Athenian Wanderings

Panepistimiou walk / The Grandeur of Athens

Grandiose architecture at the beating business heart of the city

Panepistimiou street is the grand avenue of the city, with many iconic buildings, 19^th century mansions, and of course the landmark Athenian Trilogy, the Academy, University, and Library triad. This is the beating business heart of the city, with many labyrinthine commercial arcades to discover, hidden underneath the buildings.
Kotzia square is where the City Hall is located, although it is probably the smallest of stars among its surrounding magnificent buildings. Here was the Northern Gate of Ancient Athens, and more recently the Stock Exchange. The marble-laid Aiolou street connects the area to Ermou street, forming the commercial triangle of the city. The Central Market is also around the corner, the main meat and fish market of the city. Evripidou street is home to many spice shops, plus meat deli with Anatolian specialties from Asia Minor.

Starting point: Panepistimio metro station
Walking distance: 2.5km
Coaching themes: #city planning, #food, #architecture

Syntagma & Ermou walk

The souks of Athens: exploring the festive commercial centre of an international city. 

• When is a compromise a worse solution than its alternatives?
• Is tradition an anchor or a dead weight in the modern world?
• How easy is to incorporate authentic “exotic” elements in our “home cooking”?
• Who could be the “Little Match Girl” of Andersen’s tale in modern day Athens?
• Who could be the character of Scrooge in the contemporary world?

Starting point: Syntagma metro station
Walking distance: 3km
Coaching themes: #entrepreneurship, #tradition, #globalisation

Kolonaki walk / Luxury, opulence and folly

Does sustainability for the planet and society affects our consumer habits?

Affluent Kolonaki is the neighbourhood of Athens associated with upmarket shopping, with many international and Greek designer boutiques, extravaganza shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Lycabettus Hill, slightly less than 300m, is the most prominent of the hills of downtown Athens, and offers the best panoramic views of the city from its peak.

Starting point: Syntagma metro station
Walking distance: 3km
Coaching themes: #luxury, #branding, #consumerism

Ilissos walk / Gardens and mansions

How insignificant incidents lead to high impact in our lives?

The National Garden is the most popular and beautiful park in the city, initially created in mid-19^th century as the back garden for the palace, supervised by Queen Amalia herself. There are exotic and Mediterranean plants, a duck pond, the occasional ancient ruins, pathways for walking, benches for seating, and pergolas for enjoying the flower blooms each spring. Zappeion Hall was built as exhibition centre for the first modern 1896 Olympic Games, and the area is especially lovely during mid-spring, when the purple jacarandas are in full bloom.

Along the former banks of Ilissos river there are many magnificent neoclassical mansions, today housing embassies and museums. Important landmarks include the Presidential Residence, Aristotle’s Lyceum philosophical school, the Athens Conservatoire, and the Byzantine Museum.

Starting point: Syntagma metro station
Walking distance: 4.5km
Coaching themes: #posterity, #intellectuality, #randomness

Psyrri walk / Artist Athens

Which items/values people often discard that you think should be saved?

Monastiraki Square is one of the most photogenic places of the city, underneath iconic Acropolis views, with many great terrace rooftops to choose from. Originally known for its lively flea market, with antiques, hippie clothes, and DIY jewellery, it is popular to locals and tourists alike.
The twisting alleys of artistic Psyrri are famous for vibrant nightlife, with fairy tale cafes, alternative bars, traditional tavernas, and small theatres. It is also home to some of the most stunning street art in the city, and many abandoned ghost buildings.

Starting point: Monastiraki metro station
Walking distance: 3km
Coaching themes: #art, #hero, #value

Kerameikos walk / Bohemian Athens

Forced versus organic gentrification

Gazi was once an industrial district, dominated by the huge gasworks factory, one of the first neighbourhoods to undergo forced gentrification. Today, after a period of decline, the once quiet side streets house spectacular lofts, performance theatres, and popular night clubs.
In direct contrast with neighbouring Gazi, Kerameikos stands defiant against urban rejuvenation projects. Here, development is more grassroots and organic, with make-shift cafes taking over the back yards of renovated old houses. This is the most alternative side of the city, with innovative bars, cheap eateries, avant-garde theatres, LGBT friendliness, and bohemian lifestyle.
Votanikos, on the other side of the railroad tracks, is a sleepier version of Metaxourgeio, again with some bars, theatres, and tavernas.

