Aegina Island Ambasssador - Marilita from Greece

Marilita loves Aegina, Greece. She asked us to talk about the island she loves and share her love for Aegina with the rest of the world. Discover how Marilita's love for Aegina was born and how it grew together with her love for the seas... She is now working in the Greek navy and volunteering at Aegina Fistiki (Pistachio) Festival.

Part of her interview about Aegina follows:

My name is Marilita and I am working as a Probation Financial Officer of the Hellenic Merchant Marine. My love for the sea led me to pursue this job. From a very young age, during my holidays in Aegina, I realized it was my dream and I couldn’t go back. The only way to find happiness in my life was to chase the waves. That’s what I did! And I owe my decision to Aegina and my unforgettable summers on the island.

Aegina because…

This is where my story begins. I started going on holidays in Aegina in August ’98. I was a small child and I remember my first swim in Agia Marina and the song that my mom used to sing to me to learn how to swim; the fisherman’s boat, which was a very prophetic song for me.

And this is how it all began. On that beach with the crystal clear waters and the golden sand, I was building my first castles with my bucket. I started growing up. And as I grew older, I became more and more attached to the island.

From my childhood vacation in Aegina, I remember…

My first horse carriage ride in the city of Aegina. The photos from the port. My arrival with the ferry-boats like Aias, Agios Nektarios, and Achaios. I remember my parents telling me that when we returned to Athens I was crying. I didn’t want to go back. They wondered why this was happening!

My parents chose Aegina for our summer holidays…

Because it is close and it was the ideal destination for summer vacations. I also have roots, as my grandfather’s family from my mother’s side came all Aegina and they were all sailors. One of my uncles used to tell me that I am also from Aegina and I will become a sailor.

My experience at Fistiki Festival 2019…

was unforgettable! It is a very remarkable event that promotes pistachio, the diamond of our island in Greece and abroad. It helps the local economy and tourism development. Pistachio is not just a local product for sale, it needs passion, and care. I also promoted the festival on my social media. It will be my great pleasure to pass on my knowledge and experience to others so that they too can participate as volunteers.

Aegina for me …

is my island for life. My memories are unforgettable. I’ve kept a lot of souvenirs from my holidays. I have two baskets of shells and I have kept them until now. We used to exchange them as small gifts. I also wanted to get married in the chapel of Agia Marina! My heart belongs to Aegina. I have of course visited other islands, but I do not feel the same as I do about Aegina.

My favorite spot on the island is….

The church of Agios Nikolaos Thalassinos. The last time I visited Aegina, my first time as an adult, I was very moved when I saw it as soon as I stepped foot on the island. The first thing I did, as a sailor, was to light a candle and say a prayer.

Another favorite spot is the Temple of Aphaia. The place that calms me and relaxes me is the church of Agios Nektarios.

My secret place in Aegina…

is located near the port of Agia Marina – a hidden path between the rocks. It’s a very special place for me, that’s where I heard the wave for the first time, that’s where I saw the full moon. It is my first romantic memory.

My favourite habit…

is going for coffee, shopping and buying souvenirs and of course getting my favorite pistachio and local delicacies.

Aegina with a word …

Love, admiration, feelings, emotions. It means so much to me that I can’t find just one word to describe it!

I love Aegina because …

There are so many things that connect me to the island. There are the memories, the sights, the history, the culture. Aegina is a paradise where you can go and find ultimate tranquility. Even if you go for a day or two, you feel that your mind has relaxed.

One can travel to Aegina all year round to enjoy both the sun and the rain. It has so many beautiful landscapes to offer all year round. It is a beauty, the jewel of the Saronic Gulf that for me is not compared to anything.

We Love Aegina is a very reliable travel guide for Aegina. I learn a lot of hidden secrets and I admire photos that look like paintings!

Stay tuned for more #weloveaegina stories!