Greek Island of Aegina (Saronic Gulf)

Aegina Synopsis (Click map for main guide)

Only 75 minutes from Piraeus by regular ferry, Aegina's further port called 'Aegina' (recommended) makes it an ideal destination for those with limited time.

Although nearer, Aegina's closer to Piraeus port, called Aghia Marina is the ugly alternative but where to disembark if headed directly to the extremely well preserve red 5th C BC Temple of Aphaia.

Being a smallish island the temple is accessible from either by foot or by bus. Beaches on Aegina are only so so and the best of these are in Aegina town or close by.

Aegina is famous throughout Greece as the best place to buy and grow pistachio nuts and which are offered for sale, in population centers in many varieties and shapes from roasted to in syrup.

The island is also home to a decent archeology museum and several Byzantine churches with fine icons.

Aegina's wildlife rehabilitation center makes it a rarity as well as the endangered & protected goats known as the Kri Kri which reside on the islet of Moni.

All in all Aegina offers an easily accessible look at an island where real Greeks live, work and play and welcome visitors with a smile.

The island is home to about 14,000 year long residents and is where Nicos Kazantzakis wrote "Zorba the Greek". If Nico found it conducive to 'Greekness' you just might too!