Aegina

Aegina
Αίγινα
View of Aegina's seafront
Aegina
Coordinates: 37°43′48″N 23°29′24″E / 37.73000°N 23.49000°E / 37.73000; 23.49000
CountryGreece
Administrative regionAttica
Regional unitIslands
Government
 • MayorIoannis Zormpas (since 2019)
Area
 • Municipality
87.41 km2 (33.75 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)
 • Municipality
12,911
 • Density147.7/km2 (382.6/sq mi)
 • Community
6,976
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code
180 10
Area code2297
Vehicle registrationΥ
Websitehttps://www.aegina.gr

Aegina (Greek: Αίγινα pronounced [ˈeʝina]; Ancient Greek: Αἴγῑνα) is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece in the Saronic Gulf, 27 km (17 mi) from Athens. Tradition derives the name from Aegina, the mother of the mythological hero Aeacus, who was born on the island and became its king. In classical antiquity Aegina was a powerful city-state and at one point a rival of Athens. In modern times Aegina is known for the temple of Aphaia, pistacho production, and the pilgrimage site of St. Nektarios. Many Athenians have established vacation homes in Aegina.