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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As one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens is filled with many interesting activities. No matter where you come from, this holiday will be a memorable one!

Island hopping is one of the coolest things you can do in Athens, whichever month you decide to pay a visit in Greece’s capital. Here, we offer you a couple more cool options for your holidays in Athens.

Dance away the night

Do you love to Tango? If yes, head over to Pireos Str. to take part in the “milonga” every Monday. Bring your dance shoes and a spare set of shirts. The city boasts of a big number of tangueros. So you look forward to some amazing tandas. Some schools even offer free beginner classes for those who want to try, so you can take your dancing shot as an amateur too!

Cool food places to try

Visiting a capital city like Athens, it is always an opportunity for food-lovers. A great chance to try new tastes, traditional or street food style.

If you prefer electronic music and crave for pizzas, head over to Crust Pizza. You can also shake a leg in their electro dancing bar and forget about all those holiday diet rules.

Foodies must also try Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani. It is right in the center of the market. Just follow the smell, and you will reach this little gem. Be sure to try their deli, ntolmades and tsipouro. If you are not used to spicy food, ask them to be light handed on the spices.

Save a place for history and art lovers

If you love archaeology and historic diversity of Greece’s past, Aegina will be your favourite island. You can explore the ruins of the Temple of Aphaia and then soak in the beauty of the Agios Nektarios Monastery. There is also the Temple of Ellanios Zeus on top of Mount Ellanio and the ruins of the temple of Apollo.

Hop on an Athens one day cruise with us and you can visit the island of Aegina, along with Hydra and Poros on the same day.

Art lovers will find themselves at the island of Hydra. Cars are not allowed anywhere on the island. But you can use either a bike or a donkey to get around. This little hidden jewel has retained its beauty and serenity, despite its short distance from a big city. Hydra is best reached via a day cruise from Athens.

What is more, you can always turn to our VIP exclusive experience, where a panoramic tour in Aegina or a walking excursion in Hydra are included. Plus, you can reserve energy with great food, unlimited refreshments and our exclusive transfer services.

Extra cool tip: Where to buy memorabilia?

You can buy a lot of interesting ‘Made in Athens’ memorabilia on the streets. In fact, there is also a tour which explains different kinds of items you can take back home.

To save time, you can always purchase your souvenirs from our duty-free shop inside our ships, during your one day cruise experience!

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Visiting Hydra

Hydra has a distinctive charm that has drawn travellers from across the globe. The island is so popular that since 1950s a mix of world-famous artists, musicians and poets have passed through. Think Sophia Loren, Leonard Cohen, and many more.

An illustrious history

Hydra also has a rich cultural past, making it an incredible place to sightsee. There are a variety of museums to visit. The ruins of some 300 or so churches to explore, 6 monasteries to see, and many more interesting landmarks. Above all, all of them tell a story of the island’s history.

Prophitis Ilias Monastery – the only male monastery on the island

Among the many monasteries dotting the island, Prophitis Ilias Monastery is probably one of the most popular. Located at on the mountain slopes of Mount Eros, approximately 500m above sea level, the Monastery offers breath-taking views of Hydra and the Peloponnese coast.

The history of the Monastery

Prophitis Ilias Monastery was built in 1813 by thirteen monks from Mount Athos. It sits on the site of an abandoned chapel since the late 1700’s. The Monastery is probably most well-known for the role it played during the Greek War of Independence in 1821. It is where Theodoros Kolokotronis, a renowned war hero, was imprisoned for 4 months during the fight against the Ottoman Empire, due to a clash he had with Georgios Kountouriotis, an executive officer on Hydra.

Getting to the Monastery and what you will see

For the avid hikers, getting to the Monastery takes about two hours if starting off from Hydra’s port. If walking isn’t your thing, a donkey ride can be arranged. The Monastery consists of a main church and a courtyard surrounded by lovely building and stables. The grounds of the Monastery are looked after by several monks.

When open, visitors to the church can view the beautiful paintings, frescoes and other religions relics on display. The Monastery also has a refreshing water fountain for visitors to quench their thirst, and a selection of souvenirs to purchase for those wanting to get a little something to remember the trip by. The Monastery also maintains a rich library with a variety of manuscripts, which was established by the abbot Ierotheos Kostopoulos in 1870.

If you’re planning on walking to Prophitis Ilias Monastery, don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun with some sun cream and sun hat. Also make sure to take a break, as and when needed during the walk, and have water on you in case you get thirsty.

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There is a lot to do when you’re holidaying in Athens, not least of all taking an Athens one day cruise to three of the most beautiful Greek islands in the region, namely Hydra, Poros and Aegina. Day trips from Athens to the islands are a perfectly quick way of discovering more of Greece, especially if you’re an avid history buff with very little time on your hands to explore.

24 hours on Poros

Poros is culturally rich and has many places to visit if you’re a history lover. From its infamous Clock Tower, the Temple of Poseidon, the Holy Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, the Russian Naval Base (declared a historical monument in 1989), and more, there is much to explore and learn.

