General information about the island of Egina
Strengths:
Points of interest, prices, suitable for families with children.
Average:
Sea and beaches, excursions, crowding, nightlife.
Weaknesses:
Connections.
- Capital: Egina
- Population: 14000
- Area: 87 km²
- Port: Egina
- Airport: no
- Public transportation: yes
- Car and motorcycle rental: yes
- Campsites: yes
Aegina or Aigina (from Greek Αίγινα) is an island located in the center of the Saronic Gulf, south of Salamis. It can only be reached by sea and is 16 nautical miles from Piraeus.
It has an area of 87 km² and about 14,000 inhabitants.
The island has some elevations where the highest mountain reaches 534 meters (Mount Oros) and some areas covered by pine forests or vineyards. The inhabitants are mainly engaged in fishing, pistachio cultivation, ceramics, and, of course, tourism. It is a tranquil island that offers, in addition to its sea, several beautiful Byzantine monuments and archaeological areas.
The capital is Aegina, where the island's main port is also located.
It has been inhabited since the Neolithic period (around 3000 B.C.), was once the greatest Greek naval power, and was also the seat of the first Greek government. Now it is quite populated, developed for tourism, and with many second homes or villas owned by Athenians who vacation here.
The island's road network is good and connects the main towns and beaches. There is a good local bus service, taxis, and several car and scooter rental services.
