The Greek Islands and Athens
Just twelve miles from the port of Piraeus, Aegina is an ideal place to stay if you
wish to see the sights of Athens but do not wish to stay in the city. Aegina itself
is a pleasant island with low-
Aegina
Aegina town with its neo-
To emphasize the importance of religion to the population of the island, Aegina
has many fine, spectacular churches, this newly built church adjoins the monastery
of Agios Nektarios. The church houses the tomb of the bishop from Aegina who died
in 1920 and was canonized in 1967. It is situated along the bus route from Aegina
town to the main resort town of Agia Marina.
Temple of Aphaia. Surrounded by pine trees, on a hilltop above the town of Agia Marina,
this Doric temple, built around 490 BC. is the best preserved classical temple in
the Greek islands. Dedicated to the Cretan nymph Aphaia, it predates the Parthenon
in Athens by around sixty years. It can be reached via the Aegina town to Agia Marina
bus route.
With Aegina being so close to Athens, it has become a very popular escape from the city, so the Greeks tend to swamp the island at weekends. Many of these visitors head straight for the popular resort of Agia Marina, located on the north coast, although a number of smaller beach resorts can be found along the east coast.
