The Aegina Island is one of the most popular and beautiful tourist place as it is the closest island to Athens (only 16.5 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus). On this post, we will introduce you all about Aegina island such as where is it, how to get to this charming island, things to do and see, what to do all day, map, photos, most popular beaches, villages of Aegina island, where to stay, cheap and luxury hotels and more.
Aegina is an idyllic Greek island very close to Athens, thus a very popular destination for quick getaways. Belonging to the Saronic group of islands, Aegina Greece has many archaeological monuments, picturesque villages, and beautiful beaches! The center of the island is Aegina Town, the picturesque capital of Aegina. Boasting elegant Neoclassical buildings, narrow alleys and a bustling seafront promenade, Aegina Town is perfect for summer strolls!
History of Aegina Island
Aegina is also an island with glorious historical past, as it used to be one of the most important islands of ancient Greece, so it’s not a surprise that sightseeing is one of the best things to do in Aegina! The most impressive archaeological site of the island is the Ancient Temple of Athena Aphaia, dating back to the 6th century BC.
Aegina Greece is why it gets very popular as a weekend destination for the Athenians. A place with rich history, Aegina island was a great naval power in the ancient times and a capital of Greece for a short time in 1828. The most popular tourist places is Agia Marina, Souvala and Marathon with relaxing beaches, while very nice is also the seaside village of Perdika. The Town, with the elegant Neoclassical buildings, is a lovely place to stroll along the port promenade and the narrow streets. The most important sight in Aegina Greece is the Ancient Temple of Athena Aphaia, constructed in the 6th century BC. This island is also famous for the large production of pistachios.
Aegina in Greece is a beautiful island only an hour ferry ride from Athens. It has nice family beaches, seaside villages and interesting archaeological sites to visit. A drive around will bring visitors to fantastic places, such as the Ancient Temple of Athena Aphaia, the ghost village of Paleochora with the innumerable churches, the seaside villages of Vagia and Perdika, and so many other secrets to discover. Holidays in Aegina can be combined with a day trip or short vacations to the close island of Agistri, a lovely place for total relaxation.
Holidays all year long in seductive Aegina, Greece Holiday in Aegina Island. So near to the mainland and yet so far, Aegina offers a surprisingly unspoilt escape. Aegina, a small and charming island in the Saronic Gulf, will give you a taste of what you’re missing of all other Greek islands. Though only an hour from Athens by ferry, this place feels worlds away from the megalopolis.
Its long summers and mild winters make it a year-long holiday destination. And it’s surprisingly unspoiled: you’ll find antiquities and traditional tavernas, a port town with a 19th-century atmosphere, beaches for (almost) year-round swimming, deserted Byzantine chapels, pine-clad hills, acres of pistachio orchards and mounds of freshly roasted pistachios. Visit Perdika and you could be in a Cycladic village. Or the Temple of Aphaia and you’ll discover one of Greece’s most memorable sanctuaries.
Where is Aegina island
Aegina (Aigina, Egina, Egine, Ägina) is located 26 km / 16 miles south of Athens. It’s part of the Saronic islands group and can easily be reached within 40 minutes from Piraeus.
Things to do in Aegina island
As the island is small and quiet, things to do in Aegina are limited. The island is ideal for total relaxation at the beach or in the countryside. Swimming in the wonderfully secluded beaches of Aegina is a delight. Enjoy a day under the hot sun and in the afternoon have lunch in the seaside taverns. In the evenings, have a drink in a lounge cafe-bar under the stars.
Another enjoyable activity in Aegina island is hiking. Many old footpaths cross the island and lead to tiny chapels, small settlements, secluded beaches and hilltops with breathtaking view to the sea. Hiking is best in autumn and spring, when the weather is not so hot. In summer, long hiking can be quiet uncomfortable.
A retro ride around Aegina’s town
First explore the old town. But before you set off, don’t forget to buy a bag of those pistachios. If you’re feeling romantic or lazy, you can take a tour in a horse-drawn carriage and be transported instantly into the 19th century. Close to Athens, in the heart of the Saronic Gulf, you’ll enjoy picture-perfect imagery. You’ll pass the dazzling white chapel of Agios Nikolas, brightly painted fishing caiques, some of which double as floating greengrocers, and the fish market with almost as many tavernas as stalls. Make sure you come back here to sample the seafood with a glass of ouzo.
Here and there stand imposing neoclassical buildings and monuments, vestiges from the early post-independence days when Ioannis Kapodistrias, the country’s first governor, made Aegina its capital. Venture into the side streets and you’ll find cafes in shaded courtyards, galleries, and shops selling hand-painted ceramics, clothes and knick-knacks.
