Aegina

Aegina will always have a special place in my heart because it was the first Greek island I visited after my very first holiday abroad. In July 1996, I walked into my local travel agent in Inverness looking for holiday ideas. I can still picture that visit today. The lovely travel consultant suggested a few destinations, and one of them was Aegina. It wasn’t somewhere I’d heard much about, but something about it appealed to me—and I’m so glad I said yes.

After an early morning flight into Athens, I caught the ferry across the Saronic Gulf and arrived on an island that immediately felt welcoming and wonderfully relaxed.

I stayed in Aghia Marina, in a small complex of traditional holiday apartments tucked away on the hillside above the village. It wasn’t a large hotel, which made it feel all the more authentic. A shaded pathway beneath established grapevines led from the entrance to my apartment, and every morning I’d sit out on the terrace enjoying the peaceful surroundings before making the gentle walk down into the village. It was one of those places that immediately made me feel I was truly in Greece.

One of the things that makes Aegina so appealing is its location. Being so close to Athens meant it was easy to combine island life with sightseeing. During my stay I took a day trip to Athens to explore its famous landmarks, and I also joined a cruise that visited the beautiful islands of Hydra and Poros. I also remember travelling through the spectacular Corinth Canal—whether that was part of the same excursion or a separate trip, I can’t quite remember now, but it’s one of those memories that has stayed with me.

Looking back, this was exactly my kind of holiday. I could spend relaxed mornings enjoying island life before heading off to discover somewhere new, whether that was another island, a historic site or a scenic cruise. It offered the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration, and it’s a style of holiday I still love today.

Today, Aegina remains one of Greece’s hidden gems. With beautiful beaches, charming harbour towns, ancient temples, pistachio groves and excellent ferry connections to Athens, it’s an ideal destination for travellers looking to experience authentic Greece away from the larger, busier islands. Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach holiday, combining it with a few days in Athens or exploring the nearby Saronic Islands, Aegina is a destination that’s well worth discovering.