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Aghia
Marina is the tourist centre located on the east-side of the
Island. It has a fine sandy beach and shallow waters stretching
from the port, right round the bay to the old harbour, where
the small chapel dedicated to The Virgin Mary, gave the village
its name.
In
former times Aghia Marina was just an agricultural area and
centred on the village of Messagros, the countryside was rich
in vineyards, olivegroves and pinewoods. However, with the
advance and development of tourism, much of this has fallen
into decline and many hotels and apartments have been built,
together with private houses and holiday homes.
Despite this, the area has retained its natural beauty. The aromatic
pinewoods and attractive coastline, together with the clear waters that
make swimming such a pleasure, have contributed to the successful development
of tourism.
To
the right of the small port, the wide sandy beach stretches
round the bay and is ideal for children and everybody who enjoys
calm clear waters. To the left of the port are the rocks from
which you can dive and snorkel.
On
this rocky coast (Leading right round to Tourlos) there are
still some very secluded places, where you can enjoy a quiet
swim in privacy, even at the height of the season.
On weekends the harbour is often full of boats, with yachts at anchor
in the bay. Most of them belong to Athenians, coming here to relax and
swim.
The
life of Aghia Marina is centred on the Main Street and the
smaller streets leading to the beach. A good selection of restaurants,
cafes and bars catering for every taste and a range of shops
selling a wide variety of goods are waiting for your visit!!
The left turn at the end of the main street, towards the coastline, will
take you to Portes, the last village on the eastside of the island. There
you can enjoy fresh fish, the crystal waters and a stony beach!
Continuing on at the end of the main street will lead you to Alones,
where there are a number of traditional Greek restaurants . You
can easily walk to Alones and on your way back,
take one of the horse coaches, waiting in front of the tavernas.
Four kilometres above Aghia Marina is the Temple of Aphaia. The bus passes
the site and you can easily walk back to the village, either by way of
the main road or by the footpath that starts next to the little souvenir
shop opposite the temple. It’s down-hill all the way!
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