Today Aegina is no longer a desert island,
because the tourism is one of the main incomes of the islanders. It is only
17,5 nautical miles from Piraeus and that makes it so appealing to the national
tourism as well as international. Inside its 84 sq. km. there are incredible
landscapes waiting to the visitors and a beautiful coast, so it is a really
worthy touristic destiny.
Beside
a tourist island Aegina is famous for being the Pistachio's Capital. This
Pistachio nut was introduced from Syria 100 years ago and it has proved to
be a real success in this rich earth and climate. Others products of agriculture
and the fishing activity complete the islanders' economy. Of course without
forgetting that the Aegina's port is the second busiest port in Greece after
Piraeus.
This island is so close Piraeus that
all seasons can be visited without problems. That's good but don't be surprised
if you don't feel alone in summer. Some places like Aghia Marina with its
famous beach should be avoided if you love the loneliness. Anyway, off the
beaten track a lot of surprising places, quieter than the touristic, can be
found even during this crowded months. Maybe the only thing you need to enjoy
them is renting a motorbike and then explore yourself. Our advice is to be
away the most touristic points in the summer and some weekends, because this
island is so near the capital that a lot of Athenians have here their second
home. In fact Aegina is the most comfortable option of all the Saronic Islands
because it is the nearest to Pireaus by ship, but not only that it is really
a beautiful island.
So as to arrive to Aegina's port we
can take the ferry or the Flying Dolphin in Piraeus. It is the nearest trip
from Piraeus, so even the slowest option is not going to take long time, less
than one hour and a half (45 minutes by the Flying Dolphin). Of course, it
is the island with the highest rate of ferries, so going it is not a problem.
Once you are in the Island renting a
motorbike or bicycle can be the greatest option to visit the island on your
own. Although, the public transport can be used as well as the taxis. The
buses leave from the statue of Kapodistrias, at the north of main quay, and
you have to be conscious that maybe you have to pass through Aegina's town
every time you want to change line because it would be impossible to take
a direct bus between some points in the island.
There is no doubt that the most famous
beach in Athens is the Aghia Marina's one. But another faster and easier alternative
are the both beaches in Aegina Town. Our advice is to walk a bit and avoid
the one in the port because it is dirty, and just on the other side of Aegina
we can find a better one.
