The trip to Aegina, an island steeped in historical significance, begins with a ferry ride to the island, a relaxing and enjoyable crossing during which you can loiter on deck and watch the playful seagulls or duck inside for morning refreshments in the ship's comfortable lounge.
Upon arriving at the port of Aegina, we will head straight to one of the island's traditional houses; this one has been transformed into a café, where we'll enjoy local delicacies and fresh homemade lemonade in the charming courtyard.
After this refreshing pause, it's off to a lovely modern sculpture Museum with breathtaking views, to quickly view works by an internationally acclaimed modern Greek sculptor and to hear how he was inspired by the mythology and the art of ancient Greece. From here, we'll head inland to the ruins of the island's medieval capital, Paleochora, which is said to have once boasted 365 churches.
Further east lies the Temple of Aphaia, dating from approximately 500BC. It is a remarkable edifice, perfectly placed to afford a stunning view back over the island and down to the shoreline, which is where we'll head next, for at swim at one of Aegina's prettiest beaches. The swim will be followed by a delicious lunch at a local seaside taverna offering authentic island cooking.
Once the meal is done, we'll head to the mountainous parts of Aegina to visit a local farm, where we will meet a cheese-monger. We will be shown around the farm, try some of the home-made cheeses along with tsipouro drink and finally we will prepare our own traditional 'rizogalo' (rice-pudding) with fresh milk from the farm's animals.
Then it's back to the port town for a wander through the colorful alleyways and a taste of some Aegina pistachios, the island's most famous agricultural export. After that your day in Aegina will be at an end, but on the evening boat ride back to Piraeus, you'll have plenty to look back on from your all-day island adventure.
