Aegina

Aegina Island in the Saronic & Argolic sailing area:

The island of Aegina (also Aigina and Egina) is the largest & the most popular island in the Saronic & Argolic Gulf. Due to its proximity to Athens (18NM from Alimos/ Kalamaki marina), Aegina attracts many yachtsmen who start or end their sailing boat holidays from Alimos yacht charter base.
The capital and harbour of the island is the town of Aegina. It is situated at the North-Western end of the island over the ancient town of the same name. It is beautiful and picturesque town which offers huge selection of restaurants, tavernas, bars and cafes. In the narrow streets, there are also colourful houses along with all sorts of shops.
Aegina is famous for its pistachios. The island has been cultivating pistachio trees since 1860. It offers a wide range of those excellent nuts, prepared and served in all the imaginable ways. While on sailing Aegina, make sure you buy fresh fish from the market on the waterfront as well as fruits from the fruit-boats!
If you want to travel a little out of the town, you may visit the villages of Ag. Marina, Marathonas, Mesagros, Perdika and Souvala. More specifically, Ag. Marina is the well-known tourist area in Aegina with various shops, tavernas and great nightlife!

Although Aegina is not really famous for its beaches, it offers a selection of organised beaches with sun beds and umbrellas. Some of these are Ag. Marina, Aiginitissa, Avra, Kima, Marathonas, Panagitsa, Sarpa and Vagia.
If you visit Aegina by (sailing or motor) boat, you will find many remote bays where you can anchor and enjoy the sun and the sea away from the crowds!
Overall, Aegina is very charming, colourful, vivid island that will not disappoint you in any way!

Weather conditions / Climate in Aegina island:

In the sheltered Argolic & Saronic Gulf, Aegina has the classic Mediterranean climate which consists of mild winters and dry, hot summers.
Spring and autumn are excellent times of the year to visit Aegina. The weather is sunny and warm with few chances of rain and temperature between 21-25 degrees celsius (69-77 degrees fahrenheit).
During the dry summer months (June to August) the average temperature is 25-31 degrees celsius (77-88 degrees fahrenheit).

Moorings & Anchorages in Aegina island/ Saronic & Argolic Gulf:

If you are on sailing holidays in Aegina, you will find mooring places in Aegina town and in Perdika. For anchorages in Aegina, you may go to Ag. Marina, Mourioti bay, Klima, Ligia bay and Kipos.

Keep in mind: Alimos marina and Lavrion port in Athens are our charter bases for sailing around the area of the Saronic & Argolic Gulf and Peloponnese East coast.

History / Places of interest in Aegina island:

According to the various findings in Kolona and the surrounding areas, Aegina was first inhabited during the Neolithic Era most probably by the Epidaurians. It later developed into one great naval power and it was among the first Greek cities that minted coins.
During the Persian war, Aegina sided with the Athenians in Salamina battle and was awarded the prize of valour. After this glorious victory, the islanders built the Temple of Aphaea, which was dedicated to its namesake, a goddess which was later associated with Athena. After the Peloponnesian War, Aegina’s development started to decline and the part which it plays henceforward is insignificant. In the years that followed, Aegina passed with the rest of Greece under the successive dominations of the Macedonians, the Romans, the Franks, the Venetians and the Turkish.
The island was finally liberated in 1828 and Aegina became the first capital of the new Greek State for 2 years, under the Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias.

Places to visit in Aegina island:
Due to Aegina’s rich history, a variety of interesting sites, buildings and museums are found all over the island. You can start your tour from the famous Kolona. One single column is the only thing that remains from the Doric Temple of Apollo! The stones from the ruins were used by Kapodistrias for building the harbour. Further down, you will find the Archaeological museum. Another ancient site worth visiting is the Temple of Aphaia on top of Ag. Marina. When the sky is clear, you can see Poseidon’s temple in Sounio and the Acropolis of Athens. It is believed that these 3 temples form the holy triangle of ancient times.
One of the most visited sites on Aigina is the church of Agios Nektarios with the monastery of Agia Triada next to it. Agios Nektarios, the patron saint of the island, has been buried in the monastery and is believed to have healing powers and to be miraculous.
Last but not least, make sure you visit the island of Moni for a swim stop. Moni is a tiny, uninhabited island opposite Perdika with a nice sandy beach and clear, blue waters.

Activities in Aegina island:

In Aegina island, you will find watersport activities in various beaches and a diving centre in Ag. Marina beach. A water park which offers many huge water slides and various swimming pools awaits you in Faros.
Another alternative, while you are in Aegina, is to explore the natural landscapes on foot. Walk amongst the ancient abandoned villages on hillsides, awe inspiring olive tree groves and climb on the top of mount Oros for some fantastic sea views!