Location: Aegina
Top Things to do in Aegina
10 Things to do in Aegina That You Shouldn't Miss
Aegina (/iːˈdʒaɪnə/; Greek: Αίγινα, Aígina [ˈeʝina], Ancient Greek: Αἴγῑνα) is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece in the Saronic Gulf, 27 kilometres (17 miles) from Athens. Tradition derives the name from Aegina the mother of the hero Aeacus, who was born on the island and became its king. During ancient times Aegina was a rival of Athens, the great sea power of the era.
Restaurants in Aegina
1. Temple of Aphaia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 974 reviews
Reviewed By saronic - Zurich, Switzerland
For anybody with some cultural interest a visit to the Aphaia temple is a must, when on Aegina. Located in a quiet area, on a 160m high hill, surrounded by pine forests, the site can be reached by public transport, since most buses between Aegina town and the tourist resort of Agia Marina stop by here. We had arrived from Aegina town a bit too early, since the sanctuary only opens at 10am (and closes at 5.30pm). Entrance fee is 6€, but our student grandchildren were free, while my wife and me as seniors just paid half price. When there early July we had the place to ourselves, a great relief in comparison to a visit at Athens acropolis. The temple, somewhat forgotten over the centuries, is one of the best preserved monuments of antiquity in Greece. It is a peripteros (a temple surrounded by columns) in the Doric style, a few years older than the Parthenon on Athens acropolis. While the latter is considered a masterpiece of the classical period, the temple of Aphaia still belongs to the Late Archaic period. This can best be judged from the sculptures of the two pediments, which are exhibited now at the Glyptothek in Munich, the famous 'Aeginetes', once bought by Ludwig I of Bavaria. Strange is also the name of 'Aphaia', a local goddess, not encountered anywhere else in Greece. From the sanctuary we walked via the monastery of Agios Minas down to the beach at Agia Marina. It is not a walk that can be recommended anymore, nor is the direct path, since the area has been built up with many roads and houses.
2. Agios Nektarios Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 492 reviews
Reviewed By 441anetaf - Peterborough, United Kingdom
Calm, lot of things to see, fresh water on premises to refill, need respect for their rituals (skirt knee length must-wear for every lady) and place. Amazing energy there, especially out of season and early Monday.
3. Moni Island Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
Reviewed By 441anetaf - Peterborough, United Kingdom
And peacocks, and deer and clear water and so much to exploring around island and sooo amazing pine smell !! Moni is must-see island. We went there end of September, there was one boat sailing on request and very little people on the beach. Can't imagine how crowded could be if not Covid and out of season!
4. Marathonas Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By JohnH875 - Birkenhead, United Kingdom
A very nice beach with a number of tavernas where you will be offered free sunbeds if you buy food or drink from any of them Very good service at Tassos
5. Church Saint Nicholas the Thalassinos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By beachmadam
This is the old ortodox church that is so small and spiritual and gives peace to your soul Old icons, the smell of candles ... Make sure you got 15min to enjoy it at least!
6. Musee Christos Capralos
7. Aegina Waterfront
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By 337Steve - Derby, United Kingdom
Fabulous ...lots of lovely restaurants especially those on the sea front great place to visit only an hour from Athens nice clean shops just behind the front restaurants Definitely visi this great place lovely people and great weather strongly recommended
8. Archaeological Site of Kolona
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By plsura - Graz, Austria
Great experience. Would definitely recommend. The museum is also worth a visit. It have translations in german and english!
9. Archaeological Museum of Aegina
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By plsura - Graz, Austria
Very nice staff and a beautiful location. Very interesting museum with translations in english and german. It's a small museum, with a great archeological park. Definitely worth a visit.
10. Horse riding on Aegina
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 911jordant
We knew we wanted to horseback ride on Aegina when we got there, but weren't quite sure how to set it up. Our airbnb host recommended we go to the port to speak to Stellios. He doesn't speak much English, so a horse and buggy driver helped translate with us, and Stellios told us to come back the next day at an earlier time. The next day we did so, and he drove with us to a small crop of land where he keeps his two horses. There, he made it super easy to get right on the horses and go for a ride through the suburban streets of Aegina, stopping at a lighthouse to take pictures for us too. He was a great guide, and we really enjoyed the experience! Since it was off-season I don't think he had as much business, which is why it was so easy for us to set up an impromptu ride, so if you're visiting in the summer, I'd try to get in contact with him a bit ahead of time. When we visited he only had two horses grazing, so it'd be a good idea to check about larger groups if you plan on riding with more than two people. We also heard that in summer it's possible to ride the horses along the beach, which sounds like a great experience as well. All in all, 20 euros per rider for an hour was a great price, and a great overall experience!
TAGS
