According to the ancient Greek myth, the island was named after the nymph Aigina, daughter of the river-god Asopos, whom Zeus fell in love with. He then and took her with him and kept her on this island. This island has played an important role in the contemporary history of Greece as it the temporary capital of the newly founded Greek state between 1827 and 1829.

Getting There You can access Aegina by boat, flying dolphin and by hydrofoil from the Port of Piraeus. The trip takes less than two hours and there are departures to and from the island every hour. Alternatively you could visit Aegina via sailing boat! Aigina also connects with the rest of the islands of the Saronic Gulf, Agistri, Hydra, Poros and Spetses.

Getting around

It is very easy to move around on foot when you arrive at the port or use the Public bus to visit other places. You can also rent a car or a scooter the day to explore the island at your leisure.

Where to Stay in Aegina There are a variety of rooms and hotels to choose from. The most famous destinations are that of the Aigina main port, Agia Marina and Perdika.

Beaches There are many beach is Aigina to choose from, most of which are organized and family friendly. Such as Agia Marina which is a cosmopolitan organised touristic resort with many hotels rooms to let, restaurants and beach bars, Marathonas sandy beach which is about 4km away from the town is the largest bay on the island and ideal for water sports, Portes, Vayia ,Souvala which is known for its warm, therapeutic waters suitable for those who suffer from rheumatisms , Perdika a quiet pebbly beach at the traditional village of Perdika, Moni Island which is across from Perdika, Leonti, Plakakia and Faros.

Highlights

Even though Aigina is a rather small island, it boasts a great number of archaeological and contemporary sites as well as natural wealth. One of the highlights is close to Agia Marina and it is that of the famous Aphea temple, built during the 5th century BC after the Battle of Salamis. In fact this site forms an equilateral triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion bay; the «holy triangle» of antiquity. A large part of the findings from the excavations around the temple are displayed at the Archaeological museum.

At a short distance from the harbor you will find the area Kolona, which took its name from the only standing column remaining from a 6th century BC temple. At this area you will find the remains of more than ten historical building dating from the most recent Neolithic era (5th millennium BC) to the Mycenaean period (1600-1200BC). In front of the site you will find the Kolona Museum. Visit the site of Palaiohoa at Agia Marina, where you will see findings from the Byzantine era. This place once had 565 churches, 28 of which are still in place as well as the ruin a medieval castle and two fascinating monasteries.