Starting point: Kerameikos metro station
Focus route: 3km
Coaching themes: #LGBT, #gentrification, #solidarity

Omonoia walk / Immigrant Athens

How welcoming is the city of Athens to newcomers?

Omonoia square was the old commercial heart (and theatre hub) of Athens, and the main entry point for newcomers into the city. It is still one of the main immigrant hubs of downtown, the so-called “immigrant triangle”, the closest you can find to an ethnic Asian district in Athens, where little Greek or English is spoken. Along the way you will discover their daily struggle, and discuss their reception by the local population. Across Peiraios street, the up and coming Metaxourgeio is a former classic Athenian middle class neighbourhood of the 30’s. Today it is a melting pot of Chinese small shops, alternative bars, great street art, Michelin restaurants, and 5* hotels next to the most extensive Red Lights district of the city.

Starting point: Omonoia metro station
Walking distance: 2.5km (Omonoia/Metaxourgeio, +1km Ag. Pavlos/Vathi)
Coaching themes: #immigration, #solidarity, #emancipation

Exarcheia walk / Anarchist Athens

The mixed blessings of Anarchism and solidarity

Exarcheia has always been associated with counter-culture and libertarian ideas in Athens. Artists, poets, non-conformists and free spirits have always wandered its streets and alleys. This route will allow you to walk in their footsteps, exploring colourful anti-establishment graffiti, innovative cultural squats, and unique anti-hero memorials. We will discuss the pros and cons of anarchism, issues of solidarity economy, police clashes, and urban rejuvenation.

Starting point: Omonoia metro station
Walking distance: 3km
Coaching themes: #anarchism, #government, #solidarity

Pagrati walk / A Tale of Three Squares

How does it feel growing up in urban Athens?

Pagrati is a heavily populated yet classy middle class neighbourhood, favourite of artists, students, and expats. It is a very lively part of the city, with vibrant cafe culture and youthful bars dotting its many small squares. Pagrati was developed heavily during the 60’s, part of the exponential growth of the city of that time, with five or more story apartment buildings housing a typical middle class population, casting long shadows on its crowded streets, and creating a notorious and chronic parking shortage. During the last years, bouncing back from the difficult years of the economic crisis, Pagrati has made a victorious comeback, again re-defining itself as a classy district, with alternative cafes, hipster bars, art museums, and modern residences.

Starting point: Evangelismos metro station
Walking distance: 4.5km
Coaching themes: #urban planning, #art, #coming of age

Mets walk

Handling memory, legacy, and posterity

Mets is a small unique quiet part of Pagrati, tucked between the banks of Ilissos River and the cemetery, at the back of Ardittos Hill. It is still full of charming mid war houses, as it has retained its traditional character and did not succumb to the architectural onslaught of the 60s. It is dominated by the Athens Cemetery, famous for its beautiful sculptures.

Starting point: Acropolis metro station
Walking distance: 3.5km
Coaching themes: #legacy, #memory, #burial customs

Kaisariani walk / Communist Athens

If history is written by the “winners”, how do we avoid the “danger of a single story”?

Kaisariani is an intriguing suburb of Athens, initially populated with Asia Minor refugees from 1922, with some old makeshift houses of the era still remaining. It is also closely associated with the incidents of the Greek Civil War, with several 1930s apartment buildings still full of bullet marks. Because of these, Kaisariani is a hotbed of Communist ideology, feeling almost like a small Soviet Republic in the middle of the western world. Kaisariani shooting range was used as an execution ground, and today is a memorial park, also housing a unique Museum relating to the Civil War and WWII from the Communist perspective.

Starting point: Evangelismos metro station
Walking distance: 4.5km
Coaching themes: #refugees, #propaganda, #civil war

Ampelokipoi walk

When great ideology leads to political extremism and great disaster

Welcome to Ampelokipoi, fabled ancient gardens of Aphrodite, and stronghold of Panathinaikos team. The pleasant 19^th century outskirts slowly became part of the city, with pleasant villas, green parks, and state-of-the-art hospitals (due to the ideal micro-climate of the area). It was here that Venizelos waved goodbye to the troops, Dragoumis was murdered out of political vengeance, and the first Asia Minor refugees were settled in 1922 after the ill-fated military campaign. Half a century later, Ampelokipoi is overrun by apartment blocks since the 60s, and (so far) featuring most of the few impressive high rise buildings of the city.

