Aegina is an island of the Saronic group and is about 17 miles south west of Athens. The capital, main port and home for roughly half the population is Aegina Town. In mythology its name comes from Aegina the mother of Aeacus who was born here and became its king. During ancient times it was a rival to Athens and a great sea power. Now it is a tourist centre for both Greek and international travellers. There are also a number of weekend and holiday homes owned by wealthy Athenians.
This is the flag of Aegina, I assume the blue represents the sea and I guess the red is blood, given the gruesome and blood-soaked history of the island.
The geology of the island has a big impact on the island's ecology and activities. The Northern third is limestone which is quarried as a building material and was used for the superb statues carved here in ancient times. The limestone also supports the growth of pine forests which, apart from timber, were cultivated for resin used in wine production and for turpentine. The centre of the island is granite and mountainous. This area is used for the cultivation of olives, grapes, almonds, figs and goatherding. The south west area is what has really made Aegina's name internationally famous through the production of pistachio nuts. They have been awaded a Designated Appellation of Origin by the EU. There is even a pistachio festival in September.
Here you can see the nuts as they appear in early June.
The part of the harbour in Aegina Town designated for the local fishermen, millionaire row is a little further round towards the centre of the picture and the ferry terminal above left. Our host Tom picked us up off the ferry for a free transfer to the Beachhouse.
Another view of the harbour front of Aegina Town. The cathedral is the more distant of the two churches you can see.
One of the hydrofoils in action. They do the Piraeus to Aegina run in forty minutes.
So let's have a look at what will be our home for the next ten days. The beach immediately in front of the aptly named Beachhouse. The initial part of the beach is a small lagoon bounded by rocks and up to about waist deep. It is lovely and very safe for children especially.
Meet Spiros who is the general factotum and with his pal William, between them they take care of most of our needs. Helen is sitting in the beach bar which also does a line in simple food.
The front of the not very prepossessing apartment building. There are eight apartments all together, two to the front and two to the right side, on each level. We are round to the right on the first level. The accommodation is quite modest, but at less than 50 Euros a night, really good value.
Our kitchen, in addition we have quite a large bedroom, a hall and a bathroom. We are a friendly gang with a range of nationalities, Finns, Swedish, German, French, UK Cypriots, Irish and us. As ever English is the lingua franca. The owner Tom works hard to ensure things go smoothly.
The waters of the Saronic Gulf are beautifully clear so the snorkeling is great. The one thing to be aware of are the sea urchins which can leave you with spines in your skin and a sting.
This is the flag of Aegina, I assume the blue represents the sea and I guess the red is blood, given the gruesome and blood-soaked history of the island.
The geology of the island has a big impact on the island's ecology and activities. The Northern third is limestone which is quarried as a building material and was used for the superb statues carved here in ancient times. The limestone also supports the growth of pine forests which, apart from timber, were cultivated for resin used in wine production and for turpentine. The centre of the island is granite and mountainous. This area is used for the cultivation of olives, grapes, almonds, figs and goatherding. The south west area is what has really made Aegina's name internationally famous through the production of pistachio nuts. They have been awaded a Designated Appellation of Origin by the EU. There is even a pistachio festival in September.
Here you can see the nuts as they appear in early June.
The part of the harbour in Aegina Town designated for the local fishermen, millionaire row is a little further round towards the centre of the picture and the ferry terminal above left. Our host Tom picked us up off the ferry for a free transfer to the Beachhouse.
Another view of the harbour front of Aegina Town. The cathedral is the more distant of the two churches you can see.
One of the hydrofoils in action. They do the Piraeus to Aegina run in forty minutes.
So let's have a look at what will be our home for the next ten days. The beach immediately in front of the aptly named Beachhouse. The initial part of the beach is a small lagoon bounded by rocks and up to about waist deep. It is lovely and very safe for children especially.
Meet Spiros who is the general factotum and with his pal William, between them they take care of most of our needs. Helen is sitting in the beach bar which also does a line in simple food.
The front of the not very prepossessing apartment building. There are eight apartments all together, two to the front and two to the right side, on each level. We are round to the right on the first level. The accommodation is quite modest, but at less than 50 Euros a night, really good value.
Our kitchen, in addition we have quite a large bedroom, a hall and a bathroom. We are a friendly gang with a range of nationalities, Finns, Swedish, German, French, UK Cypriots, Irish and us. As ever English is the lingua franca. The owner Tom works hard to ensure things go smoothly.
The waters of the Saronic Gulf are beautifully clear so the snorkeling is great. The one thing to be aware of are the sea urchins which can leave you with spines in your skin and a sting.
Looks very laid back. Enjoy!
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