The 7 places to see absolutely on Aegina Island.
Aegina Island is a gem accessible in less than an hour from Athens. There is much to see and enjoy there, as you can enjoy water sports, hiking, historic Greek antique temples, good food, and turquoise water.
We chose our top 7 wonders to visit when you come to Aegina.
- Aphaia Temple
- Appolo Temple
- Monasteries & Saint Nectarios of Aegina
- Paleochora
- Aegina Dragon Houses (Drakospita)
- The Millenium Olive Tree Grove
- The Tower of Markellos
1. Aphaia Temple a sacred space overlooking Agia Marina
This beautifully standing Doric temple dedicated to the goddess Aphaia stands on the top of a 160 m hill. It forms a sacred triangle with the Parthenon (Athena’s temple) and Sunion (Poseidon’s temple) and another sacred triangle with the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens and the Temple of Appolo in Delphi.
Aphaia Temple opening hours and entry ticket price here
Aphaia was a goddess worshipped solely on the island of Aegina.
Aphaia was believed to be the goddess of fertility and abundance, associated with agricultural cycles and considered a goddess of life.
A series of bronze sculptures discovered on the site suggest that the island is strongly connected with the Minoan culture, reinforcing the legend of the goddess Aphaia. Some are known as the Aegina Treasure and are now at the British Museum of London.
According to the story, Aphaia was a beautiful nymph who fled Crete to escape the harassment of Minos. She threw herself into the water and was caught in a fisherman’s net. The fisherman kept her hidden from Minos and then brought her to Aegina.
However, the fisherman tried to possess her when they arrived on the shore. Aphaia escaped to the forest and found refuge in Artemis’ sacred bushes, which made her invisible.
After this incident, Aphaia became known as Aphaia the Invisible. Yet, a temple was built where she was last seen, so she might have been more visible and important than the legend recount.
2. Apollo Temple – The last column standing on the outskirts of Aegina Town
The Apollo Temple, also known as Kolona, is just a 5-minute walk from Aegina Town port. The temple contains a single standing column that dates back to the 6th century BC.
Upon arrival, visitors will be greeted by a museum exhibiting ancient pottery. The site holds great significance as it is a testament to prehistorical times and ancient Greek civilisation
Appolo Temple of Aegina Island – Opening hours and entry ticket price here
7. The Tower of Markellos
The Tower of Markellos, built in the late 17th century, is a remnant of the Venetian Empire’s presence on Aegina Island. The Venetians’ influence on the traditional colours of the Aegean houses can also be observed on the island. The tower was constructed as a watchtower when the Ottoman Empire was the primary adversary of the Venetians in the Mediterranean Sea. If you are interested in learning more about the history of Aegina Island, you can follow this link.
4. Monastery of Agios Minas and Saint Nectarios of Aegina
Aegina Island is home to several monasteries that you can visit, with the most significant being the Monastery of Agios Nektarios. The Bishop of Pentapolis Nektarios established the monastery at the request of a nun between 1904 and 1910. Nektarios of Aegina, known for performing miracles, was canonised in 1961 and has since become one of the most popular saints of the Church of Greece. In addition to his healing abilities, he also wrote hymns in honour of the Virgin Mary, including “O Pure Virgin” or Agni Parthene. Saint Nectario is celebrated on November 9 and September 3, which is the day his relics were transferred to the chapels inside the monastery compound.
The Monastery of Agios Minas is a convent exclusively for women located near the Aphaia Temple on the island of Aegina. This monastery is not only a peaceful and inspiring site but also houses a delightful shop where you can buy religious icons as well as natural products such as feta, yoghurts, and other produce grown on the monastery fields and farms.
The Monastery of Panagia Chrysoleontissa (Golden Lioness), dedicated to the island’s patron saint, is one of the oldest monasteries on the island. Its architecture is unique with a high wall and watchtower, as it was built in the 17th century to protect the monks and a precious icon of the Virgin Mary, which was initially located in Kypseli, from the pirates who sailed the Aegean Sea at that time. In 1935, the monastery ceased being a home for monks and was turned into a home for nuns.
5. Paleochora where 365 chapels once were
Paleochora was built in the 9th century and served as the island’s main city when piracy was rampant in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
It remained the capital of Aegina Island until 1826.
The area is home to 38 churches; originally, there were 365, which will transport you to a different world.
The land’s energy is remarkable and can take you on a peaceful and reflective journey.
On top of the hill, you’ll find remnants of a Venetian castle built in 1654.
To hike the trail marked by little red turtles, be sure to bring a good pair of sneakers and a walking stick to secure your balance.
6. Dragon house – Meet the megalithic site of the island and imaging dragons in the sky
There are very few dragon houses left in Greece, and one of them is on Aegina Island!
The megalithic construction was partially built underground with stones piled up and a large stone roof.
The site’s purpose and dating are still unclear, but there is magic in the air and beautiful scenery.
Walking there, you will be transported to another dimension where time and space don’t matter much, as the view and the quietness of the place will mesmerize you.
It is a perfect spot to reflect and contemplate the view. If you want, you can also reach the ancient Olive Tree Grove from there.
7. Millennium Olive Tree Grove to hide in trunks
Nature lovers will adore this site! Although a car is necessary to get close and a good pair of sneakers is needed to walk through the valley (which has an easy but rocky terrain) of Olive Tree Grove, you will be astounded by the spectacle!
It’s not every day that you can sit inside a millennial olive tree, some of which are up to 1500 years old and still producing olives!
The grove is nestled on a plateau of an ancient volcano and offers a breathtaking view of the island’s interior. While walking around, be prepared to encounter some goats and their shepherd.