Let’s dive together into nostalgia to the days we couldn’t choose which tour to follow.

Aegina Panoramic Tour

To begin with, you can take an holistic view of the island of Aegina with the Aegina Panoramic Tour. Firstly, you will make a small tour of the island by bus, crossing between the pistachio trees. Then, you will be lucky to see Aegina’s medieval capital city, Paleochora, and its most famous monastery, St. Nektarios.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a panoramic tour without the respective gastronomic experience. So at the end of the tour, you will make a tasteful stop at a local tavern and get to try Aegina’s delicacies.

Aegina Swimming Tour

What comes to mind when you think of greek islands? Of course their clear, blue sea waters and a great urge to dive in them. That’s why our last but not least recommended tour of Athens Day Cruise is the Aegina Swimming Tour. By your arrival at the island of Aegina and choosing the swimming tour, a speedboat will transfer to an idyllic island. Depending the weather conditions, this can be either Agkistri or Moni island, both less than 10min away from Aegina.

There you will be able to dive in their crystal waters, enjoy the beach and the sun under your private umbrella, with the background of Mediterranean fauna, peacocks or even deer!

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Archaeological museum of Afaia

Next to Afaia’s Temple stands the respective archaeological museum. Entering the museum, there is a representation of the whole temple. In addition, visitors can see statues, tools and ceramics, since 500 BC when the temple was built. 

Even if history is not your thing, Afaia’s temple and its museum are considered a must in Aegina. You can visit the temple’s ruins and have a coffee break in the museum’s cafe, with its great view!

Don’t miss your chance visiting Afaia and book your guided classical tour with Athens Day Cruise exclusive excursions!

Aegina’s archaeological museum

If you want to get the whole picture on Aegina’s archaeological background, Aegina’s archaeological museum will be your favorite. Within its three exhibition rooms, visitors will learn about Aegina’s history. From prehistoric ages to Roman times. Apart from Aegina’s artifacts, you can also see artifacts from Cyclades and Crete. Above all, Aegina used to be a commercial centre in antiquity.

To visit the museum for the time being, you should transfer to the area of Kolona. Although, the museum will move back to its first residence, the Kapodistrian Orphanage, and will be renamed as the Timeless Museum of Aegina.

Historical & Folklore Museum

In the heart of Aegina’s town, there is the historical & folklore museum. The museum is located in a beautiful neoclassical house, a perfect sample of old Aeginean architecture. 

Inside the museum, visitors will taste the everyday life of Aeginean residents back 1800s. Old furniture, books, paintings, decorations and traditional costumes perfectly represent the “urban Aeginean residence”, 200 years ago.

Museum of Christos Capralos

Taking the coastal road and only 3km from Aegina’s port, one can find the famous sculpture museum of Christos Capralos. Christos Capralos was one of the most famous sculptors of the 20th century, globally. What is more, the Greek painter, sculptor and engraver is one of the greatest representatives of modernism in Greece.

The museum hosts a significant amount of Capralos’ works, from 1963 to 1993. Among them visitors will see various paintings, sculptures, engravings, ceramics and terracotta. 

Source: weloveaegina.com

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Sign up for Athens One day cruise, and they will take you to all the three islands in a day.  

Greek Islands

Greece has over 6000 islands and islets. But the famous ones are only a handful, and they are spread across the country. Some islands have exciting historical or contemporary life. However, many others are habited only by sheepherders and/or monks.

There are nine groups of major islands in Greece. Some bigger islands like Crete and Mykonos have direct flights from large European cities. However, others can be visited by air from Athens. The Saronic islands are close enough for a boat trip from Athens’ popular ferry port Piraeus.

Athens One-Day Cruise

Athens one day cruise departs from the port at Marina Flisvos/Marina Kallitheas. You can get to this point by yourself or sign up for the VIP experience, and they will send a car to pick you up from your hotel. They also provide exciting excursions on the island with multilingual tour guides. You can choose between a walking tour, a swimming tour, a classic tour or a panoramic tour in the islands. If you buy the VIP ticket, one tour is included in the ticket price.

The best thing about a one-day cruise is that you get to see all the three islands in a single day without worrying about how to get from one place to another, food, or other logistical problems. You can get into the ship, relax with some Ouzo and enjoy traditional Greek songs and dances while cruising around the Aegean Sea.

A trip to Poros, Hydra & Aegina is a must-add trip to every European holiday bucket list.

