Three-Day Circular Tourism Event on Aegina Island

The three-day circular tourism event on Aegina island during 13-15 May 2022 was a great success, initiated by the CIVINET Greece – Cyprus Network, under the auspices of the Region of Attica and co-organized with:

• the Municipality of Aegina,
• the Cycling Community of Attica,
• the Network of Municipalities of the Attica Islands,
• the Kytherian Foundation for Culture and Development,
• the informal partnership for the promotion of sustainable tourism in Poros, Troizinia and Methana – ECHO,
• the cultural and educational organisation for the sustainable development of Poros, Troizinia and Methana – KATHETI.

The three-day event was organized in the framework of the European project INCIRCLE of the Interreg MED -in which the CIVINET Greece-Cyprus Network has the role of Technical Partner and Communication WP Leader- as from October 2021 the Region of Attica has joined the project, aiming to develop a Circular Tourism Strategy for the Regional Unit of the Attica Islands.

Friday 13/5

Discussion on the Circular Tourism Strategy of the Regional Council of the Attica Islands

An excellent discussion, which took place in the afternoon in the garden of the Folklore Museum of Aegina, launched the three-day event. The event was opened by Kosmas Anagnostopoulos, Coordinator of the CIVINET Greece – Cyprus Network, with a warm welcome to the attendees. Afterward, Mrs. Mary Koukouli, Deputy Mayor of Aegina Tourism, gave a short salutation.

Moving on to the main part of the event, Mrs. Maria Kalatzopoulou, a scientific associate of CIVINET, gave a detailed presentation of the Circular Tourism Strategy of the Attica Islands Region. This was followed by presentations and statements by representatives of local stakeholders of the Argosaronic. The Cycling Community was represented by Mr. Panagiotis Pitsilos, the Network of Municipalities of the Attica Islands by Mrs. Eleni Genikaliotis and Mrs. Ekaterini Fotaki, the Kytherian Cultural Foundation was represented by Mr. Rigas Zafeiriou, KATHETI by Mr. Tasos Rodis, ECHO by Mrs. Faye Orfanidou, the Association of Active Citizens of Aegina by Mr. H.P. Coulon and Trace Your Echo by Mr. Stelios Tsialikis.

Watch the full panel discussion here.

After the discussion, the participants enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant in Aegina, provided by the CIVINET Network.

Saturday 14/5

Visit to the islet of Moni

The day began with a visit to the islet of Moni, located southwest of Aegina, opposite the picturesque fishing village of Perdika. After the participants were taken by boat to the island, they were divided into informal groups with some choosing to walk around admiring the peacocks and deer that live on the island and the more adventurous ones attempting their first dives in the crystal-clear waters.

Upon returning to the village of Perdika, dinner followed in a traditional tavern overlooking the sea.

Bike ride from Perdika to Aegina

On the same day, a bicycle ride took place from Perdika to the port of Aegina later in the afternoon. The participants had the option to bring their own bicycle or to be provided with one of the bicycles that the CIVINET Network had rented for the action. CIVINET’s electric Cargo Bike made a special impression, tirelessly covering the 10 km route loaded with supplies. The action was implemented with the support of the Cycling Community of Attica.

Sunday 15/5

Hiking on the island trails

The three-day event peaked with the morning circular hike on Sunday, starting and finishing at the beach of Marathon B’ with intermediate stops at the settlements of Kapotides, Pachia Rachi, and Ancient Eleonas. The magnificent view from above, but also the special landscape with the gullies and the century-old trees compensated the hikers.

After the hike, lunch followed at a restaurant by the sea.