Island Excursions
Hydra Walking Tour
One of the most inspirational activities you can enjoy while visiting Hydra is the Hydra Walking Tour. The walk begins at the Merchant Marine Academy, dating from the 18th century, and the statue of ‘Miaoulis’ representing the island’s modern history and strong presence in the War of Independence (1821). There’s the option for a donkey ride (the island’s traditional mode of transportation) before visiting a traditional patisserie (1930) and enjoying its famous macaroons. You’ll delve into local history with a stop at the local flag and its symbolism and visit the square where scenes from a ‘James Bond’ film were shot, as well as square dedicated to the Prime Ministers of Greece originating from Hydra.
Other highlights include ‘Rafalia’, one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, housed in a renovated 19th century neoclassical building, the Monastery of the Assumption of Mary, as well as the Ecclesiastical Museum and the cannons of the island, with a view to the small island where the oldest shipwreck in the world (2,200 BC) was discovered in 1975. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and can be combined with other tours in a combo-tour package.
Aegina Swimming Tour
Imagine the fun of a short speedboat ride to the crystal waters of a nearby island for a swim. Just a short distance from Aegina, you will have the opportunity to enjoy swimming in the clear sea surrounding either Agistri or Moni, the two picturesque islands close to Aegina (depending on weather conditions). Agistri is just 12 minutes away and Moni only a 7-minute speedboat ride from the port. These beautiful beaches are ideal for swimming surrounded by exquisite natural beauty.
You can swim in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the sandy beaches, next to peacocks and you may even see a deer in the distance. You’ll also have plenty of time to relax at the beach on comfortable lounge chairs, under umbrellas. The tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes and can be combined with other tours in a combo-tour package.
Aegina Panoramic Tour
The Panoramic Tour of Aegina leaves lasting impressions. The beauty and quietness of the countryside shed light on the inland character of the island. Enjoy a drive across the entire island (without visiting the archaeological site) admiring the beauty of its nature. Among the memorable sights are the famous Aegina pistachio groves, as well as the island’s medieval capital of Paleohora and the Saint Nektarios Monastery.
For a gastronomic delight, the final stop at a local taverna gives you a true taste of the island’s local cuisine. The tour lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes and can be combined with other tours in a combo-tour package.
Aegina Classical Tour
The Classical Tour of Aegina offers an inspiring experience into the modern history, culture and ancient character of the island, as well as a drive through the countryside where pistachio trees line both sides of the road. Representative of the island’s modern history is the Kapodistrian building, where Ioannis Kapodistrias resided as the first Governor of Greece. A visit to the Temple of Afaia is an unforgettable excursion. The temple is the focal point of the area of the sanctuary, founded in ancient Aegina to commemorate the Minoan deity Afaia, daughter of Zeus and Carme. The temple is in the Dorian style and is considered by many to be the model the Parthenon is Athens.
An impressive highlight of the tour is the Monastery of St. Nektarios, built between 1904-1910 by the Bishop of Pentapolis, Nektarios. Nektarios lived in the Monastery until he died in 1920. In 1961 he was declared a Saint. The church has two tall bell towers and four rows of windows, which all have red bows for a capstone. The Monastery is a convent where presently 14 nuns reside. The memory of the Saint is celebrated on November 9th. The tour lasts about 50 minutes and can be combined with other tours in a combo-tour package.
You can either purchase the tour on board, as it is not included in the ticket price, or contact us to help you choose the best package.
