Mythology relates that Aegina is named after river-god Asopos' daughter, who was abducted by Zeus. The god transported her to the island, where she gave birth to a son, Aiakos, who afterwards became one of the three judges of the underworld.

According to archaeological evidence, Aegina has been inhabited since the Neolithic era and is considered to be the birthplace of Aristophanes. Pausanias writes that near the harbour there were temples dedicated gods, but nothing of these remains but a single Doric column from the 6th century temple of Apollo.

The most important archaeological site lies to the east of the island near Agia Marina, where the temple of Aphaia, a very ancient goddess, once patroness of Aegina, is situated. The temple is very well-preserved and was decorated with splendid sculptures, which were unfortunately taken away in the 19th century. Finds excavated in the area, such as sculptures, pottery and the like are on display in the Archaeological Museum of Aegina.

Aegina town is the capital and main port. It lies on the west coast and is a lovely town with many neoclassical buildings, good quality tavernas and vivid nightlife.

North of Aegina town, in Livadi, Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis wrote Zorba the Greek, later world famous film starring Antony Queen. South of the capital is the seaside village of Marathon, followed by the fishing port of Perdika (9km.). From Perdika small boats ferry visitors to the picturesque islets of Angistri and Moni, ideal spots for enjoying nature, solitude and relaxing pursuits. The beaches if Angistri are thought to be the best in the area.

The road to the northeast of the island cuts through pistachio and olive groves to the village of Kipseli and the small basilica of St. Theodore (1282). It then proceeds to the seaside hamlet of Souvala, winding up at Agia Marina (14 km.), a village known for its long sandy beach, the biggest on Aigina; it is the most popular resort on the island.

Nowadays Aegina is famed for its pistachio nuts and its ceramics.

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