AEGINA SAIL-AWAY

When you talk to enough Athenians, you discover that many have a weekend home in Aegina, or some kind of favorite retreat on the island.  This is because Aegina lies so close to Athens — only an hour by ferry or two hours via our traditional wooden yacht.  You will not see bus loads of foreign tourists. Even though Aegina is easily accessible from the mainland, it has the feel of a rural island far from the capital city.

Description

1 Day
Duration

Alimos Marina
Embark

Alimos Marina
Disembark

2
Islands

AEGINA SAIL-AWAY

Aegina is a popular weekend getaway island for Athenians because it is so close to the mainland. Pistachio trees dominate the terrain and visitors always leave with a souvenir bag of red and green nuts. Aegina’s most impressive ruin is the 5th century BC Aphaia Temple within biking distance to the port.  Also very unique is the abandoned village of Paleochora with 38 churches most with frescos from the 13-18th centuries.  The island’s charm can be seen in stone houses, forested landscapes, a harbor front with inviting cafes, and locals intent on preserving their culture.

Itinerary

Tour Timing

  • 08.30  Transfer from your group’s hotel to Alimos Marina. (optional)
  • 09:00  Boarding and departure at Alimos Marina.
  • 11.00 Arrive at Aegina island
  • 16.00  Depart from Aegina to Alimos Marina
  • 18.00 Arrive at Alimos Marina.
  • Vehicle transfer to your group’s hotel at end of tour.
Inclusions

Inclusions depend on the yacht that is chartered and its capabilities.  Below are standard inclusions as well as optional inclusions for additional payment.

Standard Inclusions

  • Captain and 3 crew.
  • Cruise Director handling all logistics.
  • All required safety equipment such as life rafts, life jackets, motorized tenders, satellite beacon devices, emergency communication devices, fire prevention/extinguishing equipment, emergency pumps and other essential sea faring devices.
  • Open bar for the duration of the cruise — wine and beer (no hard liquor), beverages, coffees, water
  • port taxes
  • insurance

Optional Inclusions for additional payment

  • Vehicle transfers from Athens center to Alimos Marina
  • Traditional Greek lunch aboard yacht or in Aegina town
  • Hybrid bicycles, helmets, water bottles (active group).
  • Waling in the abandoned village of Paleochora (active or leisure group)
  • Tour of organic soap factory (leisure group)
  • Tour of Aphaia with vehicle transfer (leisure group)
  • Entry fees to Temple of Aphaia.
  • Snorkelling gear
  • fishing gear
Activities
  • BBQ lunch served on board with salads and meze (Greek appetizers). The ship is anchored in Aegina harbor.  Or lunch at traditional taverna in Perdika.
  • On arrival at Aegina active guests can bike on asphalt roads along the flat seacoast and up to the Temple of Aphaia which is 15 kilometers from the port and at an elevation of 160 meters (525 feet).
  • Leisure guests can be treated to a pistachio tasting session. The locals flavor many things with pistachios including ice cream, liqueur, cookies and jams. You will get a chance to sample all these specialties.
  • Afterwards, leisure guests can visit the Cool Soap workshop to learn how natural soaps are made using organic Greek olive oil.
  • All guests will have the opportunity to stroll along Aegina’s lovely harbor town to shop in its quaint stores and to admire the pink Markelos Tower, built in 1802.
  • If swimming desired on this cruise, it will be off Moni island.
Notes

Bring swim suit and towels.  If biking or hiking, proper shoes. And of course don’t forget sun hat, sun screen and sunglasses. The yacht has four cabins for day use to change into swimsuits.

Map

Highlights

Aegina Sail-Away

Enjoy a swim in the warm waters of Aegina island.

Cycle to the Temple of Aphaia.

Visit the unique churches in the abandoned village of Paleochora.

Sample the local pistachios and delicacies.

Visit an organic soap workshop. 

Salamina 1
Salamina 2
Salamina 3
Salamina 4
Salamina 5
Salamina 6
Salamina 7
Salamina 8