Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hospital
(
22970 24489)
Port Authority
(
22970 22328)
At the entrance to the ferry quays.
Tourist Police
(
22970 27777; Leonardou Lada)
Up a lane opposite the hydrofoil dock.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Around Aegina Town
Aegina is lush and wildflower laden in spring, and year-round offers some of the best ar-
chaic sites in the Saronic Gulf. The interior hills and mountains add drama to the small
island, but beaches are not its strongest suit. The east-coast town of
Agia Marina
is the
island's main package resort. It has a shallow-water beach that is ideal for families, but
it's backed by a fairly crowded main drag. A few thin, sandy beaches line the roadside
between Aegina Town and Perdika, such as
Marathonas
.
Temple of Aphaia
TEMPLE
( 22970 32398; adult/child €4/free; 8am-3pm)
The well-preserved remains of this im-
pressive temple stand proudly on a pine-covered hill with far-reaching views over the
Saronic Gulf. Built in 480 BC, it celebrates a local deity of pre-Hellenic times. The
temple's pediments were originally decorated with splendid Trojan War sculptures, most
of which were stolen in the 19th century and now decorate Munich's Glyptothek. Panels
throughout the site also have information in English.
Aphaia is 10km east of Aegina Town. Infrequent buses to Agia Marina stop (20
minutes); taxis cost about €12 one way.
Paleohora
CHURCHES, RUINS
(
Παλαιοχώρα
)
This enchanting remote hillside is dotted with the remains of a
Byzantine village. More than 30 surviving
churches
punctuate the rocky heights of the
original citadel, and several have been refurbished. They are linked by a network of
paths, carpeted with wildflowers in spring. The ancient town of Paleohora was Aegina's
capital from the 9th century through the medieval period and was only abandoned during
the 1820s.
Paleohora is 6.5km east of Aegina Town near enormous modern church Moni Agiou
Nektariou. Buses from Aegina Town to Agia Marina stop at the turn-off to Paleohora (10
minutes); taxis cost €8 one way.
Christos Capralos Museum
MUSEUM
