If you’re looking to go to Greece this summer but want something authentic, lesser known and easy to get you, let me introduce you to Aegina Island.
I always make a point of asking the locals where I should go, and in my impromptu trip to Athens, I did just this. I wanted to spend a few days on an island so I asked my Airbnb host. “Aegina is where the locals go to get away,” she told me.
Getting there is easy. Take a taxi to the port and the ferry ride is maybe an hour.
The island is small but charming. You don’t need more than a day or two to see it.
Three key things you should do while on this island:
1.) See the monuments and ruins. Aegina is full of them. In fact, my favorite monument I’ve seen in all of Greece is the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina Island.
It’s a beautiful monument on the highest point of the island. So, not only do you get to see this beautiful structure but you are awarded with incredible views all around you.
2.) Hike the mountains and discover old Chapels along the way.
There are nine marked hiking trails in Aegina. I don't remember which one I did but it brought me past numerous charming chapels and to the top, where I was, once again, rewarded with incredible views.
This hike is one of the highlights of all my travels. The chapels are really something to see and the view at the end is spectacular. With as much time as I spend researching travel destinations and drooling over other people’s travels, I have never seen an experience quite like this one. And yet, I never hear anyone talk about visiting Aegina. Make it make sense!
3.) Explore the Old Town.
The Old Town in Aegina is charming and full of cute shops and authentic Greek food. Take some time to wander and explore it.
Aegina is also the first place in Greece to produce pistachios and is home of the pink pistachio! I don’t have any photos of them but they make a great gift to bring home.
And lastly, don’t forget to explore the beaches and villages. Rent a car and just get lost on the island. It’s not big but it’s charming, beautiful and full of authenticity. It’s also full of greenery, which can’t always be said for the more southern Greek islands.
Would you take a risk on a lesser known island and visit Aegina?
Yes! Jessica this looks stunning. What a gorgeous location!