Aegina

Aegina, one of the most important islands of the Saronic Gulf, lies almost at its centre and is the second largest island after Salamis. According to mythology, the island takes its name from the nymph Aegina, daughter of the river god Asopus and sister of Salamis. Zeus carried her to the island, then called Oenone, where their son Aeacus was born. Aeacus became the legendary king of Aegina and founder of the celebrated Aeacid dynasty, which included heroes such as Achilles, Ajax and Pyrrhus of Epirus, and which later traditions even linked to Alexander the Great.

Human presence on Aegina dates back to the Neolithic period, with archaeological finds at Alones and Mesagros revealing the earliest settlements. By the 3rd millennium BC the island had already developed into an important trading station in the Aegean. Its strategic location at the crossroads of sea routes soon turned Aegina into a major maritime and commercial centre.

During the Archaic period (8th–6th century BC) Aegina became one of the most powerful naval and commercial city-states in Greece. Ancient authors such as Hesiod and Pindar praised the Aeginetans as skilled sailors and shipbuilders. Their fleets sailed throughout the Mediterranean, and the island is widely considered to have been among the first in Greece to introduce silver coinage, the famous “turtle coins” of Aegina.

For nearly three centuries (mid-8th to mid-5th century BC) Aegina was regarded as one of the dominant maritime powers of the Greek world. According to Homer, the island participated in the Trojan War with eighty ships, while during the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC its fleet played a decisive role in the Greek victory against the Persians.

This prosperity eventually brought rivalry with Athens. Armed conflict between the two naval powers culminated in the 5th century BC when Athens defeated Aegina’s fleet, marking the beginning of the island’s gradual economic decline.

During the Byzantine and medieval periods, Aegina maintained its maritime character but suffered frequent pirate raids. The most devastating attack occurred in 1537 AD, when the Ottoman admiral and pirate Barbarossa destroyed the medieval capital of Palaiochora and carried away thousands of inhabitants into slavery. Over the following centuries the island passed between Venetian and Ottoman rule.

After the Greek War of Independence (1821) the island gained renewed importance. In 1828 Aegina became the first temporary capital of the newly established Greek state, hosting the government of Ioannis Kapodistrias. Shipyards and administrative institutions were established here during the early years of the modern Greek state.

Today the island’s long maritime tradition remains evident in its harbours, shipyards and strong connection with the sea. Combined with its historical monuments and agricultural products, Aegina remains one of the most vibrant islands of the Saronic Gulf.

Sights

Temple of Aphaia
The impressive Temple of Aphaia, built around 500 BC, is one of the best preserved Doric temples in Greece. Archaeological evidence suggests that the worship of the goddess began as early as the 2nd millennium BC.

Mount Oros and the Sanctuary of Hellanios Zeus
At the summit of Mount Oros, the highest point of the island, stood the ancient sanctuary of Hellanios Zeus. Local tradition still holds that when clouds gather above the mountain, heavy rain is likely to follow.

Palaiochora
Known as the “Mystras of Aegina”, Palaiochora is a deserted medieval settlement with about forty churches dating from the 5th to the 18th century AD. It was abandoned after the devastating raid of Barbarossa in 1537.

Monastery of Saint Nektarios
The impressive Monastery of Saint Nektarios, about six kilometres from Aegina Town, is one of the most important Orthodox pilgrimage sites in Greece.

Marcello’s Tower
Located in Aegina Town, Marcello’s Tower was built in 1802 AD and later used by the Greek revolutionary government during the early years of independence.

Perdika and Klima Bay
The fishing village of Perdika, on the southwestern side of the island, is among the most picturesque places on Aegina. Nearby lies Klima Bay, a favourite anchorage for sailing yachts for more than half a century.

Flavours

Aegina Pistachio
The famous Aegina pistachio is the island’s most renowned agricultural product. The local soil and climate give the nuts a distinct flavour and aroma, making them highly sought after.

FistikiFest
Every September the island celebrates FistikiFest, a lively festival dedicated to pistachios and local products.

Seafood and local wine
Fresh seafood accompanied by local white wine is a classic culinary experience on Aegina, especially in the seaside tavernas of Perdika.