The power of Ancient Greece
On your trip to Aegina, you’ll come across the well-preserved columns of the Temple of Aphaia, an ancient temple predating the Parthenon. Rising in a pine forest above the bay of Agia Marina, the peaceful site invites you to sit down, feel the ancient energy of Greece and think back when this temple, Sounion’s temple of Poseidon to the east and the Parthenon formed a hypothetical isosceles triangle, a symbol of the far-reaching might of Athens.
Paleahora: A stroll through mediaeval Aegina
For a glimpse of a more recent era, a stroll along the steep hillside of Paleohora will take you back to Byzantine Aegina. This was the island’s capital, where the islanders moved to be out of sight of the cutthroat pirates that scoured the Aegean. All that is left are the remnants of its many 38 stone chapels. As you explore them, you’ll find yourself scrambling to the top of the hill to see the twin chapel of Saints George and Demetrius where the medieval fortress once stood. The hike is especially delightful in spring when wild flowers carpet the slope.
Agios Nektarios: a place of pilgrimage
Orthodox Christians from all over flock to the 20th- century church of Agios Nektarios to honour Greece’s first modern saint, whose embalmed body is considered miraculous.
A trip to Perdika
No island should be explored solely by land. Charter a yacht or a speedboat at Kalamaki and you can sail into the little fishing port of Perdika in no time. You may only be in the Saronic Gulf, but you’ll think you’ve reached the Cyclades. Whitewashed houses, flower-lined steps, fish tavernas on stilts just like in the postcards. You can even enjoy a second island at the same time, since little Moni, with its emerald waters lies a mere 10 minutes offshore.
Nightlife in Aegina Island
Aegina offers a lively nightlife to cater for both the package holiday hordes and the armies of Athenians who descend on the island every weekend. What can you see in nightlife on Aegina?
The harbourfront of Aegina Town is lined with cafes and tavernas and is a popular place to while away the summer evenings. But you’ll find better value for money if you follow the locals to the ouzeris and tavernas which pack the narrow streets around the fish market. Here you can savour delicious but inexpensive seafood mezedes, cuttlefish and calamari washed down with ouzo or barrel retsina served in metal carafes. Local fishermen discuss the day’s catch amid lines of octopus strung up to dry.
Aiolos is one of the popular restaurants in the island of Aegina, it is actually a small beach tavern. The seafood is all good, but try the octopus meal. Here I have not learned the secret of cooking in a way, they put something in it, but I could not figure out what. Prices are reasonable here, we recommend you to go
Fish Tavern Saronikos is a small traditional Greek tavern with great views. You know Greek foods are the best here! You have to go and try to know. Its service is perfect, its employees are friendly and its handmade wines are enormous. We think you will enjoy being in summer evenings. Prices are reasonable.
Remetzo is among the most popular Greek restaurants on the island of Aegina. Squid can be cooked here both on the grill and in the form of frying. Our recommendation for you will be grilled octopus. If you take your place in the tavern with the sunset towards little Moni island, you can start dinner with a magnificent view and handmade wine.
What to do in Aegina island
The floating greengrocers
Even if you don’t want to buy anything, it will be a feast for your eyes. You won’t find fruit and vegetable sellers like these anywhere else in Greece. It’s a sight worth discovering during your holidays on the island!
The archaeological site of Kolona
The sounds and smells of the Aegean wafted over one of the most important prehistoric settlements in Greece for thousands of years, of which only remains exist today. At the end of the 6th century BC, the hill was transformed into a sanctuary, with the Doric temple to Apollo dominating the site. The monolithic column that formed part of the temple was for years a point of reference for Venetian sailors, who named the area Colonna.
The Christos Kapralos Museum
Just outside the main town, this old studio of one of Greece’s most famous sculptors, houses some of his best-known works and drawings. The bronze portrait of his mother looks out to sea opposite the house, where he summered from 1963-91.
Shopping in Aegina
Aegina Town has many nice shops to offer to visitors, from clothes shops to souvenir and accessorize shops as well as fine jewellery shops and art galleries.
From the capital excellent fresh fish can be bought from the picturesque fish market and fresh vegetables and fruits can be gained from the little shop-boats mooring on the port and selling their products on morning time. Souvenir and accessories shops are also available at Souvala and Agia Marina. Fine ceramics and pots can be found in Mesagros, where they are fabricated, as well as at Aegina Town. The famous pistachios nuts can be bought everywhere on the island, charming every visitor with their incredible taste and their bright colours.
