Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Sea and simplicity…on Athens’ doorstep. Follow our insider guide to make the most of 48 hours on Aegina.

By Amanda Dardanis

Friday: Embrace the East Coast

The ancient ruins of Aphaia in Aegina.

Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Yes, there are lovely sandy beaches you could stay on (Agia Marina, just down the road, for starters). But for Aegina purists, the true magic lies in being a rock lizard: sunning yourself on salt-crusted rocks moulded by nature into decks, then leaping into brilliant blue waters with colourful fish colonies.

Unplug at Sotos - one of our favourite Aegina beach bars.

Photo: Amanda Dardanis

Saturday: Seaspray and Sunsets

A fruit stand in Aegina Town.

Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Sunset at the port in Aegina.

Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Sunday: The Living is Easy

Tables and a view at Nondas taverna.

Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

All along the harbour, you’ll find pistachio emporia tempting you to go nuts (sorry) with delicious souvenirs such as pistachio butter and pistachio pesto. On Panayioti Irioti Street, which runs parallel to the harbour, Mourtzis Traditional Sweets is a whimsical trove of local teas, sweets and traditional desserts. The pistachio baklava is the star of the show. Perhaps most irresistible of all is the fresh produce for sale in the fishing boats moored on the waterfront.

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