Things to do in Aegina: the complete travel guide to Saronic’s gem

Things to do in Aegina

The complete travel guide to the most famous island of the Saronic Gulf

Aegina is the closest island to Athens and, as such, is an ideal getaway for weekend travelers. While Aegina can’t compare with the most iconic Greek islands, it’s a beautiful destination and a must-see if you’re on a short visit to Athens. Apart from the numerous things to do in Aegina, the island will offer you some relaxed days together with fascinating sightseeing. If you don’t have enough time to visit a more distant island, make sure to visit Aegina for some pure Greek islands days.

In this complete travel guide to Aegina, you’ll find everything you need to know before visiting the island. Specifically, you’ll see how you can reach the island, the best places to stay, an overview of Aegina’s beaches, and info about budgeting. Moreover, you’ll discover the top things to do in Aegina, including antiquity places and food tips for your vacation.

So, let’s start with the things to see in Aegina, the gem of Greece’s Saronic Gulf.

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How to get to Aegina

The journey from Athens to Aegina is short and easy. First, you have to reach the port of Piraeus. The metro stop “Piraeus” (line 3) is straight outside the port. From downtown Athens (the best connection is from Monastiraki), you’ll need approximately 20 minutes to reach Piraeus port.

Alternatively, if public transport is not your thing, you can take a taxi. It will definitely cost you more and keep in mind that you might experience Athens’ heavy traffic depending on the time.

There are plenty of ferries from Piraeus every day, even during the wintertime. I always recommend booking in advance, especially if you’d like to bring a car with you. You can use the interactive search engine below to find the best itineraries between Piraeus and Aegina. There are two ways to reach Aegina:

By Flying Dolphin

This is the fastest way, and the journey takes approx. 40 minutes. It usually costs 8-10 euros one way; therefore, with approximately 20 euros, you can have a return journey.

However, please keep in mind that this is not a regular ferry. That said, you’ll have to stay in your seat, and there is no way to enjoy the deck—there isn’t one. The Flying Dolphin runs several times per day, but you can’t bring your car. I often feel claustrophobic in the Flying Dolphin, and I wouldn’t recommend it if you feel uncomfortable in tight places.

By Ferry

My recommendation is to get the ferry. Even if it takes slightly longer (1 hour 20 mins), you have the chance to travel on the deck and enjoy the sea. The ferries to Aegina are surprisingly big for such a short journey, and apart from the deck, they have comfortable interior seats.

As if there must be some local folklore, shortly before approaching Aegina, you’ll see loads of seagulls approaching the ferry. You can also feed them (carefully!), and they will surround the ferry. Moreover, if you have a car, you can bring it on the ferry (it costs approx. 25 euros one way). The ticket also costs about 12-15 euros one-way.

I always use the ferry, even if it takes half an hour more. It’s far more pleasant, and on a sunny day, it’s great to enjoy the sea view from the deck.

Some extra tips for your journey to Aegina

When you book ferry tickets in Greece, you usually receive a reservation number and a receipt. If that’s the case, you will need to pick up your tickets on the day of your journey from the company’s office. However, that’s nothing to stress you: all offices are located around the port, close to the gates of departure. Therefore, I recommend arriving one hour before the departure time. That’s enough time to pick up your tickets and find your gate.

Aegina is located very close to Athens; therefore, it is easily approachable all year long. Many people live in Aegina and commute daily to Athens for work. If you don’t like crowded places, avoid July and August. In my opinion, the best time to visit Aegina is June and September. If you don’t plan to swim, then April, May, and October are equally lovely months for walking and enjoying the landscape.

Last but not least, if you’d like to make the most out of your stay, consider renting a car in Aegina. The prices are reasonable, and the roads are in good condition. Check the best prices for renting a car on the island here.

Where to stay in Aegina, Greece

After visiting Aegina several times, I can assure you that the island has a wide variety of accommodations. While you won’t easily find an extremely fancy hotel in Aegina (and maybe that’s better for the island’s atmosphere), nice hotels and B&B exist on the island.

Unlike other Greek islands, Aegina has several settlements. Apart from the main town located straight at the port, there are various bigger and smaller villages to choose from for your stay. However, if you’re a first-time visitor to Aegina, I strongly recommend staying in the main settlement. Apart from having more accommodation options, it’ll also be easier to move around the island by bus or taxi, and you’ll find great places to eat.