Aegina Sightseeing
Only an hour ferry ride from Athens, Aegina is a nice and relaxing island in the Saronic Gulf. With small fishing villages and lovely beach resorts, it gets very popular as a weekend destination. The small size of the island makes it easy to drive around even in one day and discover the main spots, such as Aegina Town, Perdika, Vagia, Marathon, and Agia Marina. Most famous sightseeing in Aegina includes the ancient Temple of Athena Aphaia, located in the center of the island, the ghost town of Paleochora that remains uninhabited today and the Archaeological Museum in Aegina Town with exhibits from various excavations around the island.
Temple of Athena Aphaia
The Doric temple of Athena Aphaia was built around 420 B.C. on the site of a former temple. It is situated on top of a rock and it was dedicated to goddess Athena. The amazing thing is this temple of Aegina, the temple of Poseidon in Sounion and the Parthenon in Athens geographically form an isosceles triangle.
Temple of Apollo
This ancient temple was dedicated to god Apollo. It is also known as Kolona, because a single column stands there today. This temple is situated in a walking distance from the port of Aegina Town.
Moni Islet
Moni is a small islet opposite the village of Perdika on Aegina. It is not inhabited and has some nice beaches to relax. Excursion boats in summer connect Perdika to Moni.
Archaeological Museum
Founded in 1829, the Archaeological Museum of Aegina was the first museum to be established in the modern Greek State. The museum is housed in a building constructed in 1980 located near the site of Kolona. It hosts a collection of artifacts from the Temple of Aphaia, a statue from the Temple of Apollo and Neolithic pots.
Tower of Markellos
The Tower of Markellos constitutes a landmark of Aegina island and is an edifice of major historical significance. Located near the center of the main town, this impressive pink edifice catches the eye of the visitor with its Venetian architectural style and imposing facade.
House of Nikos Kazantzakis
In the wonderful area of Livadi, 2 km north of the city of Aegina, visitors can admire the house of the renowned Greek writer and philosopher Nikos Kazantzakis. One of the most distinguished and prolific authors of his generation and highly praised for his work and contribution, Kazantzakis stayed in Aegina for major periods of his life, especially during the German occupation.
Wildlife Hospital
This center opened in 1984 and works as a rehabilitation center for wild animals. Even if you aren’t fond of wildlife, a visit to this center would be an interesting experience. It is located close to Pahia Rahi village and many volunteers work there in summer.
Folklore Museum
The Folklore Museum of Aegina is located in the center of the capital town and it houses rare manuscripts, maps, a collection of books, traditional costumes, furniture, and many other items. Cultural events are held in the yard of the museum.
Temple of Ellanios Zeus
This temple of Zeus is located on the slopes of Mount Ellanion. Most of this ancient temple stands in ruins today. A small church is located next to it.
Eunardios School
The Eunardios School of Teaching is a neoclassical building that stands next to the Cathedral of Aegina. It was built in 1830, after a generous donation made by the Swiss banker Eunardios.
Aphaia Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Aphaia is located right next to the ancient temple. It houses remains from the temple and findings from the excavations held there.
Monastery of Chrysoleontissa
This imposing 17th-century monastery is located in a remote part of the island, in its center. It was built there to hide from pirates’ raids.
Aegina Beaches
Most beaches in Aegina are small but organized with tourist facilities. Souvala and Agia Marina are the most popular Aegina beaches, lined up with hotels, taverns and watersports centers. Along the coastline, there are other nice secluded coves and unorganized Aegina beaches to relax. You will find below a list with the best beaches in Aegina island.
Souvala Beach
Souvala is a popular beach resort on the northern side of the island. The picturesque beaches and the crystal water of the region attract many visitors in summer. 9 km north east of Aegina Town.
Marathon Beach
Marathon (or Marathonas) is a nice secluded beach in close distance to Aegina Town. This is a picturesque place that doesn’t usually get crowded. 5 km south east of Aegina Town.
Agia Marina Beach
The sandy beach of Agia Marina is well organized with sun beds, umbrellas and watersports centres. It gets very popular in summer and has many hotels along the beach. 12 km east of Aegina Town.
Perdika Beach
The cosy beach of Perdika is lined by many fish taverns. It is not as tourist developed as other resorts on the island, but still it has some tourist facilities. 10 km south east of Aegina Town.