Starting point: Evangelismos metro station
Walking distance: 3km
Coaching themes: #architecture, #extremism, #ideology

Victoria walk

Which items/experiences you would include in your ideal museum?

The area of Patission street between Omonoia and Victoria square is dotted with many gorgeous neoclassical buildings, testament of the illustrious ambitions of the city in the early 20^th century. With the National Museum as a focus point, the area still maintains its commercial and business character, even if greatly rundown.
Victoria square is one of the many places where atypical immigrants are to be found regularly, waiting to continue their journey towards the promised lands of Western Europe, with many immigrant owned shops and restaurants targeting the local clientele. Pedion Areos is the largest park of downtown Athens, originally dedicated to Heroes of the Greek War of Independence.

Starting point: Omonoia metro station
Walking distance: 3.5km
Coaching themes: #immigration, #heroes, #culture

Kypseli walk / Multicultural Athens

A multicultural neighbourhood with eclectic architecture

Kypseli used to be an affluent middle class suburb, full of neoclassical buildings and theatres. Gradually the eclectic houses were replaced by ugly apartment flats, in the 60s and 70s, although the neighbourhood retained its bohemian air and laid back reputation. Today is inhabited by many African and Asian immigrants, as well as western expats, which greatly contributes to an international feel, and creates a modern multicultural melting pot. Life is still concentrated around the cafes of the pedestrian Fokionos Negri street and the restored Municipal Market.

Starting point: Victoria metro station
Walking distance: 4km
Coaching themes: #multicultural, #education, #aesthetics

Patissia walk / The Beauty and the Beast

Imagining the perfect city / adopting the public space

Patissia is definitely one of the least appreciated neighbourhoods of Athens, and for good reasons. Uninspiring apartment buildings from the 60s, narrow dirty streets with little sunlight, and shops run down from the economic crisis. However, at the same time there are also leafy garden suburbs, old mansions, and vibrant squares. Patissia today is a multicultural area, with African and European immigrants living side by side with local Greeks.

Starting point: Kato Patissia metro station
Walking distance: 4km
Coaching themes: #city planning, #public space, #censorship

Kolonos walk

Is free will just the illusion of destiny?

The western outskirts of the municipality of Athens include “forgotten” sleepy neighbourhoods off the traveller trail. This is where the celebrated Academy of Plato was located in ancient times, although very few traces still remain. The main hill of Kolonos is connected to the tragic legend of Oedipus. Sepolia has risen to fame recently, as the birthplace of the NBA star Giannis Antetonkoumpo.

Starting point: Sepolia metro station
Walking distance: 5km
Coaching themes: #destiny, #philosophy, #acceptance

Tritsis Park walk

Environmental awareness and education versus green washing

Tritsis Park is a vast municipal park, with many picturesque small artificial lakes and canals housing ducks and large numbers of migratory birds. Originally part of the royal estate created by Queen Amalia in 1848, Tritsis park was envisioned as a model environmental park, with horse rides and environmental awareness facilities, although sadly left unmaintained for several years. The trails of the park enable you to explore the pleasant waterways, the old railway station, the pine forested hills, and the unique grey slate stone church of St. Paul.
Pyrgos Vasilissis was the core of the royal estate, today offering wine tasting experiences, which include tours of the beautiful tower.

Starting point: Tritsis park entrance
Walking distance: 2.5km
Coaching themes: #environment, #education, #maintenance

Nea Philadelphia walk

The lingering legacy of the lost homelands and the glorious past

Nea Philadelphia is a quiet suburb, but with lively nightlife, full of cafes and small plates tavernas. Originally settled by refugees in 1922, there are still old quaint red tiled roof houses from that time to be found in its centre. It is the heart of the Asia Minor culture, where the new stadium of AEK, the immigrant football team, is also located, aptly called “Agia Sophia”.
The nearby suburb of Perissos is home to the headquarters of the Greek Communist Party, and has several green areas along Podoniftis stream.

Starting point: Perissos metro station
Walking distance: 3.5km
Coaching themes: #refugees, #identity, #homeland

OAKA walk

Searching for the original spirit of the Olympic Games

OAKA was the main stadium for the 2004 Olympics, renovated and expanded at the time, with the addition of the iconic roof by Spanish architect Calatrava. A walk along the athletic centre and canals can be complemented with visiting the new Olympic Museum at Golden Hall, dedicated to the spirit and the history of the Olympic Games, or with a coffee overlooking the stadiums by the balconies of Athens Mall.