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Athens Food Tour

Foodies from all around the world rave about the Athens food tour for a simple reason, it is a tasty, delightful way to explore the Greek culture. You can either do this on your own or choose a curated food tour. Mingle with other foodies and swap stories while munching on lip-smacking Greek delicacies.

Enjoy a Hammam

Hammams or steam baths are very popular in Athens. You can find many popular Hammams in Monastiraki and Thiseion area. Ask for a relaxing massage and a Hammam and watch all your travel stress melt away.

Enjoy Greek Theatre

If you love watching plays, check out theatre performances at the Herodion theatre, during Athens Festival. Watching a Greek drama in Herodion, at the foot of the Acropolis, is a once in a lifetime experience.

Swim in sky blue waters

Athens and its nearby islands have some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. There are numerous beaches in Athens, and if that is not enough, you can head over to one of the Saronic islands on a day cruise and bathe in the beauty of the Aegean Sea.

Go to Aegina for Pistachios

Do you love Pistachios? If yes, head over to Aegina on an empty stomach. They have a variety of ice creams, snacks and other sweets made from Pistachios.

These are the top things to do in Athens for female travellers. Depending on how long you plan to stay in the city, can do either one or all of them.

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Greece has magnificent historical monuments and museums, beautiful beaches, great weather, delicious food and cultural happenings to discover. Exploring the entire spectrum of history, culture and places in Greece, may take a few years. Why not begin with a short trip in Saronic islands, just after your visit to Athens?

Saronic islands: A change of scene

After spending a few days in Athens, you may feel a need for a change of scenery. Check out the nearby Saronic islands to add spice to your Mediterranean holiday. Hydra and Aegina are two of the most sought-after destinations that are easily accessible from the Piraeus port. Most travelers cannot decide which one to visit first, Hydra or Aegina.

Choose Hydra for the laid-back life

Hydra is the best island for a laid-back life. Once you disembark, you will find out that the only means of transport on Hydra are pedestrians and donkeys. This is a result after the municipality of Hydra banned all sorts of vehicles, in order to re-establish a more humane lifestyle on the island.

Apart from donkeys and relaxed well-being, Hydra is famous for its cultural activities and historical museums. Take your time to discover them.

Choose Aegina for the high-class and popular visitors

Aegina is the island of choice for the wealthy Greeks. The island is popular among tourists because of its beautiful sights, historical ruins and great nightlife. The outskirts of the town are filled with little Greek villages which have stayed true to the old Greek lifestyle.

Of all the beaches on the island, Souvala and Agia Marina are the two most popular ones. If you want food and entertainment, these are perfect. But if you prefer a secluded beach, check out the Marathonas Beach.

Why to Choose? – Visit both Aegina and Hydra

Both islands are close enough for visiting them at once with a one day cruise from Athens. You can either find your own way around the island or choose an organized experience with Athens Day Cruise. The cruise takes you to Aegina, Hydra and Poros in a three-deck ship and has a lot of activities for the whole day. This way, you don’t have to choose between Hydra or Aegina.

Visiting islands on your own gives you the freedom to choose when you go to the next place. But an organized one day cruise is more convenient for those who are short on time. Plus, it also helps you relax and enjoy the music, dance, and great Greek food.

So which one is your favourite, Hydra or Aegina?

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The Aegina Annual Fistiki Festival

So popular are Aegina’s pistachios worldwide, the island even holds an annual festival every September, the Aegina Fistiki Festival. This 4-day event is held in honor of the much-loved pistachio buzzes with a huge array of fun activities such as music, theater, art and dance for you to enjoy! And of course, you can also indulge in some of the best-tasting pistachio treats on offer at the many stalls!

The festival is back for the 10^th consecutive year this summer and will be held on 13-16 September 2018 (11th Aegina Fistiki Festival 12-15 September 2019). The Municipality of Aegina organizes the Annual Fistiki Festival every year together with some of the islands local producers. Well worth a day trip from Athens!

The story of Aegina’s pistachios

It’s said that that the cultivation of pistachios on the island began in 1896. Local farmer Nikolao Peroglou planted a variety of nut trees on some of his land. The pistachio tree flourished the best. Sharing cuttings with other Aegina residents, the crop eventually landed on mainland Greece. The European Union declared Aegina’s pistachios a PDO (Protected Designation Origin) product in 1996, according to their regional authenticity and the traditional methods used to produce them.  Currently, Greece is the 6^th largest producer of pistachios in the world, and first in Europe.

