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Anitseou – Mt. Hellanios-Paxia Rachi

Athens & Nearby Islands › Aegina Island

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Another more challenging hike is through the precipitous south central region of the island. You can start your hike at the village of Anitseou and continue northwestern until you reach another road to your left. Turn here and go on until you see signs leading to the site of Ellanios (Hellanios) Zeus, a ruined temple to the god at the top of Mt. Ellanios (commonly referred to as Oros). The hike is approximately 4 kilometers, of medium difficulty and the views from the summit are phenomenal.

If you’re in the mood for more adventure, you can backtrack down the mountain just the way you came until you hit the main road until you hit the main road again. This time you’ll go away from Anitseou towards the mountain village of Paxia Rachi. It’s a very scenic route full of crags and greenery and the settlement with its stony paths and traditional houses is an experience not to be missed. Further south of the village is the beautiful Valley of Elaiona where you’ll encounter numerous olive trees, some of which are over 400 year old.

Location: Athens & Nearby Islands › Aegina Island

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Despite its close proximity to the port, you’ll feel worlds apart at this pleasant organized beach below the archaeological site of Kolona. The green trees which line the coast and the mesmerizing shades of the blue sea offer the perfect setting for those who prefer to stay close to the town.

Aegina Town – Kondos – Paleohora

One of the most unique routes is form Aegina to the fascinating site of Paleohora. It’s about seven kilometers and of low-medium difficulty. Along the way you’ll pass numerous churches and bypass the magnificent Agios Nectarios. Turn left at the village of Kondos the route begins an incline you move northward. You’ll finally arrive to a hillside dotted with old deserted churches and buildings. This is Palaiohora and it is a fascinating place to wander around and explore.

The small village of Aeginitissa on the the west coast is located 3 kilometers north of Perdika on the coastal road which leads to Aegina town. The beach is sandy and set in a lovely cove surrounded by trees. There are umbrellas and sun loungers available and the sunsets here are some of the best on the island.

Paxia Rachi – Kapotides – Marathonas

Another option from Paxia Rachi is to head directly westward towards the coast. The road zigzags and you have the choice of heading northwards towards the small settlement of Kapotides or bypass and and continue on towards the seaside resort of Marathonas. This route is easy and covers 2 – 2.5 kilometers depending on whether or not you make the trek to Kapotides.

If you continue south on the coastal road from Agia Marina, you will soon arrive in the charming fishing village of Portes. Its small pebble beach along with the community itself is one of Aegina’s best kept secrets. For most of the year you can have it all to yourself and even in the summer you won’t be sharing it with many others. It isn’t organized so bring an umbrella and water.

Continuing eastward along the coastal road brings you to the small resort of Vagia. It’s a calm and pleasant village with an excellent sandy beach (arguably one of the island’s best) and there are chairs and umbrellas available in a section of the beach. However if you venture on, you’ll probably find a patch all to yourself.

The fishing village of Perdika is a popular resort with a rocky beach which is accessed by a series of rocky steps and backed by trees. There are several seafood tavernas and cafes along the waterfront and the beach is organized with umbrellas and trees. Perdika is located 9 kilometers south of Aegina Town.

The popular package resort of Agia Marina along the Eastern coast has a nice beach but during July and August you’re more likely to drown in the crowds on the beach than in the water. The beach does offer a variety of marine activities such as windsurfing, canoeing and paddle boating, however its best to avoid this beach outside the high season.

Paxia Rachi – Tsikides – Aegina

From Paxia Rachi you can exit the village heading northeast until you hit the main road again. Turn left here and you’ll pass the village of Tsikides and through plains and pistachio groves. Until you arrive in Aegina town. The route difficulty is easy-medium and covers approximately 7 kilometers.

Aiakeion Patisserie, Aegina Town

It is located right on the waterfront and offering several creative spins featuring the nut including Fistikato made with pistachio paste, caramel and whole pistachios as well as Fistikini including powdered sugar, chopped pistachios and pomegranate juice. Also available are pistachio ‘spoon sweets’ and pistachio liqueur.

Swimming in Souvala is done via its rocky beach, backed by tavernas and cafes along the waterfront. The beach is organized with umbrellas and lounge chairs and is popular with Greek tourists in the summer. Just a kilometre east of town are thermal springs at Therma. They are believed to help with various health problems such as rheumatism and dermatological problems.

This small island adjacent from Perdika has a beach more stunning than any of the beaches on Aegina. A small boat leaves from Perdika several times a day to ferry people back and forth. The beach is comprised of find blond sand and the waters around it range from emerald green to cobalt. Hiking is also enjoyed on the island.

The Bay of Marathonas is backed by greenery and has a few beaches along its coast ranging from sandy to very rocky. Some parts are organized and popular while others are more remote. Various marine activities such as kayaking are available here and the shops along the beach rent equipment.