More about Aegina Island, Greece
Located in the heart of the Saronic Gulf, near the islands of Poros and Agistri, Aegina is one of the most popular islands for quick getaways, thanks to its proximity to Athens! Many ferries from Athens to Aegina depart from Piraeus port and arrive at Aegina in less than an hour.
Agia Marina is the most popular seaside resort in Aegina, while more secluded places to visit are Souvala, Vagia, Marathon, and Perdika. The island’s capital is Aegina Town, on the western side of the Aegina Greece, where also the main port of Aegina also lies. In this colorful little town, you’ll find a great selection of cafes, restaurants, traditional taverns, shops, especially along its bustling waterfront.
As for Aegina beaches, they may not be many, but they are enticingly beautiful! Most of the island’s beaches are small, but organized with many facilities! The best Aegina beaches are Souvala beach, Agia Marina beach, and Marathon beach. Around most of these beaches, you’ll also find a selection of Aegina hotels, seaside taverns and beach bars. But, if you’re into more secluded beaches, there are many of them along the island’s coastline!
Sightseeing is one of the must things to do in Aegina! The most popular ancient monument in Aegina is, hands down, the Temple of Athena Aphaia, a Doric temple sitting in the center of the island. Other important sites, apart from the Temple of Athena Aphaia, are the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Ellanios Zeus.
Getting around Aegina by local transport
Numerous outfits hire out vehicles. Prices start from €35 per day for cars, €17 for a 50cc motorcycle and €8 for bicycles. Buses from Aegina Town run several times a day on three routes across the island. Departure times are displayed outside the ticket office on Plateia Ethnegersias (Ethnegersias Sq); you must buy tickets there.
Aegina Villages
The main village of the island is Aegina Town, which serves as the capital and main port of the island. There are also lovely tourist resorts on the island, such as Souvala and Agia Marina, and picturesque fishing villages, such as Perdika. Along the inland, small villages spring up on the slopes of hills. Some hotels and accommodation are located around these villages.
Aegina Town
Aegina Town is located on the western side of the island and it is the capital of the island and the first capital of the Greek State. Its long history, the lovely port and the picturesque nature attract many summer visitors to the island.
Perdika
Perdika is a picturesque, seaside village on the southern side of the island. Excursion boats connect Perdika to the opposite island of Moni in summer. 10 km south east of Aegina Town.
Agia Marina
Agia Marina is a tourist resort on the eastern side of the island with many facilities. It gets very popular in summer. 12 km east of Aegina Town.
Paleohora
Paleochora is the old capital of the island. It is located close to the temple of Aphaia and the village is not inhabited today. Paleochora was gradually abandoned when the modern capital of the island was inhabited. 7 km east of Aegina Town.
Mesagros
Mesagros is a traditional village in the island of Aegina, on the way to the Temple of Athena Aphaia. This village has a long tradition in pottery. 10 km east of Aegina Town.
Eat & Drink in Aegina
Where to eat and drink in Aegina? As this is among the most popular islands in Greece, visitors will find a lot of restaurants, taverns, cafeterias, and bars on the island of Aegina. The majority of taverns are located in Aegina Town, Agia Marina, Souvala, Marathon, Perdika and Vagia. Do not miss the seafood dishes as most tavern owners in Aegina buy fresh fish from local fishermen. Most bars and clubs are found in Aegina Town and Agia Marina, while a lot of beach bars stay open until late at night.
Are you looking for places to eat and drink in Aegina island? Here are some interesting suggestions to have a meal or dinner, enjoy a relaxing coffee and spend the night out in Aegina. If you have visited any of these places, feel free to leave your feedback or upload their photos, if you have.
Kappos Etsi
Kappos Etsi has been an integral part of Aegina’s food culture since 2009 and recently was relocated in a stone building, right in the heart of the island. In one of the most picturesque side streets of Aegina, guests are guided into a realm of Greek cuisine, blending traditional ingredients and cooking techniques with a modern flair for artistic dishes to tempt every palate.
Avli
Avlí is a pleasant, laid-back place, which you can visit any time of day for a drink or meal. Breakfast choices, snacks and a limited menu of Greek dishes, pasta, pizza and salads are served in an attractive courtyard with climbing plants and urns.
Floisvos
Located in the waterfront of Aegina Town, Floisvos is a fish tavern with Mediterranean, Greek, grill and vegetarian cuisine and also seafood on the BBQ.
Kavourina
In a beautiful corner of the Aegina city, you will find Kavourina. Situated on the road that leads to the archaeological site of Kolona, just some meters away from the sea, this restaurant has become famous for its beautiful sea view, its flavors and its family atmosphere.
