AEGINA

This fertile piece of land placed in the Saronic gulf holds many surprises for the unsuspecting visitor. The beautiful beaches of Plakakia, Paliopyrgos, Agios Vassilios, Faros, and Marathon await eager swimmers, while the warm baths at Souvala accommodate those who wish to take advantage of their therapeutical qualities. The green islet of Moni, just across the Perdica beach, is a haven for naturalists. Inhabited for 7000 consecutive years, Aegina has archaeological sites dispersed all over its limited expanse of 84 sq. km., the most prominent of which are the temple of Aphaia and the "Kolona", the remains of a temple dedicated to Apollo. Those who revel in the mysteries of antiquity will be fascinated to know that this temple, along with the Parthenon and the temple of Poseidon in Sounion, form an equilateral triangle, just as the one formed by the temples at Delphi, Dodoni, and Olympia. Medieval Greece is well depicted in Paleohora, where 36 Byzantine churches stand well-preserved within the care of the monks of the monastery of Agios Nektarios. This has been the home of many great personalities of the Greek history, and has served temporarily as the capital of the liberated Greek nation in 1828. Access is made easy from Piraeus as well as from the other nearby ports of Porto Heli, Ermioni, Tolo, and Nafplion. Accommodation is readily available, while there is also an  abundance of shopping opportunities, nightlife, and cuisine. Aegina peanuts are renowned for their taste and quality.