Hiking Mount Oros, the highest peak in the Saronic Gulf, Aegina

Mount Oros, the other side of Aegina

Almost everyone misses the fact that Aegina has a 532-metre peak that is the highest point in the whole Saronic Gulf. It is called Oros (literally “mountain”) and it rises in the south-centre of the island, visible from just about anywhere. On its slopes stand the remains of the sanctuary of Zeus Hellanios, a place of worship since the 6th century BC where islanders prayed for rain in drought years. The climb is one of the few decent hiking routes in the Saronic, free, and almost always deserted.

Why it is worth it

Three reasons:

360-degree views: from the summit you can see Athens (with the Parthenon clearly identifiable on a clear day), the Peloponnese, the islands of Hydra, Poros and Agistri, and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion to the north-east. It is probably the best panorama in the Saronic.
Archaeological remains: two thirds of the way up are the remains of the sanctuary of Zeus Hellanios (6th century BC) with walls, cisterns and a small altar. Above it, on a ledge, sits a 13th-century Byzantine chapel dedicated to the Transfiguration, still in use (there is a local pilgrimage every 6 August).
Solitude: 90% of Aegina’s visitors have no idea this exists. We went up on a Sunday in June and passed three people on the entire route.

The route, step by step

Starting point: the village of Marathon (not to be confused with Marathonas beach, this one is inland), 8 km south of Aegina Town. Improvised parking next to the village church. A wooden sign marks “Mt Oros” with an arrow towards a dirt track leaving the square.

The climb: 1 h 30 to 2 h. The path is well marked with red paint on rocks and trees. A moderate gradient at first, steep in the middle section (between the sanctuary and the summit). Loose earth and stone underfoot. You pass through pine woods, wild lavender, rosemary and thyme. The air smells of pure Mediterranean maquis.

The summit: marked by a small cairn and the Transfiguration chapel. A place for a picnic and photos. Carry enough water: in summer you will need at least two litres per person.

The descent: 1 h to 1 h 15. Same route. Do not try alternative routes without GPS: there are old paths that peter out in gullies.

Pain points (important, so you do not take risks)

Heat: in July and August it is brutal from 10 in the morning. Do it between October and May, or very early (6:30 start) in summer.
Shade: partial on the lower section, none at all on the upper section or the summit.
Water: there are no springs anywhere on the route. Carry two to three litres per person in summer.
Footwear: hiking or trail boots. The loose stones punish ankles if you are in flip-flops or city trainers.
Mobile signal: patchy on the path, good at the summit. Bring offline maps (Komoot, Wikiloc).
Children: doable from nine or ten with decent fitness. The middle section is steep.
Wind: it blows hard at the summit even in summer. A windproof jacket is not overkill.
Snakes: in spring and autumn there are snakes (non-venomous) on the path. No real danger if you tread calmly.
Getting back by bus: the bus from Marathon to Aegina Town runs only three times a day. Check the timetable beforehand or come by car or scooter. The alternative is to call a taxi (15€).

Getting to the start

Car or scooter (hire one here): 8 km from Aegina Town. Follow the signs for “Marathon” or “Mt Oros”. Fifteen minutes.
Bus: the Perdika line, get off at the “Marathon” stop. Three services a day.
On foot from Perdika: 4 km by road. Only if you have time to spare.

When it is better not to do it

In summer at midday (sunstroke guaranteed).
With storms on the horizon (the summit is a lightning magnet).
If you are not wearing proper footwear.
If nobody knows you are going up (tell your accommodation your plan and your estimated return).

For an easier hiking alternative, you can walk the path around the medieval village of Paleochora, which has only 200 metres of ascent and links several historic chapels. But if you want the island’s one real mountain route, this is it. And it is free.