Aegina Island visited by three friends
We left Paros late morning after five lovely days. Blue star Naxos ferry departed on time at 10:45. We had a non-eventful direct crossing and we arrived in Piraeus at 15:00.
In the last 30 minutes there were good and pretty clear views of Athens, even the Acropolis was visible from the ferry.
Leaving Paros mid morning
From Piraeus, boarded the Hydrofoil, known throughout Greece as Delphini (Dolphins).
The Dolphins are speedy, very much fair-weather craft, require reasonably calm sea conditions. Popular in and around the Saronic Gulf.
Noisy blighters and often a slight smell of diesel fumes. Having said all that, our crossing from Piraeus to Aegina Island went very smoothly.
Hellenic Seaways Hydrofoil Flying Dolphini
Dolphin “our” hydrofoil
Aegina town
visited by three friends
We stayed in Aegina town, in a small hotel, conveniently located only a couple of hundred meters from the town's waterfront.
Aegina town, is the capital of the island. For two years, between 1826-28 it was actually the capital of then only partially liberated Greece.
Echoes of this heritage can be seen in the neo-classical buildings that line the waterfront.
There is a busy town through road (speed limit) between the seafront and all the tavernas, cafes on the other side.
Walking south on the waterfront area, towards the pretty Agia Triada church, we passed two full caiques with quayside display/stall selling fruit and vegetables.
Local caique as a fruit, vegs and ice stall Aegina port
Local fish market Aegina Town
The colourful local fishing boats in the commercial part of the port is opposite the local fish market located in a covered alleyway.
At the other end of the fish market, you will find the best fish and seafood tavernas.
We enjoyed the stroll along the seafront, its a popular promenade, viewing new boat arrivals and departures, busy and full of harbour life. Well serviced harbour caring for the boat people.
Local fish market
On the seafood tavernas image, left hand side pistachio nut on sale.
Did you know that Aegina is the pistachio nut capital of Greece?
Walking on the north side of the port towards the ruins of Apollo Temple.
The popular horse carriages wait for you at the other end of the port, (north side direction) opposite the ferry ticket offices, next to the quayside for the ferries. Also located here is the taxi rank.
Continue along, car parking areas and close to the sea some seafront tavernas, worth a try.
Seafront taverna and the port car parking
Aegina town beach on the way to Archaeological museum
A sandy beach followed by a short walk inland to the Aegina Archaeological Museum (fully recommended, site of an Ancient Theatre) and the remains of the 6th century BC temple of Apollo and the Acropolis.
Acropolis, Apollo Temple
Local buses from Aegina town, located towards the north end of town, Dimokratias street in the direction to the Apollo temple area.
Hotellook Accommodation price comparison for Aegina Island
Hotels, Apartments and villas
Achaeos ferry
2 ways ferries
On our way back to the town from our visit to the Archaeological Museum and the remains of the Apollo Temple we saw a very unusual type of a ferry, signed - 2 ways ferries -
Achaeos is the Saronic Ferries fleet’s most contemporary vessel, built in 2007, offering a wide range of hi-tech amenities and a luxuriously decorated interior
The Saronic Ferries fleet comprises four large ships named Phivos,
Achaeos, Apollon Hellas and Poseidon Hellas.
In order to cope with the islands’ popularity for short excursions and day trips, each ferry has the capacity for over a thousand passengers and a hundred cars.
Discover more of Aegina Island