The Archaeological Museum of Poros

A very interesting must-see on the island is also the Archaeological Museum of Poros. Built in the late 1960s, the museum can be found in Korizi Square, in a restored property that was once the residence of Alexandros Koryzis, Greece’s Prime Minister in 1941.

Many of the exhibits housed at the Museum are there thanks to the tireless work of Christos Fourniades, an archaeological enthusiast who spent many years collecting ancient relics from the region that went on to become the foundation of Museum’s numerous collections.

A wide range of historical finds

The Archaeological Museum of Poros consists of two floors, with exhibitions on both. Many items on display date from the Mycenaean period to Roman times. There are artefacts from all over the Trizina region and some from excavations in Hermione. There are also important displays from the areas Kalavreia and Methana, such as a large anaglyph with a dog representation, various ancient inscriptions with one dating back to 600 BC, a variety of statues including a statuette of Asklipios from Kalavreia, and several tomb steles, among others.

The Museum’s collection also includes Hellenistic figurines from Methana’s Agios Konstatinos, as well as other pieces such as bronze vessels, pottery and more from Hermione. You will find relics from several excavations at the sanctuary of Aphrodite Akraia; from excavations at the nearby Temple of Poseidon which was reportedly built in honour of Theseus, Poseidon’s son, after killing the Minotaur of Crete; and from excavations in Argolida Peloponnese. There are also pieces of old-Christian origin from the wider Trizina area which are considered an important part of the Museum’s collection.

So if you happen to be in Poros for even an hour or two, the Museum is definitely worth a visit!

Enjoy!

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Porosea

Firstly, there is Porosea. In its efforts to promote sports tourism on the island, the Municipality of Poros, the company WHYNOT, and the Saronic Triathlon Club established the 2 day multisport event Porosea. Held on 9-10 June this year, this event consisted of aquathlon, swimming, triathlon and running races, for kids and adults.

St John’s Day

Secondly, St John’s Day. An Eastern Orthodox feast marking the birth of St John the Baptist. People jump through large fires on this event during the celebration. This takes place in Poros on 24 June every year.

The Poros Art Festival

Thirdly, Poros has a wildly popular festival that is organised in by local volunteers and donors in collaboration with the Municipality of Poros and the Region of Attica. It consists of a series of events, photo exhibitions, music recitals, cinema, theatre productions and more over July and August.  The festival takes place primarily over weekends, in various neighbourhoods throughout Poros.

Saronic Chamber Music Festival

Fourthly, there is the Saronic Chamber Music Festival. This festival is an annual event during which an international ensemble of top global musicians come together.The Music Festival puts chamber music in the spotlight. A series of concerts takes place on several Saronic Gulf islands by the exceptional Leondari Ensemble. The Leondari Ensemble consists of musicians from Australia, North America and Europe. Violinists Jannis Agraniotis and Francis Kefford founded the ensemble. This year the concert was held on Poros on 3 August.

Nautical Week

Last but not least, is the Nautical Week. It takes place in early July, Nautical Week comprises sailing exhibitions and other cultural and sporting events. During the week, the island buzzes with activity. Much of what takes place is in Hero Square.

So, if in Poros, don’t miss the Poros Festivals and exhibitions!

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An artistic history

Hydra has since the 1950s drawn a creative crowd of world famous artists, singers, writers, poets and intellectuals. All these artists have transformed the island into a sought after contemporary hub. This includes the likes of foreign artists such as Leonard Cohen, Sophia Loren, Henry Miller, and Brice Marden.

Hydra has also been visited by a number of Greek artists and other well-known figures. The most famous were the poet George Seferis, the author D. Petsalis, and painters Nicos Hantzikyriakos-Ghikas, Panagiotis Tetsis, Nicolaos Engonopoulos and Periklis Vyzantios, among others.

Today, Hydra remains a source of creative inspiration to a number of European painters and sculptors. Many of them have even moved to the island to continue their artistic pursuits.  This includes Natacha Best, a French watercolourist who divides her time between Paris and Hydra, Pauline Keaney, a printmaker and painter who draws her inspiration from the surrounding natural environment, Jacqueline Savidge, a creative spirit who moved to Hydra some 30 years ago and who delves into a variety of art, and many more.

A source of literary inspiration

Much literature has been written about the island. Hydra has also served as the setting of a variety of books. Some well-known pieces are the 2003 Hydra and the Bananas of Leonard Cohen by Roger Green, the 1980 Hydra by Catherine Vanderpool, and many more. Popular movies have contributed considerably to the fame of the island. Some of them are  Boy on a Dolphin featuring Sophia Loren, and Phaedra starring Melina Mercouri and Anthony Perkins.

Rich in culture

The island is a fascinating destination to explore what with its 300 or so churches, 6 monasteries, a plethora of cultural museums, and statues of war heroes, all of which speak of a vivid historical past.

For those interested in the history of the island, the Historical Archives Museum of Hydra houses an archive of diverse relics dating back to the period 1708 – 1865. Located in a stylish stone mansion, you will get to view great exhibits comprised of artefacts from the world wars, the Balkan Wars and the Greek War of Independence. This includes maps, books, manuscripts, costumes, and more.

