OUR LOCATION

Aegean Sailing School is situated on the island of Aegina*, which, despite being just 31km from Athens, is blessed with green valleys, pretty ports and fabulous walking routes. It has good transport links with Athens airport.

Aegina is right in the middle of the Saronic Gulf, covering an area of approximately 85 square kilometres, with a population of around 12,500. The island is predominantly mountainous but there are plains where pistachio, grapes, olives, figs, and almonds are grown. The island is famous for its pistachio nuts (which are the best in Greece!).

In Greek mythology, Aegina was the loveliest of the twenty daughters of the river Asopos. She was beloved by Zeus, who carried her off to the island that eventually took her name. Asopos learned of her abduction from Sisyphus, King of Corinth, who was punished in the Underworld (perhaps for revealing this secret) by being forced to repeatedly roll a stone to the top of a steep hill.

During our first year in Greece we avoided Aegina as we mistakenly thought its proximity to Athens would mean that it was overcrowded and spoilt. How wrong we were! Aegina is a playground for the people of Athens, but this means that it keeps its very Greek character. Much of the population live here all year round.

Aegina has many attractions for the visitor including the Sanctuary of Afaia, Ayios Nektarios, the largest church in the Balkans, interesting monasteries, beautiful beaches, and accommodation of all types. If you can spare the time it is well worth spending a day or two on the island after your course. You'll find out more on Aegina island website.

*The name of the island is pronounced Ayina with the stress on the long A of the first syllable (or Eggina if you find that too difficult to say!)