Discover Aegina island

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Ioannis Kapodistrias was the first Governor of the new Greek nation from 1828 to the end of 1829. He is a fascinating figure. Previously a brilliant and enlightened ambassador for Russia, he served as a progressive and effective leader of the new country during the four years that he served it, the first two of which he spent in Aegina, where he carried out many more-than-impressive projects. Aegina served as the capital of Greece from January, 1828 until December, 1829. Many buildings in Aegina town, including the neoclassical buildings along the harbour waterfront, are testaments to this era ..... Click here for further reading

Two years ago, Jamie Olivier visited various countries for his programme "Jamie does". He also visited Aegina island. He stayed with his crew in Hotel Hippocampus in Perdika. He visited Giorgos Spiridaki who taught him about bees and honey, he made a pistachio cake, did some Greek dancing and prepared a Greek salad on a boat in front of the Panagitsa church. He visited local priest Nektarios who is making is own goat cheese. He went fishing to catch some fish for a fish soup and he prepared Tuna with lemon sause on Moni island.

Click here to watch part one (Aegina from 13 minutes)
Click here to watch part two (Aegina whole video)
Click here to watch part three (Aegina whole video)
Click here to watch part four (Aegina whole video)

On the site of the 5th century BC Doric temple of Afea in northeastern Aegina, an earlier temple existed from 570-510 BC which was destroyed by fire, though the cause is uncertain. One of the oldest of Greek Doric temples, its partial reconstruction is found in the inner portion of the Aphaia museum. This remarkable work was carried out by a man known locally by the Greek name Ludovikos, an "architectural archaeologist" who performed the most recent excavations on the site from 1967-84, in collaboration with German, English and Italian researchers. Click here for more information.

A  massive, recently-built church sits up on a hill in the inland area known as Kondos on Aegina island, just a few miles from the port. Built for the most recent Greek Orthodox saint - Agios Nektarios - it is visited by large numbers of people every year, many of them seeking help from this miracle-working saint, who died in 1920. I spoke with one of the “sisters”, who greeted me with such sweetness and answered my questions so graciously, that I was sure that those coming to unburden themselves must find in her much comfort. Click here to read the full article by Souzana Raphael.

Xeni Petritou-Triantafillou has published a very interesting book about Paleachora - The Medieval Acropolis of Aegina. The book is bilingual, in Greek & English and richly illustrated. It is divided in one part writing about the history of Paleachora and another part showing all the beautfiul paintings that Xeni has made of the churches of Paleachora. Her paintings have inspired her to make this book. The book is available at the local bookstores on Aegina for €20.
Click here for more information about Xeni.
Click here for more information about Paleachora.

Visionary Adonis Tzitzis and his wife produce Aegina's famous pure Thyme Honey called "H Panagiotara", after his father, and his son's godfather. "H Panagiotara" is just the thing for the herbal tisanes you will be making during the winter months – delightful too on yoghurt and desserts of course. Adonis' future as a bee-keeper was decided very early on; when, as a child, he saw a swarm of bees in a tree and managed to get them down and into a box. A family friend then told him that is how beehives are started, so he bought a beehive from Athens, and that was it! Click here to read the whole article by Louisa O'Brien

The beautiful neighbouring island of Agistri is just a glimpse away from Aegina and can easily be reached by car ferry to Skala (20 minutes), Flying Dolphin to Milos (8 minutes) or with Agistri Express to Skala or Milos (10 minutes) at low fares. Agistri is very green and has lovely beaches, some at walking distance and some can be reached by motor bike, bicycle or car. There are a couple of villages and there is a big variety of accommodation available. Why not extend your Aegina island holiday with some days on Agistri? The island is also nice for a day trip!