Aegina Island lies in the middle of the Saronic Gulf, about 1 hour by ferry from Athens and 40 min by hydrofoil. With a coastline of about 57km and an area of 8.300 hectares, Aegina is a fertile and verdant island, full of phistachio nut, pine and olive trees. According to ancient Greek Mythology, Aegina owes its name to the nymph Aegina, daughter of river god Asopus, who Zeus seduced and took to the island at the time called Oenone. There Aegina gave birth to Aeacus, first king of the island and grandfather to the famous Homeric hero, Achilles, the most known and fierce heroof the Trojan War. Aeacus renamed the island Aegina, in honor of his mother.
History
Aegina has a constant presence throughout Greek History. The island has been inhabited continuously since 3500 BC and features monuments from all historical periods, rendering it a potential centre for the study of Greek civilization in general. Aegina reached the zenith of its glory during the archaic period (734-459), when it evolved into a naval and commercial power, amassing wealth from transit trade with ports throughout the Mediterranean. It was no wonder that Aeginians became the first in whole Europe to mint their own state coin, the Chelona (turtle).
Following the decline of the Hellenistic world the island passed into the hands of many foreign invaders. Nevertheless, the people of Aegina managed to survive numerous catastrophes, and to retain their own dialect, customs and traditions. The reward came when Aegina was declared the first Government seat of the free Greek nation after being liberated from the Ottomans in 1827.
Not just another Island
Aegina has been the pole of attraction for travelers in search of adventure and discovery throughout history. Nowadays it continues to impress.
For those people who are excited from history and culture Aegina is the ideal destination. You will find signs of that everywhere: in the archaeological sites, in the temple of Aphaia, which is 30 minutes walk from our hotel, the picturesque villages of the mainland, when you wonder through the medieval town of Palaiachora, visit the historic monasteries or look at the imposing mansions and buildings of the Kapodistrian (first governor of Greece) period.
Because of its numerous beaches and its wild natural environment the island is highly recommended for people who enjoy activities such as water sports, trekking, hiking etc.
From hotel Vagia you can follow paths that either takes you to the forest, to archeological sites or secret beaches!
Luckily not a victim of mass tourism, Vagia is the ideal destination for the independent traveler who yearns to experience some reality of the country he is visiting.
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