Starting point: Eirini metro station
Walking distance: 2.5km
Coaching themes: #athletic spirit, #competition, #glory

Kifissia walk

What “luxuries” we enjoy on our daily lives that we are not conscious of?

Kifissia has always been one of the most elegant suburbs of Athens, once a mountain resort in the forested slopes of Penteli where the wealthy leisure class went to escape the summer heat of the city. Kifissia still retains its “old money” and upmarket air, full of gorgeous early 20th century mansions, shady pine tree streets, expensive boutiques, classy restaurants, and even horse-drawn carriages for visitor rides.

Starting point: Kifissia metro station
Walking distance: 3.5km
Coaching themes: #luxury, #wealth, #legacy

Nea Smyrni walk

Should we continue to cling to the past or dare to embrace the future?

Nea Smyrni today is an affluent trendy suburb, with life concentrated around the beautiful main square with the cascading fountains. It was originally settled by refugees from Smyrna after the disastrous 1922 Greek-Turkish war, and the memories of Asia Minor are still quite evident in its streets and landmarks.

Starting point: Agia Foteini tram station
Walking distance: 2.5km
Coaching themes: #refugees, #memory, #identity

Faliron walk

How much contribution to society may white wash a shady past?

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre is a striking modern landmark of the city, and includes the National Opera, the National Library, a canal with dancing fountains, and an expansive park with Mediterranean plants. The canal is especially beautifully decorated during Christmas, and there are regular art events and music concerts all year round. By crossing the pedestrian bridge you can extend your walk along Kallithea waterfront and Flisvos marina.
The waterfront of Faliron offers probably the most popular seaside promenade along the Athenian Riviera, easily accessed by tram. A beloved beach spot for winter swimmers, the avenue is lined with palm trees and dotted with kiosks and statues. There are many places to explore, including Averof ship museum, Flisvos marina and park, and the Commonwealth cemetery of Alimos.

Starting point: SNFCC visitor centre
Walking distance: 5km
Coaching themes: #culture, #legacy, #development

Glyfada walk

How we can grow independently of the peer pressure of society?

Glyfada is an affluent extrovert suburb, favoured by expats and associated with “new money”. Originally developed due to the presence of the Elliniko airport and the NATO base, there are many small shopping malls, excellent restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and a long sandy beachfront.

Starting point: Katraki square
Walking distance: 3km
Coaching themes: #peer pressure, #development, #influence

Piraeus walk

Discovering the many faces of the port of Athens

Piraeus is known as the port of Athens, and shares the city’s history. The modern city encompasses picturesque harbours with seafood restaurants and former notorious brothel areas, elegant neoclassical mansions and old refugee houses, ancient trireme docks underneath modern marinas, and many testaments of the Greek maritime legacy of the 20^th century. At the west side of Piraeus, Drapetsona brings to the mind images of the harsh life of the newcomer Asia Minor immigrants, often depicted in sad rebetika songs.

Starting point: Municipal Theatre metro station
Walking distance: 3km
Coaching themes: #legacy, #identity, #development

Museum Crawling

Discover the many wonders of the Athenian museums

Athens is a place rich in culture and history, both ancient and modern, often compared to a living museum. We are definitely spoilt for choice between all the gorgeous archaeological sites around the city and the amazing treasures on display. But do we care to use our visit to pose challenging and inspiring questions, leading to further revelations and personal growth? By facilitating the museum experience with a travel coach, we can discover far more than just artefacts.

Rhetor for a Day

Practice your debate skills arguing ancient trials

Set at the actual cradle of Democracy, take the role of one of the great personages of ancient Athens, and argue in favour or against some of the most famous and important decisions of the ancient world. Afterwards, the participants will vote for the winning argument, and we will continue with further coaching discussion relative to the case. Are you ready to practice your debate skills and save the day?

