The Monastery of Agios Nektarios

The Monastery of Agios Nektarios,  is one of the most significant religious sites in Greece. Located near the village of Kontos, about 6 kilometers from the port of Aegina, it is dedicated to Saint Nektarios, a revered modern saint of the Greek Orthodox Church. The monastery was founded by Saint Nektarios himself in 1904, on the site of an older, abandoned monastery.
The complex includes the Church of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity), built by Saint Nektarios, and the larger, more recent church dedicated to him, which is one of the largest in the Balkans. The monastery is a place of pilgrimage, attracting thousands of visitors annually who come to venerate the saint’s relics and seek healing. The saint’s tomb is located under a pine tree he planted himself, and his incorrupt relics are kept in the church.

Paliachora

Paliachora, also known as the “Mystras of Aegina,” is the medieval capital of the island, located on a hill opposite the Monastery of Agios Nektarios. It was established in the 9th century as a refuge from pirate attacks and was inhabited until the early 19th century. The site is dotted with the ruins of numerous churches, many of which still have well-preserved frescoes.
The most notable churches include Agios Georgios Katholikos, Agios Dionysios, and Agios Ioannis Theologos. The area offers stunning views of the island and the Saronic Gulf, making it a popular spot for hiking and exploration.