While Aegina is fine for a day trip from Athens, I recommend spending at least one night on the island. Aegina’s rhythms are far more relaxing than Athens, and while it can’t compare to Santorini or similar islands, the truth is that there are plenty of things to do in Aegina, as you’ll read later on on this guide.

That said, here are my hotel recommendations for Aegina.

The best hotels in Aegina

Fistikies Holiday Apartments. Located on the quiet edge of Aegina’s main settlement, Fistikies is a great place to stay overnight in Aegina. There is a swimming pool, and the owner serves homemade breakfast every morning. While it can be slightly pricey during the summer months, the rest of the year Fistikies remains affordable. It’s very clean and quiet and definitely one of the best places to stay in Aegina.

Aeginitiko Arhontiko. Located in the very heart of the Aegina town, this is the place to stay if you appreciate being somewhere centrally. The Aeginitiko Arhontiko offers spacious rooms and reliable wifi at reasonable prices. The building is beautiful, dating back to the 19th century, and it’s a fine example of local architecture. Moreover, the owner serves a delicious homemade breakfast every morning.

Almyra Boutique Apartments. Almyra is a 3-minute walk from the nearest beach in the main town on the island. This superb accommodation features an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a shared lounge, and a garden. Plus, if you enjoy spending time in the swimming pool, there’s one for the hotel’s guests.

Hotel Vagia. Hotel Vagia is for you if you want to stay somewhere totally quiet surrounded by nature. The hotel is located in a small fishing village (Vagia) in the island’s northeastern part. However, keep in mind that you will need a car to reach it and, in general, be ready to use a vehicle for whatever you’d like to do in Aegina. The owner serves a great organic breakfast, and the hotel’s proximity to some beaches makes it a great option to relax.

Please use the interactive map below for all other accommodation options in Aegina.

Booking.com

Where to eat and drink in Aegina

In general, the food prices are reasonable everywhere on the island. The food in Aegina will not disappoint you, but on the other hand, it’ll also be hard to impress you. That said, every taverna you’ll find on your way will be decent. Don’t miss, of course, the chance to order fish in Aegina. You should, however, check the prices beforehand; if the menu is not visible at all (it happens pretty often in Greece), ask for it.

• Dromaki. One of the nicest fish restaurants in Aegina town. Fresh fish and reasonable prices.
• Aerides. Located in Vagia, this restaurant serves decent Greek food. The environment is pleasant, and its proximity to the sea makes Aerides one of the best food options on this side of Aegina.
• Klimataria. My personal favorite when it comes to good and moderately priced food. You can expect the traditional souvlaki and salad, but everything is tasty and the people running it very friendly. I highly recommend Klimataria if you are on a budget or want to eat something quickly before taking the ferry. You’ll find Klimataria 100 meters away from the port, on a side street.
• Inn on the beach. In a prime location, on the edge of the town, that’s a lovely bar with a great variety of drinks and cocktails. The Inn on the beach serves snacks all day long, and that’s the place to enjoy a drink at night, overlooking the bay of Aegina.
• Akti Cafe. Last but not least, this is my favorite place for having an iced coffee. Located a few meters away from the Inn on the beach, this is hands down the best coffee in Aegina. Order a Freddo Espresso.

The best things to do in Aegina, Greece

Aegina’s beaches might not be that memorable, but they do serve their purpose: you’ll have a great time swimming, and the majority have sunbeds and umbrellas. Isolated beaches are rare in Aegina, but they do exist. Therefore, in the first section of the best things to do in Aegina, you’ll find info about the island’s beaches.

If beach time is nothing for you, head over to the next section with the rest of the things to see in Aegina.

The beaches of Aegina

Aegina Beach

The main beach of the island is very close to the port. Located on the left side as you exit the ferry, this is a small beach with sunbeds. It will be crowded most of the time, and it’s really just for a quick dip.

Kolona Beach

Next to the ancient settlement of Kolona (means Column), this is an unorganized beach. Most of the locals go swimming in Kolona. Make sure to bring food and water with you because there’s nothing very close to it. The seaside is small, but there are dozens of pine trees between the road and the beach if you’d like to lay down and protect yourself from the sun.

Marathonas Beach

Marathonas is a big beach full of sunbeds and umbrellas. If you’re a family with kids, this is one of the most excellent places to swim and relax in Aegina.

