Introduction & General Information

Aegina is a beautiful, fertile, and verdant island, full of pine trees and olive trees, picturesque villages with lovely architecture, fine beaches and interesting archaeological monuments, such as the beautiful Temple of Aphaia, built in the 5th century BC, and considered the finest archaeological monument of the Saronic Gulf and the Aegean.

The island was prosperous during antiquity, mainly because of trade and shipping. The people of Aegina contradicted Athenians, who, displeased by the great power of this small island, attacked it in 459 BC and forced it to surrender its fleet. This was the main black spot in the history of Aegina; since the island lost its hegemony, it remained in the shadow of the Greek capital, except only for another brief moment of glory when it became the capital of the partially liberated Greece (1827-1829).
The first Governor of Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias, accentuated the care of the children who lost their parents during the Greek War of Independence. For that reason, he built an Orphanage that also used to operate as a school. After many years, it started being used as a prison.
Aegina is also well-known thanks to Nikos Kazantzakis, the famous Greek writer who loved the island and was living there when he wrote his world-known book Zorba the Greek. Another important personality of the island is Paul of Aegina, the Byzantine physician who wrote a 7-book encyclopedia mentioning all medical knowledge of the West known until the 7th century.

Aegina is also the land of pistachios. The island has been producing them since antiquity and offers a wide range of them, prepared and served in all imaginable ways.

The beauty of the landscape, the hospitality of the inhabitants, the rich archaeological material and the modern touristy facilities will please and charm every visitor who sets foot on the bright, colorful little island.

Due to its proximity to Athens, Aegina attracts many Athenians during the weekends throughout the year. Especially in the high season, more than 10 ferries reach the island every day.

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