Best of Aegina: A Self-Guided Tour of Greece’s First Capital

Aegina has a unique blend of ancient mythology, fascinating political history and island charm, just an hour from Athens. On this walking tour, you’ll discover how this picturesque island was chosen as the first capital of modern Greece and why it continues to captivate visitors with its neoclassical buildings, historic landmarks, and vibrant local culture.

The tour starts at the port, beside the charming white-washed Chapel of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. You’ll walk along the pier, past the striking ‘Gate of Aegina’ glass sculpture, and through streets lined with pistachio trees – the famous island crop that thrives in the dry soil and salty breeze. Along the way, I’ll point out colorful umbrellas suspended overhead, the vibrant floating grocery market, and several other opportunities for capturing perfect Instagram moments. I’ll also tell you about the island’s rich history, from the Bronze Age to modern times.

You’ll explore important sites from when Aegina was Greece’s first capital in 1828, including the Governor’s House where Ioannis Kapodistrias lived, and the First Cathedral of Free Greece (also known as the Metropolis of Aegina or the Cathedral of Aegina). The tour ends at the Nautical School of Aegina, offering the best view of the town stretching across the harbor.

During this 60-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• Admire the lone column of the Temple of Apollo at Kolona, built in the 6th century BC – a century before the Parthenon
• Visit the Tower of Markellos, a 17th-century Venetian watchtower that later became a government center
• Discover the ‘Treasure of Aegina’ mural, depicting the island’s mythology and history
• Explore traditional Greek cafés where fishermen, artists, and travelers have mingled for over 60 years
• Find out how Aegina’s pistachios became the island’s renowned crop, earning the EU’s Protected Designation of Origin status
• See the Vogiatzis Mansion, which echoes the era when sponge trading brought prosperity to the island
• Visit the Historic and Folklore Museum of Aegina to glimpse traditional island life, and the Eynard School, the first higher education institution in modern Greece
• Learn how Aegina’s unique light has captivated artists, poets, and photographers for generations

By the end of this tour, you’ll have seen Aegina’s most fascinating landmarks while getting a sense of the traditions that have shaped this charming island through the centuries. Get ready to fill your camera roll with unforgettable images of one of Greece’s most picturesque islands!

You can do the tour in 60min but allow up to 75min if you want to take some time exploring.