Vacations in Greece
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Aigina is located 17,5 nautical miles from Piraeus. It's 83 sq.km (32 sq. miles). It's a rather big island. Because of the small distance from Piraeus, many people who live in Athens go to Aigina for their weekend.The narrow paths, the cute little houses and the small shops, give Aegina its special character.
The isle of Aegina comprises a series of volcanic heights in the center and the south which culminate in mount Zeus (alt. 532 m - 1745 ft.), now known as mount Profitis Ilias; each pyramidal silhouette, formaly crowned by a temple to Zeus, acted as a landmark for sailors. To the north and west the island consists of a coastal plain and low hills covered by plantations of pistachio nuts, almonds and olives and a few vineyards
History Of Aigina
Zeus, according to mythology, loved Aegina and had with her a son named Aiakos. Aiakos was father of Pileas and Telamonas. Son of Pileas was Achilles and of Telamonas was Aias. After his dead Aiakos, the king of Ioni - that was the name they called Aigina back then - became one of the judges of Hades (underworld) with Minos and Rhadamanthos.
In the Archaic Era (7 c. - 6 c. BC) Aigina was a powerful maritime state, minting its own coins, marked with a turtoise, exporting its ceramics and bronzes and establishing colonies round the Mediterranean. Its rivalry was Athens, however, proved fatal and in 455 BC the islanders were defeated and had to emigrate.
Beaches
Agia Marina, Marathona, Souvala and Perdika are some of the wonderful beaches on the island.
Sports
The island is suitable for all kinds of water-sports.
Night Life
Restaurants, taverns and night clubs can be found in the city of Aigina and in many other beautiful locations.
Transportation
From Piraeus to Aigina there are regular ferries to:
City of Aigina (17 nautical miles)
Agia Marina (16 nautical miles)
Souvala (12 nautical miles)
For more information contact the Coast guard of Piraeus tel. (01) 451.1311-19.
For the local connections of Aigina contact the Coast guard of Aigina tel. (0297) 22.328.
- Aigina: Excellent shelter; Fuel in town; Water on quay; Night life
- Perdika: Good shelter; No fuel; Water in town; Tavernas
- Agia Marina: Poor shelter; No fuel or water