Some of Aegina’s Tiny Mountain Villages
Green tourism is alive and well in Aegina, where visitors frequent the tiny mountain villages that ring Mount Oros, in the southern part of the island. Though many are now depopulated, there is at least one with two tavernas: Anitseo, which is also accessible by two main roads. They all offer good walking and fine sea views. Main access to within walking distance of the villages is via the eastern coastal road beyond Agia Marina and (alternatively), the road to Pachia Rachi heading southeast from Aegina town.
Excavations have proven the existence of numerous very old villages, though many have been reduced to piles of stones. Areas where remains of villages were found include the island’s northeast corner near Tourlos (east of Vagia), Kavouropetra (near central Kipseli, Dragonera, Vathi, near the temple of Afea, in Perdika, and a Mycenean settlement on the peak of Mt. Oros. Still others existed between the monastery of Agios Minas and Agia Marina, above Alones, and below Pachia Rachi.
The descriptions of the following tiny mountain villages: Anitseo, Vlachides, Kanakides (not inhabited), Kilindras
Lazarides & Sfendouri have been taken from a booklet (2003) based on a project directed by Giorgos Bitros and his students at the gymnasio (middle school) of Kipseli. Warm thanks to this educator, whose later study of Pachia Rachi (and subsequent booklet) provided information for the article about this village, and to his students, who wrote the articles for the 2003 booklet.
Other villages described in the booklet are Tzikides, Psachni, Freatsi, Skotini and Pachia Rachi, along with some brief notes on still others.
Bibliography:
Παραδοσιακοί Οικισμοί στα Βουνά της Αίγινα/ Traditional Settlements on the Mountains of Aegina, 2003, Giorgos Bitros and his students from the 2nd gymnasio of Aegina in Kipseli.
Paleachora
Aegina's Medieval Village - On a steep hill adjacent to the church and monastery of Agios Nektarios is located Aegina's version of Mystras - Paleachora, which means literally, "Old Town", and which was for a millennium (9th century - early 19th century AD) the island capital. The setting itself is magnificent, especially in spring.
Aegina town
Aegina Town The main town of the island is called Aegina Town. The locals refer to it simply as 'the centre' although it is positioned on the West coast. For the majority of visitors and people arriving on
Agia Marina
Agia Marina Agia Marina is the centre of tourism during the summer months. There is a wide sandy beach, it is surrounded by a huge pine forest and offers a big variety of accommodation and entertainment. It derived its
Aeginitissa
Aeginitissa Just before Perdika you find Aeginitissa. The houses are built on the hill from where you have a splendid view on Moni island, Agistri island and the Peloponnese. There is beach surrounded with huge eucalyptus trees and a
Agios Asomati
Agios Asomati Agios Asomati is situated just outside Aegina, on the road to Agia Marina. This road divides the village in two. There is a big church and lots of chapels as well as ancient tombs. The traditional taverna
Gianakides
Giannakides Small "deserted" village on the east coast of the island. Until recently you could only reach it by foot. The village consists of a few stone built houses, some of which have been restored. From the village
Marathonas
MarathonasHalfway on the road from Aegina town to Perdika you will find the populair village of Marathonas. Most of the houses in Marathonas are built upon the mountain from where you have an amazing view over the sea. Marathonas
Pachia Rachi
Pachia Rachi Hill village of stone houses Up until the 1950s, Aegina's mountain village of Pachia Rachi/ Paheia Rahi was the main village on the slopes of Mount Oros, which is located in the center of southernmost Aegina and