AEGINA ISLANDS: JEWEL OF THE SARONIC GULF
Words and Photos by Anthony Parcon
The last full day of my Greek odyssey
fell on a Sunday. Unlike any other cosmopolitan capital where it doesn't differ
much from any other days of the week, Sundays in Greece is a traditional day
for the family, a day to attend a church service, take a rest on indulge in a
certain recreational pursuit . Here, malls and some shops are closed to give in
to such observance. On an early morning hour after my breakfast, I tried
walking to the paralia (beach) to take some photos and I passed a small old
church filled with faithful churchgoers, although I have observed that fewer younger
people were present during mass. It is
also during this time of the week, when good friends meet, dine and drink on a
fine taverna in Plaka or Kolonaki Square. Walking along the lovely streets of
Athens on a Sunday could be a soothing experience with a parade of street
musicians playing various musical instruments like violin, saxophone,
harmonica, electric guitar or even just a simple flute serenading non-stop that
will leave a passerby blown away by the wonderful music.
Travelling to Greece is never
complete without going to one of its captivating islands that could offer a
scenic landscape of natural beauty so after, sitting and sipping a cup of
coffee for the nth time in one of the chic area of Athens, we decided to visit
one of the nearby islands, Aegina.
Aegina is a forty minute ride via a
fast craft (Flying Dolphin) costing 13.50 euro or an hour and fifteen minutes by a regular boat
(Hellenic Seaways) with a cost of 9.50
euro from the Port of Pireaus, Greece's main port and the getway to the
islands.
Each Greek island has its own delight
with a fusion of natural charm, enchanting culture and fascinating history and
Aegina is no exception. The largest along the three islands (Poros and Hydra
being the other two) in the Argo-Saronic Gulf, it has much to offer to
wandering tourists visiting its lovely shore. Upon arrival on its busy port,
one can find a cluster of elegant yachts and fishing boats lining its beach line.
Within a walking distance, one can
easily find seafront cafés/tavernas unadulterated with advertisements catering
to commercialized tourists. It had maintained its Greek identity and hasn't given
in to the global fast food industries yearning of putting one in the island so
a visitor can still enjoy an authentic local Greek cuisine and drinks.
CHURCH
OF AGIOS NECTARIOS &
THE MONASTERY OF AGIA TRIADA (HOLY TRINITY)
Located six kilometers from the town
port of Aegina, the church and monastery can be reached by bus or taxi. The
monastery has been standing for more than a century and today, fourteen nuns
are altruistically spending their life of religious service there. The grand church on a nearby side with
an impressive and magnificent architecture has two high bell towers and four
series of windows, all covered with red bows.
Adding to its striking beauty is the scenic mountain and verdant
landscape controlling the area.
2 comments
Nice post. Came to know about aegina islands first time through your site.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that.
you're very much welcome and thank you too for your comment.
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