Aegina is nine miles long by six miles wide and one of the most popular tourist destinations as it is the closest island to Athens.

According to the myth, the island took its name from a nymph, daughter of the river god Asopos, whom Zeus fell in love with and took with him to the island!

The island offers astunning temple older than the Parthenon in Athens, an olive grove with gnarled trees still alive after 2,000 years and the remains of a medieval village laid waste by a notorious pirate.

It also has 20 beaches, lively resorts and traditional villages along with Mount Oros a volcanic mountain area now protected as one of the most historic and beautiful landscapes in Greece.

Aegina Town, the main port, was once one of the wealthiest towns in Greece and is now bustling narrow lanes, small shops and tavernas, a harbour crowded with colourful boats.

Small beaches are found along the north coast to Souvala, a fishing village that has developed into a laid-back holiday resort.

The Agia Marina, on the east coast, has Aegina's longest sandy beach.

The well-preserved temple to the goddess Aphaia, built more than 2,500 years ago, has 28 marble columns.

The west coast road hugs the coastline on the side of the island that enjoys the most spectacular sunsets.

The road passes beaches, including two at Marathonas and the curved bay of Aiginitissa which is fringed with huge eucalyptus trees.

The traditional fishing village of Perdika is known for its fish restaurants.

The resort of Agia Marina celebrates its saint day on 16 and 17 July each year with a procession, food, drink, music and fireworks.

The island also hosts an international classical music festival in August.

Danae Hotel

The Danae Hotel is situated on the coastal road of Aegina, close to the temple of Apollo approximately 1 km from the town centre.

It has 54 rooms and one suite, most with a sea view or with a pool view.

LaLiBay Resort

The beachfront LaLiBay Resort welcomed its first guests during the summer of 2020 after a substantial renovation with décor echoing a nautical theme, boasting 18 acres of densely planted gardens, private beach area and Pigi Spa wellness and longevity centre.

Esperides Maisonettes

Located in Aghia Marina with the closest beach and shops just 300 metres away, this is a modern apartment hotel.

Olympic Holidays

Olympic Holidays, a leading Greece & Cyprus holiday company, offers holidays to 50 European destinations and islands.

www.olympicholidays.com

Useful links

www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/argosaronic_islands/discovering_aegina

www.greeka.com/saronic/aegina