What to Do While Visiting Aegina
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In many ways, Aegina is no different than any other of the Greek islands. The way of life here is peaceful and laid back, which means that visitors can certainly come here for a relaxing island retreat. However, there is so much more to this place than meets the eye. This small island is
not only gorgeous and charming, it is also crammed with enough ancient sites to keep archeological enthusiasts happy. Here is an overview of things you won’t want to miss while you visit Aegina:
Temple of Aphaia
Visiting the Temple of Aphaia will be one of the highlights of your trip. This temple was dedicated to the goddess Aphaia, the principal deity on the island. As far as historians and archaeologists can tell, this is the only place where the goddess was actually worshipped, which makes the site especially unique. Although the temple is located here, most of the myths surrounding the goddess have their origins on the island of Crete.
Agios Nektarios Monastery
Once your done observing the ancient temple, consider switching gears by visiting the Agios Nektarios Monastery, which is the home of Greek Orthodox monks on the island. This monastery is fairly modern and is considered by many to be one of the highlights of their stay. Stop in and visit the church and the monastery during its visiting hours. Visitors are asked to be respectful by wearing the proper attire and also visiting during the monastery’s public hours. Be sure to visit the inside of the church to view the traditional icons and decorations.
Moni Island Beach
Your stay on Aegina won’t be complete without a trip to the beach! Although there are plenty of beaches scattered throughout the island, none is as unique as the beach on Moni Island. In order to get here, you will need to take a boat to the small island. The trip itself takes under eight minutes. However, you will need to check the boat schedules for the times. Although it takes some effort to get here, the beach is usually busy. It’s also incredibly gorgeous and definitely worth a visit!
Archaeological Museum of Aegina
Sure, you can spend a lot of time hopping from one archaeological site to the other during your stay. However, it is incredibly difficult to put all the pieces together unless you visit the Archaeological Museum of Aegina! This place is at the cornerstone of the island’s archaeological history. The island is filled with important excavation sites. However, most of the artifacts that were found are actually housed here. Not only that, but the museum gives a nice overview of the archeological history of the island. In fact, you might want to visit this museum before you visit the actual sites so that you can get a nice overview.
While visiting Aegina, it is important not to let all your sightseeing get in the way of all the beautiful things that make every Greek destination great. Give yourself plenty of time to soak up the sun, eat the delicious foods, and spend some time wandering during your stay, as well!
Categorized in: About Aegina, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
