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Greek island, south of Athens
Photo: Bgabel, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Aegina (Greek: Αίγινα) is one of the Saronic Gulf Islands, a triangle 11 km on each side. It's the closest island to Athens, reached in barely an hour by ferry, and in 2011 had a population of 13,056. The main reasons to visit are to escape the city heat for an agreeable old port, and to see the temple of Aphaea. It feels more like a beach suburb than a Greek island, and it can get busy, but most visitors are from the city.
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Archaeology Museum
Small museum and remains of a citadel on Kolona headland, you mostly come for the view. "Kolona" refers to the column, still standing, which was a daymark for approaching ships.
Kapralos (1909-1993) was a Greek artist who often spent summer working here on Aegina; his best known piece is the 40 m Pindus Frieze. You'll know you've reached the museum by the statue of his mother outside. It's nowadays an annexe of the National Art Gallery (Alexandros Soutzos Museum) in Athens.
Aphaea was a local goddess and this was her only shrine. She was worshiped from the 14th century BC but by the 2nd C BC she'd merged into Athena and Artemis. This temple, built 500 BC, was on the site of an earlier temple that burned down. It's a fine Doric shell on a ridge of pine trees, depicted by JMW Turner among others. Most of its sculptures are now in the Glyptothek in Munich.
A sailing school offering RYA sailing courses in English. Courses usually start on Sunday at 17:30.
Good Greek food, sea views and friendly staff.
Ξενοδοχείο Αίγινα
Simple 2-star hotel close to harbour, with 19 rooms and friendly staff. It offers 2 double rooms, 11 twin rooms and 6 triple (2 + 1 beds). All have private bathroom, a/c and TV, many have balconies overlooking the sea; some rooms have a refrigerator. There's a courtyard with palm trees and a terrace with views of the harbor and town. Free Wifi.
ξενοδοχείο Ραστώνη
Charming small guesthouse with garden.
Small place with six studios and one apartment, and pool. Friendly, helpful Swedish owners.
Frequent ferries ply from Piraeus port in Athens to Aegina town. Hydrofoils for foot passengers take 40 min, single fare €14, conventional vessels for cars and motorbikes take 70 min, single fare €10., to E7).
Read in the guideThere are five car rental agencies near the harbour, which also have motorbikes and scooters - book ahead to ensure availability. Some of their offerings are dilapidated.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Spata-Artemida · International · ATH
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