View Larger Map

Aegina island is located in the Argo-Saronic gulf close to the port of Pireaus on the mainland. You must arrive by boat but the trip is short (between 40 and 80 minutes depending on which boat). Aegina is roughly triangular in shape, approximately 15 km from east to west and 10 km from north to south, with an area of about 87 km2.

Enter into the bustling port you will see: a moon crescent harbour with lots of small fishing boats, fruit filled caiques, and glamorous yachts. Once on Aegina you can enjoy island life but easily leave for day trips to Athens, Moni island or other Saronic islands like Agistri, Poros & Hydra and the Peloponnese.

 

History
The island has a special place in Greek mythology and history. The myth has it that the island took its name from the most beautiful of the twenty daughters of Asopos, the river god, who eloped with Zeus to the then deserted island. In historical terms, there is evidence that the island was inhabited from as early as 3500 B.C. The island enjoyed strong economic and social growth between around 900 B.C. and 480 B.C., including minting the first coins anywhere in Greece during the 7th. Century B.C. In more modern times, Aegina was briefly the first ‘capital’ of modern Greece from 1827 – 1829.

 

Aegina island is different!
One of the main attractions of Aegina is that it is a real living and working island. Luckily not a victim of mass tourism, Aegina is the perfect destination for the independent traveller who yearns to experience some reality of the country she is visiting. Those who are well travelled in Greece will note that Aegina is not as ‘manicured’ as some islands popular with foreign tourists. It hosts mainly Greek weekend visitors from Athens. This simply adds to the charm. Populair sites to visit are: the temple of Aphaia and the church of Agios Nektarios, which can be reached easily with public transport within 30 minutes. Opposite hotel Rastoni you will find the archeological site of Kolona, named after the only column remaining from the temple of Apollo, once located at the top of the hill. Archeological excavations revealed the presence of more than ten settlements, starting in the early Bronze Age (3000 B.C). There are various little villages to visit, a visit to the village of Perdika is must!

 

Discover Aegina
There are several good sandy beaches on the island from which you can delight in the clean and crystal clear waters. You can take a small boat from the village of Perdika to the island of Moni where you can swim in paradise and watch the animals living there or visit one of the amazing beaches on the neighbouring island of Agistri. Most of the beaches are organised with sunbeds and umbrellas.

Spring and autumn are excellent times of the year to visit. The weather is sunny, warm and energising. Indeed, Aegina is reputed to have the mildest climate in Greece. Pull on your comfy shoes and explore our natural landscapes. There is some excellent walking to be had on Aegina; ancient abandoned villages on hillsides; awe inspiring olive tree groves; clamber to the top of Mount Oros with its fantastic sea views; pistachio tree orchards (Aegina’s most famous export).

 

Aegina Fisitiki Fest
Last but not least visit The second Aegina Fisitiki Fest, the biggest commercial, cultural & leisure event in the Saronic Gulf will take place on 16-19 September 2010. The festival is promoting the unique value of world’s best pistachio - The Aegina Fistiki. There will be exhibitions, games, hundreds of gastronomic treats, music, shows, seminars, activities & educational programs for young and old.

More information about Aegina island to be found on www.aeginagreece.com.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Local Bus Services
Line 1 : Aegina-Medical Center-Aegina
Line 2 : Aegina-Lazarou Plakes-Aegina
Line 3 : Aegina-Faros-Aegina

Local Bus Services Map

DEPARTURES FROM THE PORT

Line 1	Line 2	Line 3
7.40	7.00	7.20
8.40	8.00	8.20
9.40	9.00	9.20
10.40	10.00	10.20
11.40	11.00	11.20
12.40	12.00	12.20
13.40	13.00	13.20
14.40	14.00	14.20
15.40	15.00	15.20
16.40	16.00	16.20
17.40	17.00	17.20
18.40	18.00	18.20

Useful Tel. Numbers
Local Bus Service :22970 22787
Radio Taxi : 22970 22010
Water Taxi : 6937 867785, 6944 535659, 6972 229720, 6944 242177
Local police Station : 22970 22100
Tourist Police : 22970 22100
Municipality : 22973 20000
Ship timetable : 22970 22328
Fire Brigade : 22970 22171
Medical Center : 22970 22222
Hospital : 22970 24489

Local GP’s
Ag. Marina : 22970 32175
Mesagros : 22970 71390
Post Office : 22970 22398