Perdika
On the Southern edge of the island lies the small fishing village of Perdika. This is perhaps one of the most picturesque spots on the island and still has the characterictics of the Aegean style of square houses and narrow streets. Many tavernas to eat fish. From here you can take a small boat to the island of Moni.
Perdika village enchants many visitors with its simple charm. It is a small fishing village set in a pretty little bay. The traditional fish tavernas, modern cafés & bars are situated on a raised terrace above the small harbour and these are what attract the day visitor whether from Athens or Aegina Town. It is claimed that this is the best place on the island to come and enjoy a fish lunch overlooking the peaceful bay and Moni island beyond. The old town has the characterictics of the Aegean Sea-style of white square houses and narrow streets. Lots of charter yachts are having Perdika as their first or last day destination. Especially in the weekends Perdika is very lively, mostly with Greek weekend tourists.
How to get there
The village is very easy to get to (whether by bus, car, taxi or bicycle) and is only 11 kilometres from Aegina Town. Simply follow the coast road south from Aegina Town to Perdika ensuring that the sea is on your right hand side. You cannot get lost! There is new housing development on the approach road to the centre of Perdika village but once into the harbour area its cul-de-sac location has protected it against building intervention.
Food & drinks
Despite its small size there is enough to do in and around Perdika to make a happy and memorable day. If you are visiting for the day it is perfectly possible to occupy many hours with lunch as the main event! On arrival it is best to re-energise with a frappé coffee, local wine or beer from one of the cafés. Enjoy the view and peaceful atmosphere. Then it is time for some activity. In the afternoon you can watch the sunset from the many terraces, eat some fresh fish and if you have still energy ….. the bars are open until late ….
Camera Oscura
It is worth strolling across to the peninsula directly opposite the harbour since you will find a low building which is actually a ‘camera obscura’. This building was part of the Light & Image exibition which took place in may 2003. The camera obscura, is a cylindric house, with seven meters in diameter, and with twelve openings in all hemispherical directions. Through these twelve holes light will enter the dark room, and thus produce an image of the 360° panorama of the outside world, split up in twelve individual images, upside down and reversed, on an circular, semi-transparent screen, hanging down from the ceiling. It is located in Perdika on the piece of land opposite the cafe’s and tavernas. This Camera Obscura is the first one built in Greece and the only Camera Obscura worldwide with a 360° panorama..Free and unsupervised entrance is allowed
Beaches & swimming
In the town you can find a small beach with sunbeds, and next to the big Church of Agios Sozon, at the edge of town, you will find a spot on the rocks with umbrella’s where you can sunbath and swim. The closest organised beaches are Sarpa, Aiginitissa and the beach on Moni island.
Day trip to Moni island
Alternatively, get a ride to Moni island from one of the little water taxis. Once on the uninhabited island you can explore, enjoy nature, watch the animals and take a swim in the crystal clear and clean sea waters. In the summer time the beach is organised with sunbeds, umbrella’s and restaurant. The return ticket for the trip costs 5 euros per person, which you have to pay on the way back.
Accommodation
Many people fall in love with the simplicity of Perdika and choose to spend their entire holiday located in or close to the village. There are a variety of accommodation options including small family run hotels (some of which have small swimming pools); apartments & studios; or private houses to rent. For the staying visitor there is a small supermarket, a few smaller shops, kiosk, and bakery. However for other facilities, such as banks or post office, it is necessary to go to Aegina Town.
History
For those with an interest in history, Perdika has its own stories to tell. Perdika, which literally translated means “partridge”, has been inhabited since the Mycenean era (1600 – 1100 B.C.) although, according to tradition, the original settlement was at a higher level and was called Spitia. The name Perdika comes from the Greek meaning ‘partridge’ as many of these birds were to be found in the woods that existed in the area.
In October 1537, the pirate Barbarossa devastated the island and used Perdika as his hideout. A century later, the villagers had learned from the experience and, during the period of Turkish rule, used their small boats to smuggle goods which they kept hidden on the island of Moni. These sailors were known as ‘Kerkezi’.
On the cape opposite the fishing harbour, the Greek government built a fortress before the second World War (and another at Tourlos at the northeast of the island) to provide protection for Piraeus. This was because, between the two forts, it was possible to cover the entire area of approach in the Gulf.
Agios Sozon
The biggest festival in the village takes place on September 7 each year in honour of the church of Agios Sozon. The original church, built in 1904, was destroyed in 1943. The foundations of the present church were laid after the war in 1947. The festivities start in the evening of the 6th when the tiny streets are packed with market stalls. Slowly the crowd moves in the direction of the church where devotees kiss the icons for their blessings. It is well worth a visit if you happen to be on Aegina at this time. In any case we recommend Perdika at any time of the year.