The second largest island in the Saronic Gulf and easily reached from the mainland, Aegina (20 mi/30 km southwest of Athens) is usually seen on a full-day cruise from Trocadero or Piraeus (some trips also include the islands of Hydra and Poros). The boats arrive at Aegina's main port and town of the same name.
We recommend taking the tour of the sixth-century-BC Temple of Aphea (Aphaia) Athena to see the Doric architecture—it's one of the best-preserved temples in Greece. If you're not touring the temple, be sure to visit the museum (which has, among other things, a stele, a small sphinx and a fine ceramic collection) or just walk around the bay. During your stroll, note the pistachio trees for which the island is known.
Buses provide service to most historic sites, but we prefer to tour by horse-drawn carriage or rented bicycle.
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