This island off the coast of Athens with a rich history and beautiful landscapes is well worth a visit

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Its warm orange stones contrast with the azure blue of its water: welcome to the island of Aegina in Greece, a little corner of paradise just an hour's boat ride from Athens.

With thousands of islands waiting to be explored, from the Ionian Islands to the Cyclades, including Crete and the Dodecanese, Greece has plenty of unique destinations where you can enjoy a different way of life, one where the sea is omnipresent. Today, EnVols takes you to the small island of Aegina, in the Saronic Gulf, for a stay that is both cultural and relaxing, and where you will appreciate the surrounding nature.

Planning a trip to Greece? These articles will help you prepare for your trip:

• 5 little-known towns in Greece to discover
• Greece: The full list of UNESCO sites (places you need to see at least once in your life)
• Greece: 30 essential phrases to learn in Greek for a successful trip

The island of Aegina, a melting pot of history and beauty

Despite its little size, covering just 87 km², Aegina is nonetheless rich in history. During antiquity, the island was one of Greece’s most important maritime powers and played a key role in the region’s commercial and cultural exchanges, even rivalling Athens in terms of trade and naval power. The island of Aegina is also thought to have been one of the first to use coins in Greece.

Well known for its ancient temples and links with Greek mythology, Aegina is said to have been a nymph transformed into an island by the god Zeus.

What to visit on the island of Aegina?

You will never get bored here with the many historical and cultural sites! Here are a few must-see places to visit during your stay in Aegina:

• The Temple of Aphaïa: is one of the three temples in the sacred triangle, formed with the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion, and one of the best preserved monuments in Greece. Dating back to the 5th century BC, it is dedicated to the goddess Aphaia, protector of the island of Aegina, and offers a magnificent view of the Saronic Gulf from its hilltop location.
• The city of Aegina:is the capital of the island, where the main port is located. The city will charm its visitors with its Orthodox Church of St Nectarios, its neoclassical houses, its cobbled streets and lively fish market.
• Kolona : is an archaeological site, located near the port of Aegina. It contains the ruins of an ancient temple of Apollo and the remains of buildings from the Mycenaean period.
• The village of Perdika:is a charming fishing village located in the south-west of the island. It is popular for its peaceful atmosphere, small waterside tavernas and views of the island of Moni, just opposite.

What to do on the island of Aegina?

Nature lovers will have a lot to keep them busy in Aegina! For starters, there are numerous wonderful beaches, including the very popular Marathonas beach and Agia Marina, lined with pine trees and located near the temple of Aphaia.

There are also a number of water sports on offer here, such as kayaking, sailing and diving. The island of Aegina is also very nice for hiking, particularly in the region of Mount Oros, the island’s highest point, where you will admire spectacular panoramic views of the island and the surroundings.

From the village of Perdika, water taxis take you to Moni, a small uninhabited island where you can swim, hike and watch peacocks and wild goats.

When is the best time to visit the island of Aegina?

The best time to visit Aegina is from spring to autumn. The months of May to September offer ideal temperatures, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities and going to the beach. The summer period attracts more visitors, but even in summer Aegina remains quieter than the more touristy islands such as Mykonos and Santorin.