What makes Aegina’s pistachios so delicious?

The island’s dry climate, temperature and soil, as well as the Aegean wind, together create the perfect environment for pollinating and cultivating pistachios. Harvesting usually takes place from mid-August to early September. A combination of all these elements brings about the distinct sweet flavor of this nut. Aegina’s pistachios are used in a variety of savory and sweet dishes. They’re also enjoyed on their own.

Thousands of years of global history

According to a wealth of historical records, pistachios originated in the Middle East. Said to be around since 7000 BC, they are mentioned in multiple historical and mythological tales. It is said that pistachio trees were planted by Nebuchadnezzar II, the former king of Babylon, in his hanging gardens. The Queen of Sheeba was also said to have banned commoners from growing pistachios for personal use as she regarded pistachios as a royal treat only. During Byzantine times, this delicious fruit nut was also often served as an appetizer, paired with wine.

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From Anitseou to Mt. Ellanios to Paxia Rachi

This hike is about 4 kilometers long and while not the easiest, it’s certainly not the most difficult. Start at Anitseou village, head north west until you reach a road to your left – turn here. Continue walking until you come across signposts directing you to the ruined temple of Ellanios Zeus, located up high on Mt. Ellanios. When you reach the top, take a moment to enjoy what is a spectacular view. Then, head back down the path until you reach the main road and turn towards Paxia Rachi village. This hike is incredibly pretty, with stony paths and steep rugged landscape. You can also visit the nearby Valley of Elaiona, just south of Paxia Rachi. The valley is very scenic, more so because of the olive trees that you will find, several of which are more than 400 years old.

From Aegina Town to Kondos to Paleohora

Around 7 kilometers long, this trail is one worth undertaking for the great sites along the way. As you head for the village of Kondos, you will pass several churches including the iconic Agios Nectarios. Once you’ve reached Kondos, turn left and follow the slope, moving northward until you reach Palaiohora, a hillside medieval village dotted with the ruins of 38 beautiful stone chapels once numbering 365, and other old buildings.

From Paxia Rachi to Aegina Town

Head northeast from Paxia Rachi until you reach the main road and turn left. Keep walking until you come across Tsikides village. As you continue to Aegina town, you will encounter beautiful pistachio groves and other lovely greenery. The hike is about 7 kilometers long and relatively easy.

To Marathonas from Paxia Rachi

This hike is anywhere from 2 to 2.5 kilometers long depending on the route you take. Begin your walk heading westward from Paxia Rachi towards the coast.  The road meanders, so you’ll have the option of either moving north to Kapotides or continue to Marathonas, a lovely seaside destination.

Things to remember!

Make sure to be sun conscious, wear a sunhat and slather on the sunscreen. Also make sure to wear light clothing, comfortable walking shoes and carry a bottle of water so that you don’t get thirsty!

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In this instance, let’s talk about Aegina, the once capital of Greece. Aegina offers much to see by way of historical sites and even a festival or two, accompanied by a spectacular Aegean backdrop.

Here’s our pick of 5 of the most popular places to see and things to do on Aegina!

The Temple of Aphaia

A lot consider the temple of Aphaia as one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. This extraordinary 5^th century Doric temple is located 10km east away from Aegina town. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, the well-preserved ruins of this once impressive temple sit on a hill overlooking the sensational Aegean Sea. With 25 original Doric columns still standing, the temple remains a must-see for history lovers.

The Hill of Kolona

This infamous historical site on Aegina is home to a single Doric column of the ancient Temple of Apollo. Located north of Aegina town, this column was once part of the temple’s rear section (opisthodomos). Various excavations of the site have uncovered the remains of 11 other settlements, evidencing ongoing development over thousands of years.

Monastery of St. Nektarios

Founded between 1904-1910 by Bishop Nektarios, the monastery is located about 6km from Aegina’s town centre. Bishop Nektarios was a popular priest and teacher who reportedly performed several healing miracles, even after his death, and was officially declared a Saint in 1961. The monastery is still regarded as one of the most important religious structures on the island. Many international travelers, as well as locals, seek out the tomb to pay their respects. Some do so in the hope of being healed of illness.

