As you approach from the sea, your first view of Aegina Town takes in the sweep of the harbor, punctuated by the tiny white chapel of Ayios Nikolaos. A large population of fishermen adds character to the many waterfront café-taverna hybrids serving ouzo and beer with pieces of grilled octopus, home-cured olives, and other mezedes (appetizers).
Much of the ancient city lies under the modern, although the world-famous ancient Temple of Aphaia looms over the entire island from its hilltop perch. Although some unattractive contemporary buildings (and some less well-preserved older ones) mar the harborscape, a number of well-preserved neoclassical buildings and village houses are found on the backstreets.