Daveli Cave

A mysterious cave, lair to an infamous brigand

Starting from Penteli square, the trail passes through old marble quarries, up to the mysterious Daveli cave, full of legends about paranormal and military activity. After the cave, you can follow the Marble Route downhill, used in ancient times to transport marble all the way to the city, to build the Parthenon and other iconic monuments.

starting point: Penteli
hiking distance: 6.5km/3hr

Dionysos quarries

The 4 Chapels route and Penteli peak

Despite being ravaged by many fires, the northern side of mount Penteli still retains its pine forests. The route starts from Dionysos, passing a series of four small chapels, each with different architecture, up to the lower peak. For an extended hike, continue to the higher Pyrnari peak, with gorgeous panoramic views from its abandoned military base. On the way back, visit the open quarry museum and the sculpture art park in front of the former railway station.

starting point: Dionysos
hiking distance: 7.6km/4hr

Rapentosa waterfall

The surprising waterfalls of Penteli

Penteli is the only mountain of Athens to feature not just one, but two waterfalls. Even though the area is sadly burned to a large extend, the creek of Rapentosa stream is full of refreshing vegetation and dragonflies. Farmamoo is a communal open farm, and the starting point of the hike. Nearby, the German Military cemetery is an imposing landmark, with its solemn black tombstones of almost 10,000 WWII soldiers.

starting point: Rapentosa
hiking distance: 7km/3hr

Tatoi & Varympompi

Tatoi Palace, stories of destruction and rebirth

Tatoi area is the former Royal Estate, currently under renovation to become a low impact museum. The main palace building was completed in 1874, originally designed by Ziller as summer residence. There are also several auxiliary buildings, including an alpine hotel, farm units, and the royal cemetery on top of the hill. Although Tatoi was sadly devastated by the 2021 wildfire, its trails are still popular, and ideal to help travellers deal with issues of loss and mourning.

starting point: Tatoi
hiking distance: 5km/2hr

Mpafi & Chouni

A scenic cable car ride and popular hiking trails

This is the easiest hiking trail of Parnitha, using the cable car to ascend to the casino at 1100m, and from there continue to Mpafi mountain hut, at 1160m. Most of the route passes through the grounds of the devastating 2007 fire, which destroyed the heart of the Parnitha National Park. You can return through the scenic Chouni gorge, still retaining its virgin dark forest.

starting point: Parnitha cable car
hiking distance: 8.7km/4hr

Flambouri & Mola

Refreshing springs and views towards Evia island

Flambouri mountain hut is far quieter than Mpafi, and has more wild trails. You can follow the Four Springs route to Mola recreation area, with gorgeous views of Dirfy mountain conical peak in Evia island across the narrow sea, and admire the view from Flambouraki peak.

starting point: Flambouri mountain hut
hiking distance: 7.6km/4hr

Skipiza & Ornio peak

Panoramic views and wild forested trails

The trail to Skipiza fire lookout and spring passes through wild forest trail, and offers great views towards the virgin northern parts of Parnitha National Park. The route also ascends to the windy Ornio peak, at 1340m high, underneath the telecommunications tower, with panoramic views of the entire Attica, all the way to Evia island.

starting point: Mpafi mountain hut
hiking distance: 7km/3.5hr

Ag. Triada & Keramidi

Abandoned eerie buildings and friendly deer

The Lost Souls route follows some of the least frequented trails, combining Ag Triada and Keramidi gorges, with a high chance to encounter deer along the way. The trail passes by the abandoned old Sanatorium, through the burnt area of the devastating 2007 wildfire, ascending to Kyra peak at 1160m high. The villa of the dictator Papadopoulos is also visible in the distance. The route descends through the green forest of Keramidi gorge back to the casino parking lot.

starting point: Parnitha cable car
hiking distance: 15km/7hr

Fyli & Pan Cave

An ancient Athenian fort, a Roman aqueduct, and a sacred cave

The western parts of Parnitha are accessed through Fyli village, also home to the ancient Athenian fortress of the same name, and the sacred Kleiston monastery, with breathtaking views of Goura canyon. The main trail hikes inside an ancient Roman aqueduct, underneath Parnitha’s fault, then continues upwards around Arma peak, reaching the sacred Cave of Pan by fixed rope.

starting point: Fyli
hiking distance: 13km/7hr

At the fabled Temple of Poseidon and the silver mines of Lavrion

A full day trip along the length of the Athenian Riviera, exploring the fabled Temple of Poseidon of Sounion, the ancient silver mines of Lavrion, and the exile memories of Makronisos.
total driving distance: ~120km/3hr

FOCUS POINTS

• The fabled Temple of Poseidon of Sounion and the curse of the Black Sails
• Traces of ancient silver mines and the industrial heritage of Lavrion hills
• The political legacy and emotional memory of Makronisos exile grounds

