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Aegina town, the capital of the island, with its population of just over 6,000 is a thriving working port and is in fact, the second largest in Greece after Piraeus. From here, you can take a short boat ride to the picturesque island of Agistri, or a little further afield, to the islands of Poros, Hydra and Spetses. On approaching Aegina town by boat, the first sight people see is that of the small and picturesque church of Aghios Nikolaos which sits on a jetty on the waterfront. The harbour was built by Capodistrias, the first Governor of independent Greece, using the stones from the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, at Kolona.
At the edge of the town stand several classical mansions, along with a number of buildings constructed after the liberation of Greece in 1828. To the left of the port is the hill of Kolona, upon which are the remains of the temple of Apollo which, after being struck by lightning, now amounts to only a single column, although the archaeological site and museum is well worth a visit.
 The best way to see the town is perhaps to wander through the back streets during the day where you will see unique buildings, such as the tower of Markellos, which was occupied by the Governing Committee of Greece during its reign as the Capital. You will also notice an array of colourful flowers in the small courtyards of many of the resident's houses. A short distance out of town in the village of Livadi is the "House of Kazantzakis" where the famous Greek author lived for many years between the two World wars. It was here that he wrote his most famous novel: "Zorba the Greek". There is also an Archaeological Museum in the town which contains artifacts from the Island's history.
After this, you may feel like taking a break for a Greek coffee and baklava or kataifi at one of the Tavernas on the waterfront. Most of the elegant buildings along the harbour front date from the time of the Venetian occupation of the island. It is possible to while away many hours there whilst watching the boats unload the fruit and vegetables brought in from the Peloponnese. You may also enjoy a fresh fish lunch at the taverna adjoining the fish market, perhaps taking an afternoon swim at one of the two small sandy beaches. 
In the evening, the Tavernas serve a wide array of Greek dishes, and for an Ouzo or two, the local Ouzeri/Kafenion takes some beating - simply relax and take in one of the most spectacular sunsets in the whole of Greece. Round off the night with a visit to one of the lively and traditional Bouzouki bars for some authentic live music.
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