History of Aegina
Being a colony of
Epidaurus first, the island of
Aegina because of its important location almost in the centre of the
Saronic Gulf it evolved in an early naval power. This can be proved by the early coins found on the island depicting a turtle. The power of
Aegina can also be estimated because of the hostile attitude of the rising power of
Athens towards
Aegina. Later on
Aegina was a part of the Byzantine Empire but suffered of the repeated invasions of Arabs from Crete and pirates.
Aegina went under Venetian Rule and Ottoman Rule to gain its freedom only after the Greek War of Independence in 1821 when it was also chosen as the very first capital city of the newly founded Greek State.
Sightseeing on Aegina
This beautiful island has several beaches like: Souvala, Bagia, Agia Marina, Porto, Marathon, Aiginitissa, Perdika and Moni. Souvala is a traditional fishing village with beautiful beaches, fine restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, rooms and apartments. Agia Marina is well known as a resort with a long sandy beach, with water sports and the famous archaeological site of the Temple of Aphea. The Monastery of St. Nektarios was built around 1904-1910. St. Nektarios and receives a great number of visitors and pilgrimages every year.