu
- The House of Nikos Kazatzakis on greeka.com
- Historical and Folklore Museum of Aegina on weloveaegina.com
- Agios Nektarios | monastery & church on aeginagreece.com
- Pistachios of Aegina on greeka.gr
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