Perdika Beach

Like the Marathonas beach but slightly more basic in terms of infrastructure, Perdika is another great option for swimming in Aegina. It is popular among families, and you should expect it to be full during the summertime.

Moni Beach

If you’d like to reach the beach of Moni, you’ll need to take the small boat from Perdika. It takes just a couple of minutes to reach Moni, which is a small, standalone island. Moni island belongs to a local monastery, and it’s one of the most picturesque places you’ll find in Aegina. It might be tight to visit Moni Beach if you are on a day trip to Aegina; however, if you plan to spend a night or two on the island, don’t miss it.

Klidi or Klima Beach

Klidi or Klima beach lies on the very south of the island, at the road’s end. While you would expect it to be a beautiful isolated beach, mass tourism made it to Klima. The beach is full of sunbeds. However, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Aegina, and if you have a car, I highly recommend visiting it.

Vagia beach

Vagia is one more organized beach located in a small settlement on the quiet edge of Aegina. It’s also ideal for families.

Troulos

Troulos is an isolated beach with great views. It is close to Vagia and has become one of my favorite beaches in Aegina. However, make sure to bring provisions if you’d like to spend several hours there.

Agia Marina Beach

Agia Marina is the busiest beach on the island, and it is usually full. Located in the second biggest settlement of Aegina, that’s a beach frequented by youngsters and people living on this side of Aegina. You can combine a dip in Agia Marina before or after exploring the settlement.

Souvala

This is another organized beach located in the small port of Souvala. Very close to Souvala Port, you’ll find a smaller beach with natural thermal springs. Ask the locals for guidance; it is supposed to treat rheumatic pains.

Other things to do in Aegina

Aegina has numerous things to see -and plenty of others to enjoy. If you’re on a day trip to Aegina, you won’t probably have enough time to see and do everything. Therefore, for daytrippers, I recommend not to miss the first place mentioned on this list. On the other hand, if you spend a couple of days on the island, make sure to do in Aegina as much as possible.

Visit the Temple of Aphaia

If you can only fit one thing on your Aegina vacation, then this should be it. The iconic temple of Aphaia is an ancient temple dating back to 500 BC, and you’ll be impressed by how well-preserved it is. This was also the prototype for the Parthenon, so if you have already visited the Acropolis of Athens, you will see how similar they are.

The temple of Aphaia enjoys incredible views over the whole Saronic Gulf, the nearby islands, and, on a clear day, Athens. The road leading to the temple will expose you to the island’s beauty. It’s a must for every lover of Greek antiquity and definitely the most stunning location to visit in Aegina. Don’t miss it.

Visit the temple of Apollo in Aegina

Temples dedicated to Apollo can be found all over Greece (like in Delphi or Corinth). There’s also a temple dedicated to Apollo in Aegina, and it’s actually close to the port. You can easily visit the temple of Apollo in Aegina if you take the road starting from the port and head towards Kolona Beach.

The hill of Kolona served as the island’s Acropolis for thousands of years. It was a sacred place, and the temple of Apollo was its landmark. Unfortunately, only one column survives today. Historians claim that the temple features 11 columns in length and another 6 in width.

The temple of Ellanios Zeus

The temple of Ellanios Zeus is one more landmark dating back to Greek antiquity. Located in Mount Ellanio, approximately 8 kilometers away from Aegina town, the temple was one of the most iconic buildings of the era. However, nowadays, there’s only a wall from the Hellenistic period to see on-site and a staircase to the sanctuary. If you decide to visit the temple of Ellanios Zeus, though, the spectacular sea views will reward you.

The house of Nikos Kazantzakis in Aegina

Everybody knows Zorba the Greek; however, most people tend to ignore that its writer, Nikos Kazantzakis loved Aegina and spent a significant amount of time here. The house of Kazantzakis is not open to the public. However, it deserves a visit if you search for inspiration or traditional Greek images. You can recognize the house by the blue shutters, and his name is also engraved on a stone. If you’d like to visit it, it’s just a short walk from the port (see Kazantzakis’ house on Google Maps here).

Taste the world-famous pistachios of Aegina

One of the unique things you’ll find in Aegina is its pistachios. The Aegina pistachios are very different from the ones you’ll find elsewhere in the world. It’s a rare variety, and most of the pistachio trees of Aegina are on the island’s western side. For many people, their unique taste has to do with the pistachio trees’ proximity to the sea. However, oddly enough, the pistachios of Aegina are a tad sweeter than other varieties.

