Best things to do in Aegina

Aegina's Absolute Essentials

Aegina served as the first capital of modern Greece and preserves a dense history ranging from prehistoric settlements to Venetian towers. This list highlights the 5th-century BC Temple of Aphaea, which forms a sacred triangle with the Parthenon and Sounion, alongside the massive Monastery of Saint Nektarios. Visitors can explore the submerged ruins of the ancient naval port, the neoclassical architecture of the main town, and the mountain sanctuary of Hellanius Zeus, which offers archaeological remains at the island's highest point.

Aegina's Absolute Essentials — Map

Andrei Svecencu Armăsaru / CC-BY-SA

A

Temple of Aphaea

The Temple of Aphaia or Afea is an Ancient Greek temple located within a sanctuary complex dedicated to the goddess Aphaia on the island of…

B

Mone Agiou Nektariou

One of the largest Orthodox monasteries in Greece, containing the tomb and relics of Saint Nektarios. The complex features a massive Byzantine-style cathedral and the saint's former living quarters.

C

Archaiologikos choros Kolonas

Site of the ancient acropolis, known for the single standing column of the 6th-century BC Temple of Apollo. The area includes remains of Bronze Age settlements and an on-site archaeological museum.

D

Monastery Chrysoleontissa

Fortified 17th-century monastery built in a secluded mountain valley to protect against pirate raids. It houses a silver-plated icon of the Virgin Mary and features high defensive walls and a central tower.

E

Aegina

The island's main port and former capital of modern Greece. The harbor is characterized by 19th-century neoclassical buildings, traditional horse-drawn carriages, and a waterfront market famous for local pistachios.

F

Folklore Museum Aegina

Housed in a neoclassical building from 1828, the museum displays traditional costumes, woodcarvings, and household items that illustrate the island's social and cultural history through the centuries.

G

Ancient harbour (submerged)

Underwater remains of the ancient naval harbor and breakwaters. These 5th-century BC fortifications are still visible just below the sea level near the modern port of Aegina.

H

Pyrgos Markellou

A 17th-century Venetian watchtower with a distinctive pink facade. It served as the first headquarters of the Greek government and the national treasury after the 1821 revolution.

I

Hellanius Zeus Sanctuary

Archaeological remains of an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, located on the slopes of Mount Oros. It features a monumental staircase and foundations of a 4th-century BC temple.