Where?

Aegina, Greece.

Why now?

Situated just 26km from Athens’ bustling port of Piraeus, the
dinky island of Aegina has a knack for making you
feel like you’ve teleported to a scene from ancient Greece, or
Mamma Mia! – we couldn’t resist. A hefty chunk
of the triangle-shaped island is overtaken by an inactive volcano,
while, elsewhere, you’ll find sprawling fields of almonds, olives,
figs and pistachios. With a full-time population of just 10,000,
the island’s pace of life is slow and thoughtful, making for an
ideal sun-soaked escape.

Fishermen huddle around the port, hauling in their daily catch,
while laid-back locals make a beeline for their favourite bakery to
snag feta- or tahini-based pastries. Don’t be fooled, though. Come
Friday, boho crowds of Athenians escape the city for a long, lazy
weekend of swimming, feasting and socialising. Follow their lead
and meander between the cobblestoned streets of the Old Town,
paddle in gin-clear waters, then dance until sunrise at one of the
island’s vibrant beach bars.

Don’t miss

Aegina is one one of Greece’s oldest inhabited islands, so it
would be rude not to carve out a day to tour some of the many
crumbling ruins. Start by heading to the Temple of Aphaia – an
incredible monument that signifies one part of the “Sacred Triangle
of Temples”; the other two being Sounion’s Temple of Poseidon and
Athens’ Temple of Hephaestus. After that, Aegina’s highest peak,
the Mount of Ellania, beckons. Once you’ve climbed to the top,
you’ll be rewarded with the sight of one of Europe’s oldest ruins –
the Temple of Ellanios Zeus.

Where to stay?

There’s true beauty and pleasure to be found in staying in a
hotel that reflects its surroundings – a space that weaves history
and culture into every detail of its personality makes for a
magical getaway. For that reason, we suggest bedding down at
Nikolaou
Residence. Of the property’s three spacious studio-style suites
– Rhodi, Elia and Fistiki – we like Rhodi the best, for its
earth-toned furnishings, hints of soft grey detailing and abstract
illustrations. With two glorious private terraces, mornings are
best spent drinking in undisturbed sea views while scoffing a
platter of freshly baked, spinach-packed pastries.

Where to go for dinner?

Try any of the waterfront tavernas in Aegina and you won’t be
disappointed. We’re swinging by the open-air, no-frills Nontas. Set
in the picture-perfect village of Perdika, the family-run eatery
has been serving traditional Greek dishes since it first opened its
doors back in 1936. From homemade pies and line-caught fish to an
entire menu dedicated to pistachios – an island speciality – you
may well find yourself returning for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Our order? The pistachio-pesto squid, which has to be tasted to be
believed.

And for a drink…

Friday nights are well spent at Bocampo Beach Bar. Join holidaying Athenians
lounging beneath bamboo parasols, plunge between cocktails into the
warm and sparkling Aegean and dance until dawn to top tunes spun by
local DJs.

Who to take with you

That friend who enjoys remote living. They’ll appreciate the
tranquillity and natural beauty.

When to go

Visit in September; that way, you can attend the island’s famous
Pistachio Festival – yep, seriously. The four-day event, which
takes place in September, transforms Aegina’s Old Town into a
vibrant market set-up, with stalls of proud locals showcasing their
finest produce. Jazz enthusiasts, however, should look to be on the
island between 8 and 28 August, when the International Music
Festival of Aegina takes place.

Essentials to pack

Whether you like them or not, grandad-style sandals are back and
they’re here to stay – just minus the socks this time. Pack a pair
of these Ancient Greek scalloped-strap sandals to ramble
Aegina’s winding streets in true local style.

How to get there

Take a direct flight from London Gatwick to Athens International
Airport, from where Aegina is just a 40-minute ferry ride from the
city’s main port of Piraeus.