About the Retreat
Aegina Island
& Your Host
The Island
Ancient beauty,
modern charm
Aegina is a beautiful Greek island in the Saronic Gulf, just 40 minutes to an hour from Athens by ferry. Known for its golden beaches, world-famous pistachios, delicious local cuisine, and impressive historical sites, it offers the perfect blend of relaxation and cultural exploration.
The island has a dry, sunny climate and diverse landscape — from fertile plains and olive groves to rugged mountains and pristine coastline. Traditional neoclassical houses and winding streets give Aegina its charm, while the relaxed pace of island life offers a peaceful escape from the hustle of modern living.
Unlike busier Greek islands, Aegina retains its authentic character. The locals are warm and welcoming, the beaches aren't crowded, and you can still find quiet corners to enjoy the island's natural beauty.
40 min
from Athens
Island Highlights
Discover what makes Aegina extraordinary
Ancient Wonders
The Temple of Aphaia — one of the best-preserved Doric temples in Greece — stands majestically overlooking the island. Aegina was also the birthplace of Europe's first minted coins and the first capital of modern Greece.
Crystal Waters
Aegina's coastline offers stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation. From long stretches of golden sand to secluded coves with turquoise water, the island's diverse beaches cater to every preference.
Culinary Delights
Aegina is renowned for its pistachios and rich culinary heritage. Family-owned restaurants serve fresh seafood, traditional recipes, and the kind of memorable meals that become highlights of your trip.
Creative Inspiration
For generations, Aegina has attracted artists seeking inspiration. The island's varied landscape, distinctive Mediterranean light, and vibrant local culture provide an ideal environment for creative work across all mediums.
Authentic Village Life
Beyond the main town, Aegina's small mountain villages offer a glimpse into authentic Greek island life. Narrow cobbled streets, traditional stone houses, and local kafeneia where time moves at a slower pace.
Famous Pistachios
Aegina's pistachios, known locally as 'fistiki', are protected by PDO status and considered among the finest in the world. The annual Fistiki Festival in September celebrates this prized crop with markets and culinary events.
Your Host
Sue MacDougall
Hello, I'm Sue, and I'll be your host for this Greek island adventure. I lived on Aegina for 20 years, and during that time I built deep connections with the island, its people, its hidden corners, and its rhythms.
As an award-winning New Zealand artist, I've spent decades teaching art and exploring creativity in some of the world's most beautiful places. Aegina's extraordinary light, its ancient ruins, and its warm Mediterranean atmosphere make it the perfect canvas for our workshops.
I created Love My Greece because I wanted to share the Aegina I know and love — not the tourist version, but the authentic island where I raised my family and built my life. The hidden tavernas, the local friendships, the island secrets that only come from 20 years of living there.
From the moment you arrive at Piraeus port, I'm with you every step of the way. I meet you at Gate E8, travel with you to Aegina, and handle every detail so you can simply arrive, breathe, and enjoy.
Award-winning artist
New Zealand
20 years on Aegina
Deep local knowledge
Art teacher
All levels welcome
Based in NZ
+64 21 0239 4549
"I want you to experience the Aegina I fell in love with — not the tourist version, but the real island that captured my heart for twenty years."
— Sue MacDougall
Our Philosophy
Space to breathe,
time to reset
Some guests come to Aegina during times of transition — seeking a break from life's demands, a chance to step away and simply be. The holiday offers natural opportunities for reflection and renewal through being in a beautiful place with time and space to breathe.
The healing happens naturally — through swimming in clear water, creating art in beautiful places, sharing meals and laughter with welcoming people, and having the time and space to just exist without demands. Many guests find that simply being on Aegina, with everything handled and nothing to worry about, is restorative in itself.