Kriton Gefseis
Kriton Gefseis is a musical meze and raki restaurant, one of the most renowned in the center of Aegina. A carefully decorated space, famous for its special treats and for the friendly and kind staff that makes the customers feel like home. Cuisine and music from Crete and all over Greece guarantee to leave the restaurant satisfied.
Nontas
Welcome to Nontas fish restaurant in Aegina Greece, famous for its location by the sea, its friendly service and its seafood and fish delicacies!
Pantarei
Panta Rei restaurant- bar is located at the port of Aegina and is open early in the morning to prepare breakfast, Mediterranean and Greek cuisine snacks as possible. After lunch, there are also refreshing cocktails and music specialties by DJs or live performances of music bands.
Remetzo
At Remetzo one can find generous portions of fresh well-cooked seafood in a friendly environment and with an amazing view. All materials are carefully selected to give the taste of Greek cuisine‘s authenticity and a reason to make this restaurant a favorite.
Remvi
An all-day bar serving some of the best coffee in Aegina. Special food menu for the lovers of pasta, salads, burgers and sandwiches. The sunset view relaxes the mind and body, especially while sipping a glass of wine or a signature cocktail. Moreover, DJ guest events are hosted every week.
Venus Pizza
An Italian restaurant that operates as a multivenue; a pizza house that offers authentic Italian crunchy pizzas, tasteful pasta and fresh salads to satisfy even the most demanding appetite for lunch or dinner but also can delivery the dreamy dishes in the comfort of the customer’s home and host any kind of celebration events. Furthermore, there is a catering service available for events in other venues on Aegina island and animateurs for the children parties.
The Best Time to Visit Aegina
Aegina weather: Aegina has a Mediterranean climate, consisting of mild winters and dry, hot summers. Springtime is particularly enjoyable in Aegina since the fertile island gets covered with abundant vegetation and the temperatures become just perfect. Autumn is also very pleasant for visiting the island, the days are still sunny and clear and the temperatures quite mild. Aegina has the driest climate of all the islands of the Saronic Gulf and water is provided from wells and springs. Sometimes it has to be carried from the mainland of Greece by special water boats.
Average Air & Sea Temperature in Aegina in °C
The warmest month in Aegina is july. The average daily temp is 32.5°C. The average nightly temp is 25.3°C.
Where to stay in Aegina
There are many convenient places for a holiday stay in Aegina. Aegina Town has many accommodations, while if you need something close to the beach, have a look at Aegina hotels and studios in Agia Marina, Vagia, and Souvala.
10 Hotels in Perdika
- Lalibay Resort & Spa | booking
- Perdika Mare Guesthouse & Café | booking | hotelscombined
- Alvi Studios | booking | hotelscombined
- Aegina Bed & Culture | booking | hotelscombined
- Villa Rodanthos | booking | hotelscombined
- Thea Villas Aegina | booking | hotelscombined
- Angelina Boutique Escape | booking | hotelscombined
- Aelia Villa | booking | hotelscombined
- To Spitaki House | booking | hotelscombined
- Aeginia Complex | booking | hotelscombined
Accommodation in Aegina
You will find below our selection with the best hotels on Aegina island! Want to see more? View all hotels in Aegina.
10 Hotels in Aegina Town
- Hotel Aegina | booking | hotelscombined
- Danae Hotel | booking | hotelscombined
- Hotel Marmarinos | booking | hotelscombined
- Miranta Hotel | booking | hotelscombined
- Hotel Klonos | booking
- Hotel Avra | booking | hotelscombined
- Klonos Anna | booking | hotelscombined
- Hotel Rastoni | booking | hotelscombined
- Hotel Areti | booking | hotelscombined
- Ulrika | booking | hotelscombined
How to get to Aegina Island
Travel to Aegina island, Greece: Aegina is one of the most popular one-day-trip destinations among the Athenians, since it is located relatively close to Athens. On this page, you will find out in which ways you can reach this wonderful island!
How to get to Aegina island by ferry
There is a regular ferry connection between Aegina and Athens. Ferries depart from Piraeus port daily, almost every hour. The trip lasts from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on whether your ferry is a regular or a high speed one. Aegina is also connected by ferry with Agistri and the seaside town of Methana in Peloponnese.
Flights near Aegina
How to get to Aegina island by flights. There is no airport in Aegina. The closest one is Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”, which receives both domestic and international flights all year round. Upon your arrival at the airport of Athens, you need to reach Piraeus port and embark on the ferry that transfers you to Aegina.