The Aegina Fistiki Festival

Aegina is world renowned for having some of the best tasting pistachios globally so if you’re on the island during the month of September, then the Aegina Fistiki Festival is well worth attending. This 4-day event held in honour of the much-loved pistachio is filled with a variety of activities such as music, theatre, art and dance for you to enjoy! You can also indulge in some of the decadent pistachio treats on offer!

Aegina International Music Festival

If you happen to visit Aegina in August, you may get to experience the incredible music festival. It is held on the island annually and it lasts more than two weeks. This summer festival offers an eclectic mix of bands, choirs, and artists of jazz and classical music, including new talent and renowned musicians. Worth going to if you can!

Although not an exhaustive list, these are definitely a great way to get to experience at least some of what Aegina has to offer!

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Marathonas Beach

Located in a traditional fishing village, Marathonas is one of the most famous Aegina top beaches. The beach is a quiet sandy beach that attracts many visitors, not least because of its picturesque beauty. It is well equipped with beach beds and sun umbrellas for hire, so definitely an option if you’re looking to relax in a spectacular setting. For those seeking something more active, there are a range of water sports available such as diving and snorkelling. Grabbing a bite to eat is also made easy by the many restaurants located here. Indulge in some traditional Greek cuisine, particularly the freshly made sea food at one of the local tavernas.

Perdika Beach

Secondly, Perdika is another beach of Aegina top beaches. It is situated in the fishing village of Perdika, this beach is intimately small, with a tranquil ambience, making it perfect for couples. The gorgeous views of the Peloponnese and Moni island enhance what is an already beautiful setting. The beach has rocky as well as sandy areas, with crystal clear water, making for a refreshing swim.

Souvala Beach

Located close to the village of Souvala, this is probably one of the loveliest beaches in the area. Renowned for its hot and cold springs, this sandy and pebbled beach is definitely one to visit.

Agia Marina Beach

If you’re looking for a family friendly beach that offers a bunch of water sports for the more adventurous to partake in, then Agia Marina Beach is where you should go. This sandy beach with beautifully clear waters is popular with tourists, particularly since it is located in front of one of the main tourist resorts in the area. Water sports include canoeing and parasailing, amongst others.

Kavouropetra

If you’re looking for something remote, with a wild beauty, then this is the beach you want to get to. Not one to get many visitors, you’ll get to enjoy the solitude, whilst taking in the magnificent sea view. It can be found near the village of Kypseli which is popular for its exquisite churches, as well as the pistachio trees that grow there.

Don’t forget to pack a sunhat, sun cream and some water as you explore Aegina’s beaches.

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A swimming excursion

Aegina has a selection of beaches to enjoy and what better way to experience some of the best than with an organised beach tour by Athens Day Cruise.

Aboard a speedboat, you’ll be taken on a quick ride across the beautiful Aegean waters. On the surroundings you can see the nearby islands of Agistri or Moni. Depending on the weather, you will get to enjoy a swim in one of the most beautiful areas in the region.

Both Agistri and Moni possess an exquisite natural landscape overlooking the sea. Both islands allow you to truly immerse yourself in the spectacular beauty that characterises the area. And you may even get to spot some wildlife in the distance as you’re taking your swim.

Only a 12 minutes ride to Agistri and just 7 minutes to Moni, will get you to make the most of your time on this picturesque Athens Day Cruise excursion. Lasting about 1 and half hours, take advantage of the opportunity to relax on a beach bed, on the sandy white beach.

An inland adventure in Aegina on your Athens Day Cruise tour

If a beach outing isn’t what you’re after, then how about a panoramic tour of Aegina. One that will be sure to leave you with some lasting holiday memories.

About 1 hour and 15 minutes in duration, this carefully thought out tour will enable you to experience the inland beauty and tranquillity of the island.

A car will drive you around Aegina, taking in the sites such as the islands infamous pistachio groves which produce some of the best pistachios in the world. Moreover you will be able to chack religious landmarks such as the Nektarios monastery, and also Paleohora, the island’s medieval capital city where only ruins remain today.

After the sightseeing, you will try some of the island’s gastronomy at a traditional taverna. Indulge in some delicious local flavours and savour the taste of delicious Greek food.

It’s worthwhile noting that any Athens Day Cruise tour can be combined with other tours to form a combo-style package. While tickets can be purchased on board, you are also able to contact us directly prior to purchase to discuss the different tour options available.

So pick your tour and have fun!!

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