01
The first capital of modern Greece
Before Athens became the capital, Aegina briefly stood at the centre of the new Greek state. In 1828, Ioannis Kapodistrias arrived on the island and began organising public services, education, printing, welfare and the first institutions of government.
Around Aegina Town, several buildings from that period still survive. They are not just elegant old façades; they are quiet reminders of a country being built almost from the beginning.
KapodistriasAegina TownModern Greece
02
The Temple of Aphaia and the hidden goddess
The Temple of Aphaia is one of Aegina’s most important landmarks, but the goddess herself remains less familiar. Aphaia was a local deity, linked with older traditions and the landscape of the island.
Some travellers also speak about the so-called sacred triangle between Aphaia, the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Whether approached as geometry, myth or atmosphere, the site has a stillness that feels different from the busy image of the island.
Temple of AphaiaAncient AeginaMyth
03
Palaiochora, the old hill capital
Hidden inland, away from the harbour, Palaiochora was once the medieval capital of Aegina. The settlement was built high on the hillside, partly for protection from pirate raids, at a time when the sea was not only a source of trade but also danger.
Today, its small churches, stone ruins and faded wall paintings create one of the island’s most atmospheric walks. It is not polished or staged, and that is exactly why it feels memorable.
PalaiochoraByzantine churchesWalking route
04
Ancient coins and maritime power
Long before it became a weekend escape from Athens, Aegina was a serious maritime and commercial power. Its silver “turtle” coins were among the earliest coins used in the Greek world.
There is a striking historical echo here: centuries later, Aegina also became the place where the first currency of the modern Greek state, the Phoenix, was introduced.
Silver turtlesMaritime historyPhoenix coin
05
The other side of Aegina
There is the Aegina of the port, tavernas, summer weekends and popular beaches. Then there is another Aegina: dry-stone walls, old chapels, pistachio groves, quiet lanes and views that appear when you leave the obvious routes behind.
This is the side of the island that rewards slow travel. It is simple, sometimes imperfect, and much more real than a postcard.
Local lifePistachio grovesSlow travel