The Ecclesiastical museum found above Hydra’s port is another interesting place to visit. This museum is located in the Church of Assumption (or the Cathedral of Hydra as it is otherwise known). It contains an amazing selection of Byzantine icons, beautifully decorated holy gospels and other religious artefacts.

Another place worth exploring is the Lazaros Koundouriotis mansion. This house museum contains a selection of paintings by the artist Periklis Byzantios and his son Dikos, as well as an ethnographic area with a collection of items such as clothing, costumes, jewellery and pottery, of Greek origin.

It’s clear that Hydra has much to offer any traveller with a range of interests.  Even if just for a short visit, there is something for everyone to do to create great holiday memories.

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Aegina

Temple of Aphaia

The Temple of Aphaia is a remarkable archaeological site dedicated to the goddess Athena. Built in 450BC, these iconic ruins still have 25 original Doric columns standing today. That makes it well worth a visit. Aegina is located on a hill approximately 10km east from Aegina town. This ancient landmark is still regarded as one of Greece’s most significant historical sites.

Monastery of St. Nektarios

St. Nektarios Monastery was founded in the early 20^th century by renowned priest and teacher, Bishop Nektarios. Officially recognised as a Saint in 1961,  the Bishop performed a number of healing miracles during his lifetime, and even after his death. This Monastery is located near Aegina’s town centre. It is a very important religious building, with visitors from all over the world coming to pay their respects. On the other hand, others visit the Monastery with hope on healing some sickness.

Poros

The Temple of Poseidon

This impressive 6^th century temple was once a key meeting spot. Religious and civic matters of several ancient Greek cities were addressed.  Today, very little remains of this Kalaureian epicenter, with a selection of statues exhibited at the Poros Archaeological Museum.

Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi

This holy monastery was founded in the early 18^th century by Athenian Archbishop, Iakovos the Second. He reportedly experienced a life-saving miracle in the area where the building was eventually constructed. Therefore, the monastery of Poros once served as a refuge for a number of men who fought in the 1821 Greek Liberation War, and it was where the first Ecclesiastical School was opened in 1830.

Hydra

Kimisis Tis Theotokou Cathedral

The 17^th century Kimisis Tis Theotokou Cathedral (or Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary) is in the middle of Hydra’s harbour. An earthquake destroyed the original building in 1774. However, Venetian architects reconstructed it. There is an Ecclesiastical museum in the monastery complex housing a selection of jewellery, icons, manuscripts, and other ancient relics.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of places to visit, with a number of other incredible sites to discover and enjoy. If you’d like to experience more of what the islands have to offer, join one of Athens Day Cruise’ special interest group tours. Multilingual guides will take you to see places that you may not have even imagined. This way you enriche your one day cruise even further.

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Just an hour’s ride by boat, Poros is definitely one of the islands to visit. Incredibly popular as a weekend escape for Athenians, it offers much by way of scenic beauty, great beaches, vibrant architecture and rich history. This Saronic gem consists of two smaller islands. The lively picturesque town of Sfairia and the beautifully forested and lush Kalavria, which are connected by a small bridge. Together they are known as Poros.

There are a number of interesting sights to visit while in Poros, each one a fragment of the story that makes up the island’s illustrious past. Take your pick of any the following and make your one hour in Poros a cultural exploration:

The Clock Tower

One of the most famous landmarks that comes into view as you enter Poros’ harbour. Walk the quaint cobblestone streets of Poros town to the hill where the Clock Tower can be found, and enjoy a breath-taking view of the island. Built in 1927, this striking feature is definitely worth the climb.

Hatzopoulos Municipal Library

Located near the foot of the Clock Tower, the library houses a permanent exhibition of shells collected
during a series of dives undertaken by George and Helga Kanellakis in the Troezenia area, including
Poros’ coast. The shells have been examined and presented in a way that evidences their connection to
prehistoric times, such as the Paleontology era.

The Temple of Poseidon

Once an imposing 6th century temple, and Kalaureian epicenter where the religious and civic matters of many ancient Greek cities were dealt with. Today, very little remains of the original Doric structure, with some statues instead housed at the Poros Archaeological Museum. A walk to the site does however evoke a sense of wonder of a bygone era.

Archaeological Museum of Poros

The museum is located in the middle of Poros town. It houses a collection of Greek sculptures and relics including pieces from the Temple of Poseidon, exhibits from areas such as Ermioni and Methana, and Roman figurines and pottery. You’ll also be able to see a variety of other archaeological finds dating back thousands of years, from the Mycenean Civilization for instance.

Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi

This holy Monastery is said to have been founded by Iakovos the Second, an Athenian Archbishop, in 1720. He reportedly experienced a life-saving miracle in the area where the structure was finally built. Only 4km from Poros town, the monastery has been a sanctuary for many of the men who fought in the Greek Liberation War in 1821. The first Ecclesiastical School was also established within its walls in 1830.

Citronne Gallery

For a contemporary twist, visit this renowned local art gallery featuring the works of artist from around Greece. It’s a vibrant space located in an 18th century building, operating through the summer. A definite go-to for art enthusiasts.

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