Explore deep caves, taste local wine, visit ancient temples

Discover Greek art at Vorres Museum, explore the stalactites of Koutouki Cave, taste local Savatiano wine, visit the fabled Temple of Artemis, and explore Porto Rafti harbour.
total driving distance: ~100km/2hr

FOCUS POINTS

• The folklore art at Vorres Museum and the stalactites of Koutouki Cave
• The fabled Artemis Temple next to the Erasinos estuary
• Tasting local Savatiano wine next to the picturesque Porto Rafti harbour

A marble dam, a famous battle, and a legendary race

The northeast countryside of Attica is home to the marble dam of Marathon lake, the gorgeous Schinias seaside pine forest, and the Tomb of the famous battle of Marathon.
total driving distance: ~150km/3hr
coaching themes: #idealism, #abundance, #environment

FOCUS POINTS / COACHING BREADCRUMBS

• Which resources we may have in abundance that others hold in high regard?
• For which good cause you would walk an entire Marathon route on your own?
• Which woes that we face today may be attributed to uncontrolled power hubris?
• Do we often fail, because we choose the wrong “battlefield” for our actions?
• Do we only care about nature where disaster comes knocking at the door?

Netherworld sanctuaries, picturesque villages, and remote beaches

Explore the far north of Attica, at the gulf shores opposite to Evia island. Discover ancient netherworld sanctuaries, picturesque mountain villages, and the start of the Trojan War.
total driving distance: ~160km/3hr

FOCUS POINTS

• The ancient sanctuary of Amfiareio, dedicated to the gods of the netherworld
• Small picturesque mountain villages, secluded beaches, and unique folklore museums
• The starting sailing point of the Trojan War, lost among industrial sites

Combine green and blue at the far shores of the Corinthian Gulf

Combine green and blue by travelling to the edge of the Corinthian Gulf, discovering picturesque harbours, ancient forts, seaside villages, and forested mountains.
total driving distance: ~200km/3hr

FOCUS POINTS

• The picturesque Alepochori harbour and the vibrant 2km long Psatha beach (3hr)
• The ancient fortress of Aigosthena and the seaside Porto Germeno village (3hr)
• The traditional Vilia village and the panoramic views from Mount Kitheronas peak

A trip to the edge of Attica, beneath Geraneia mountains

Discover the eastern side of Corinth Canal, the once famous resort town of Loutraki, the forgotten but beautiful Heraion ruins, and the peacefulness of Vouliagmeni lake.
total driving distance: ~250km/4hr

FOCUS POINTS

• The history of the Corinth Canal and remnants of WWII German machine guns
• The forgotten Heraion ruins and the relaxing shores of Vouliagmeni lake
• The seaside promenade of Loutraki resort town and the slopes of Geraneia mountains

Ancient Sacred Road and modern industrial heritage

Follow the footsteps of ancient pilgrims on the Sacred Road to Eleusis, visit UNESCO listed medieval churches, and discover the modern industrial heritage of the western suburbs.
total driving distance: ~80km/2hr

FOCUS POINTS

• The wondrous frescoes of the 11^th century UNESCO listed Dafni monastery
• The Eleusis sanctuary and its mysteries, most important worship centre of ancient Greece
• Modern industrial heritage and the reclaimed Drapetsona Lipasmata park

A peaceful island full of echoes of its famous naval battle

Salamis island is mostly famous as the setting of the ancient naval battle between the Athenians and the Persians, but also has forested hills, hidden coves, peaceful ambience, and excellent seafood.
total driving distance: ~120km/3hr (+short ferry)

FOCUS POINTS

• Explore ancient Salamina and the memorial monument of the famous naval battle
• The forest-surrounded Kanakia beach, underneath an Mycenaean Acropolis
• The inspiring lure of the blue sea at the lyric poet Sikelianos house

A beautiful laid back island, just a short ferry ride away

Aegina was the first capital of modern Greece, with neoclassical houses, fresh island feel, important ancient temples, abandoned medieval castles, and of course tasty fystiki!
total driving distance: ~100km/2hr (+ferry)

FOCUS POINTS

• Elegant houses of Aegina town, the Temple of Apollo, taste local fystiki products
• The abandoned medieval Paleachora and the ancient Temple of Aphaia
• An ancient olive grove, and secluded bays of Moni Island and Agistri