Aegina : The Island Next Door.

Just an hour form Athens by sea,Aegina is the easiest escape from the capital,and one of the most storied.In antiquity it was a rival of Athens,wealthy enough to mint Greece’s first silver coins.Today its a relaxed island of pistachio groves,fishing boats,and quite beaches.

How to get there:

Take a ferry from Piraeus port . Conventional ferries take about 70 minutes and are cheaper;or faster hydrofoils take around 40 minutes.Boats run frequently all day,especially in summer.Book ahead on weekends and summer.

What to see:

*Temple of Aphaia : A beautifully presented 5th-century BCE Doric temple on a pine-covered hill,with sea views toward Athens.Go nearly sunset.

*Aegina Town:A charming harbor lined with cafes,fishing boats taverns,and fruit stalls.Don’t miss the ancient Temple of Apollo ruins in Kilian .

*Pistachios :Aegina is famous for them. Try them roasted,in pastries,or as ice cream.

*Perdica : A tiny fishing village on the southern tip,perfect for a seaside lunch and a boat trip to the islet of Mini .

*Paleochora :The ruins of a Byzantine-era town with dozens of small churches scattered over a hillside.

*Agios Nectarios Monastery: One of the largest pilgrimage sites in Greece,dedicated to a beloved modern saint.

It’s an easy day trip,but staying a night lets you enjoy the evenings when the day visitors have gone.