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The Greek island of Aegina is in the centre of the Saronic Gulf, 31km southwest of Piraeus (the port of Athens) and is easily reached by hydrofoil (35mins) or ferry (90mins). The island is approximately 14km square and is ideally positioned to visit the sights of Athens or to take a day cruise to the nearby islands of Agistri, Poros and Hydra. Previous visitors to Athens will be pleased to know that the airport has been replaced by a new and very impressive facility.
The beaches are extremely safe as there are no tides or hidden 'shelves' and the water is crystal clear - wonderful for those who love snorkelling. Although the water temperature is considerably higher than in the UK, the latter end of the summer finds it particularly warm. Although walking is extremely pleasant and there are stunning views to be enjoyed, car, jeep, moped and bicycle hire are available at reasonable rates. Taxis are cheap as, of course, are the buses which travel between the main towns.
The town of Aegina is very old and traditional and is remembered by most visitors for its half-moon shaped harbour with the little white-washed Chapel of Aghios Nikolaos, patron saint of sailors, at the entrance. Amongst the narrow streets are numerous shops and tavernas together with an impressive daily fish market where the local fishermen sell their catch. Provisions can be purchased from the little 'supermarkets' and fresh produce from the boats moored at the quayside.
Other towns such as Aghia Marina and Perdika (a traditional fishing village) can be visited and it is very pleasant to visit the nearby unihabited island of Moni which is accessible by water taxi from Perdika. For those interested in history, the area of Palaiochora is a must as one can wander amongst the ruins of twenty-five little churches dotted over the hillside - the remains of a settlement from the 10th Century.
There are numerous tavernas all over the island. In Aegina town the ones along the water front afford an excellent way of passing time watching the activities of the harbour: ferry boats and fishing boats coming and going and yachts tying up. Sunset being one of the best times to enjoy an evening meal of traditional Greek cuisine.
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Aegina
is famous for its pistachio nuts and these can be purchased throughout
the island - these go well with a glass of Ouzo although the nut
shells can be a it tough on the finger nails!
This,
together with the Monastery of Aghios Nectarios and, of course,
the famous Temple of Afaia with its stunning views over the
Saronic Gulf, make wonderful places to visit.
It
is quite feasible to eat at a good taverna for as little as 7pounds
per person - much cheaper than in the UK and everything seems to
taste nicer outside and in a warm climate. As far as the weather
is concerned, May and June are beautiful with the Spring flowers
and 
temperatures
generally in the 70's. July and August are much hotter with daily
sunshine guaranteed. September reverts back to the 80's and October
and extremely pleasant 70-75 degrees. 