Aigina Island

Is one of the most popular tourist destinations as it is the closest island to Athens (only 16.5 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus). Even though the island is small, it boasts a great number of sights and natural beauties. It forms in fact an equilateral triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, the so-called “holy triangle” of the antiquity. Aegina town, the capital of the island, stands out for its well-preserved buildings. On the outskirts you can find charming little villages with distinctive traditional character, such as Agia Marina, Perdika, Souvala, Kypseli, Agii and Vagia. To visit Aegina seeking out hip hotels and Mykonos-style nightlife is to miss the mark completely. This hospitable island’s strongest suit is its casual charisma. Aegina’s two most trumpeted assets are its pistachios, grown in orchards all over the lush interior, and the remarkably intact Temple of Aphaia, a Doric marvel atop a pine-crested hill. Worlds away from the heated whirl of Athens, yet close enough to be a daily commute, Aegina’s picturesque harbour offers a welcome change of gear with its cruisy café scene and crumbling neoclassical mansions. Since most day-trippers and long-weekenders are Greeks, Aegina is still pleasantly old school in its covered fish market and backstreet  ouzeri , where seafood meze is often accompanied with live music.

Just across the coast of Aegina lies the uninhabited paradise of Moni Island, a protected natural haven known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and peaceful atmosphere. Covered with pine forests and free of motor vehicles, the island is home to deer, peacocks, and wild goats that roam freely.  Accessible by a short boat ride, Moni offers pristine beaches, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing under the Mediterranean sun. With its untouched beauty and tranquil setting, it is a perfect escape for visitors seeking nature and serenity just minutes from Aegina.