Sights on Aegina

Something you just have to see when you are on Aegina is the Temple of Aphaia (Afaia or Aphaea) which was built between 500 and 480 BC. It is one of Greece's best preserved Doric temples, and quite similar to the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis in Athens, although not as big of course. Unlike the Parthenon Temple in Athens, you don't have to crowd here with other visitors.

The Temple of Aphaia is located 12 kilometers east of Aegina Town and 3 kilometers north of the tourist resort of Agia Marina. Open every day except Mondays between 09.30 - 17.30.

Temple of Aphaia.

Old and new in the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina.

The Temple of Aphaia is quite similar to the Parthenon Temple in Athens.

Temple of Aphaia one of Greece's best preserved Doric temples.

Agia Marina seen from the Temple of Aphaia.

The Agios Nektarios Monastery is also worth seeing, not least for the unusual architecture that brings to mind Agia Sofia, the former Greek church in Istanbul (today converted into a mosque). I have never seen a monastery with such a strange architecture in Greece.

Agios Nektarios Monastery, located between Aegina Town and Agia Marina.

Greeks from far and wide make pilgrimages to Agios Nektarios to visit the tomb of the saint Agios Nektarios. They come to pray to him, or ask for his blessing, it is said that the prayers are often answered. Nektarios died in 1920 and was canonized in 1961. The monastery is located along the road to Agia Marina, about 6 kilometers east of Aegina town. Agios Nektarios is celebrated on November 9 every year.

The archaeological excavations in Kolonna are also worth a look. Kolonna is to the left of the port in Aegina town. If you want to see more, even more interesting, sights, take the ferrry over to Athens and revel in all that this amazing city has to offer. You have time to see most of Athens' historical sights in one day. Almost everything is within walking distance of the Plaka district.

The archaeological excavations of Kolonna are located to the left of the port of Aegina town.

Learn more about Aegina here »