You can find pistachio sellers everywhere on the island, and apart from tasting them, it’s a great idea to bring some packages back home for family and friends. More than 800 tons of Aegina pistachios (or fistiki) are produced every year on the island, so make sure to buy a kilo or two for you and your loved ones.

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Aegina

Apart from its exhibits, what makes the Archaeological Museum of Aegina unique is the fact that this was the first museum to be established in Greece. Dating back to 1829, the museum showcases several items from prehistoric times.

Stroll around Aegina town (and watch a movie)

The town of Aegina feels pretty big for an island this size. However, its streets are picturesque and local life unfolds in every corner. You will see plenty of beautiful side streets, stop at the fish market, and enjoy the promenade next to the sea.

Plus, if you visit Aegina during the summer, make sure to watch a movie in the island’s three open-air cinemas.

Agios Nektarios Monastery

The Agios Nektarios Monastery holds a special place in Greek religion. Saint Nektarios is an iconic figure for the locals due to his miracles. Today, the monastery attracts pilgrims from all over the globe. It is halfway between Aigina town and Agia Marina.

Explore Paleochora, Aegina

Exploring the settlement of Paleochora is one of the best things to do in Aegina. Paleochora was where the locals could hide from pirates, and it served as the island’s capital until the 19th century. Today you can only see ruins; however, the place has a mystical atmosphere, and strolling around this old settlement is a unique experience.

Organized tours to Aegina

Before heading over to the budget, I thought of sharing a section with organized tours to Aegina. While it’s easy to visit Aegina on your own, these day trips offer a different kind of experience. That said, if you prefer having someone guiding you around or you daydream about visiting a Greek island on a sailing yacht, here, you might find what you’re looking for.

The affordable tour. On this day trip to Aegina, you’ll visit your guide in the port of Piraeus. Then, you’ll embark on the ferry, and your guide will walk you through every place of interest in Aegina. You’ll stroll around the streets, and you’ll learn past stories and visit the Kolona archaeological site. That’s a small group tour, so you will also meet some like-minded travelers.

The private tour. Similar to the above day trip, this tour is different in group size. It will be just you (and your friends) who meet a guide at the port and sail to Aegina by ferry. It’s definitely more pricey, but you’ll have more flexibility on what to see.

The luxurious tour. Embark on a sailing yacht and spend a day in the Saronic Gulf. This private full-day cruise will bring you (and your friends) to Aegina on a luxurious yacht. Swim and snorkel in the turquoise water before heading to every place of interest on the island. Pricey but unforgettable.

How to budget for Aegina

Aegina is a relatively cheap destination all year long. Its proximity to Athens and the fact that many Athenians prefer to live in Aegina and commute daily to the Greek capital has kept the prices down. However, you should expect higher prices (as everywhere in Greece) during the high season.

That said if you’d like to budget for a short vacation to Aegina, here’s what to expect.

1. You’ll have to pay approx. 25 euros for a return ticket with the ferry. If you book in advance, the ferry companies run some promotional fares that go down even to half. Therefore, you might be able to find a return ticket to Egina for 12-14 euros.
2. Renting a car in Aegina costs approximately 30 euros per day. There’s also a bus on the island, and the tickets are cheap—just a couple of euros.
3. Most hotels charge between 50 and 70 euros to stay overnight in a double room in Aegina. Check out the accommodations I mentioned earlier: they are some of the best on the island.
4. Eating in the local tavernas won’t cost that much. You should expect to pay 15-20 euros per person for a main dish and a beer or homemade wine. Ordering fish will definitely raise the bill, so keep an eye on the prices.
5. The bars are priced pretty much like in Athens (beers for 5 euros, cocktails from 7-8 euros).
6. Finally, if you visit Aegina during the summertime, don’t miss the chance to watch a movie in one of the open-air cinemas (8-9 euros). Their atmosphere is magnificent, and the films are always in the original version with Greek subtitles.

It doesn’t matter which time of year you visit Greece: just check the weather forecast, and if it stays sunny, don’t miss the chance to visit Aegina.

More about Aegina: Sea in a bag & A vast reminder of childhood

Extra: Aegean Airlines Business Class Review

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Last Updated on June 18, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos