Things to Do
Stroll through the history of Greece in Aegina town
It’s fascinating how an island can encompass all of Greek history. Just a breath from the port is the Temple of Apollo (also known as Kolona after its one standing column), dating from the 6th century BC but built on a prehistoric site. After that, you fast-forward to the Venetian era as you take a walk through Aegina town. The Tower of Markellos was built in the late 17th or early 18th century as a watchtower against the Ottomans.
Discover unique monuments all around Aegina
That’s just the start of the historical monuments on this fascinating island. Next in our list of what to do in Aegina, you head to the Temple of Aphaia (from 500-490 BC). You can feel the incredible energy of the site as you ponder the significance of this temple forming two imaginary isosceles triangles: one with the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio and the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens and a second with the Temple of Apollo in Delphi and the Acropolis Parthenon. On the other side of Aegina, near Sfentouri, are the fascinating prehistoric drakospita (dragon houses), more than 3,000 years old.
Follow the path of artists up the coast
The beautiful coastal route from Aegina port to Cape Plakakia (5km, 1hr round trip) will make you feel as if you are following in the footsteps of the great artists that Aegina has inspired. Starting from Costas Varotsos’ glass ‘Gate of Aegina’ in the port, you pass ancient Kolona and follow the Nikos Kazantzakis St (named after the celebrated Greek author, of Zorba the Greek fame) up the coast, stopping to photograph the ‘Untitled’ sculpture of the great Yiannis Moralis, standing serenely against a background of endless blue sea. After pausing at the romantic Lighthouse of Bouza, continue to the Statue of the Mother of painter and sculptor Christos Kapralos (you can also visit the museum of the same name). Your art-inspired walk ends at the house where Kazantzakis, who loved Aegina and its unique light, once lived. If you make the trip at sunset, you’ll enjoy the incredible colours of the horizon
Take a bite out of an island made of pistachios
If Aegina has a taste, it’s of pistachios in all their forms: fresh, with their skins still on; roasted (salted or unsalted); in a pasteli bar or a spoon-sweet preserve; and in breakfast spreads, pesto or a refreshing ice cream.
