How to Organize a Day Trip to Aegina from Athens
Going on a day trip to Aegina from Athens is a great idea! This charming island is just a quick 30-mile (50 km) ferry ride away from the Greek capital.
Aegina is a perfect destination if you’re looking to escape the city chaos. It’s got a cute town, impressive ancient ruins, some old monasteries, and pretty decent beaches with crystal blue waters.
But what really makes Aegina special? The island’s got a relaxed vibe and the locals are friendly. If you’re after an easy to reach, authentic island experience, Aegina is the place to be!
How to Get to Aegina from Athens
Ferries from Piraeus
Getting to Aegina is fairly easy, especially if you’re traveling alone. Just catch a ferry from Athens to Aegina, and depending on the boat you pick, the ride can last anywhere between 40 and 85 minutes.
All the ferries to Aegina leave from Athens’ Piraeus port. You can go to the port with a taxi, hop on the metro, or catch a bus. The metro lines 1 and 3 conveniently link Athens city center with the port. You can go directly from Athens International Airport to Piraeus on Line 3 every 30 minutes.
Ferries are extremely frequent, with trips every 30 to 60 minutes from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Aegina’s main port is right in the heart of Aegina Town. To avoid possible delays and queues, we suggest you buy your ticket in advance at Ferryhopper.
Organized Tours to Aegina
If planning isn’t your thing, hopping on one of those organized tours to Aegina island is the way to go. Sure, you won’t have much time to soak up the atmosphere, but at least everything’s taken care of and you can meet fellow travelers.
Most of these tours also stop by the tiny Agistri and Moni islands. Imagine spending a whole day on a wooden boat, tasting a delicious Greek buffet lunch, and sipping on unlimited drinks.
And if you’re on a rush and want to discover more book this tour that takes you to three Saronic islands: Hydra, Poros and Aegina. Buffet lunch included!
What to Do in Aegina
Explore Aegina Town
The first thing you should do in Aegina is taking a stroll around Aegina Town. Situated on the island’s western coast, it boasts a quaint 19th-century city center.
Upon arrival, you will see the Chapel of St. Nicholas on the seafront. Continue your walk along the coast to the local market of Aegina Town. We always shop in Mourtzis Pistachio and Traditional Sweets. They have the best pistachios in the country!
After exploring Aegina Market, go back to the seafront and head north to the Temple of Apollo. If time permits, enjoy the serene atmosphere of Paralia Avra Beach.
Visit the Tower of Markellos
The Tower of Markellos stands as the sole vestige of Aegina’s Venetian past, which lasted over a century. While the exact construction date remains unclear, it is thought to be a part of the 17th-century fortifications.
Following the Greek Revolution of 1821, Aegina became the capital of the independent state of Greece. Markellos Tower was the governor’s residence.
Today, the tower is accessible only on special occasions, such as festivals and exhibitions. Nonetheless, you can spend time admiring its exterior and taking photos of the surrounding square.
Visit the Temple of Aphaia
You can’t skip the incredible Temple of Aphaia on your visit to Aegina. You’ll be happy to know that it is the oldest surviving temple in Greece.
Dating back to approximately 480 BC, it forms an integral part of the revered ancient triangle alongside the Parthenon of Athens and the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion. We’ve been to the three and can attest to their beauty.
Despite the passage of time, 25 of the original 32 pillars are still standing. The archaeological site is fenced off, and there is an entrance fee. Don’t rush and check out the onsite small museum next to the temple.
Visit the Monastery of Saint Nektarios
The Saint Nektarios Monastery is the largest and most important religious building on Aegina. Since it’s on the route leading to the Temple of Aphaia, you can explore both sites in a single visit.
The monastery was established in 1904 by Nektarios, the bishop of Pentapolis. Nektarios lived in the monastery for 13 years! He is buried under a tree next to the church.
Take note that there are two churches within the imposing monastery. The original cell of the bishop is now a chapel, and a new grand church dedicated to Saint Nektarios is still under construction.
Hit the Beach
We live in Greece, and we’ve visited countless islands. We have to be honest: Aegina’s beaches do not compete with the likes of Crete or Rhodes. However, pretty they are and you can unwind and bask in the sun.
Marathonas earns the local consensus as Aegina’s best beach, boasting two sections: Marathonas A and Marathonas B. We love the latter one. It’s longer, more picturesque, and has a trendy beach bar.
Aegina has nice urban beaches. To the north lies Souvala, while heading east gets you to Agia Marina. Both feature golden sand that integrate seamlessly into their respective towns.
Try Delicious Greek Cuisine
We firmly believe that Greek cuisine stands out as the finest in all of Europe. The richness of its dishes, the use of fresh ingredients, and the preservation of centuries old recipes are the reasons behind its global acclaim.
For those seeking the best culinary experiences on the island, we suggest checking the area around the market in Aegina town. Our favorites include Ouzeri o Skotadis along the seafront and Kriton Gefsis on P. Irioti Street, the latter hosting live Greek music.
We love walking about trying fresh fish, seafood, and a local pastry enriched with sesame, pistachio and honey. The last time we visited in winter, we drank tsipouro and ouzo. Locals prepare some of the best Greek spirits we’ve ever tried.
Where to Stay in Aegina
The majority of the island’s hotels are in or around Aegina Town. Our personal favorite is the stylish Nikolaou Residence, to the north. This charming old house boasts an even more beautiful garden. Please note that there is a minimum stay of 2 nights during low season, and of 4 nights during the high season.
If you rather stay right in the heart of town, Hotel Aegina is an excellent choice. It’s a cute property with only four rooms. Every room has a private bathroom and a balcony or patio. The second-floor rooms offer breathtaking views.
Another interesting option is the Aeginitikon Arhontikon Stylish Boutique Hotel. The late 17th-century mansion overlooks the square and Markellos Tower. The property’s lounge has the original ceilings and antique furniture.
When to Visit Aegina
Aegina enjoys splendid weather throughout the year. Average daily temperatures range from 9 °C (48 °F) in January to 27 °C (81 °F) in the peak summer months of July and August. Sunny days are frequent, and rainfall is minimal, mostly during the winter months.
For beach enthusiasts, the summer months, particularly from June to September, are ideal, although the sea can be a bit chilly. Be prepared for larger crowds during this period.
We believe spring and fall are the best seasons to explore Aegina. The temperatures are pleasant, the sun always shines, and there aren’t that many tourists. Winter is also a great time to visit Aegina. You’ll find many cafes and restaurants open.
Moving around the Island
The most convenient mode of transportation on Aegina is by car. You can either rent a car or hire a taxi. Taxis on Aegina are relatively inexpensive, but it’s essential to negotiate the fare in advance.
While public buses connect Aegina Town with Souvala, Agia Marina, and Marathonas, they operate infrequently. Buses heading to Agia Marina stop near the Temple of Aphaia and the Monastery of Saint Nektarios. You can check the timetable for more details.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, we recommend renting a bicycle. You can rent your bike near the port. The easiest route is along the northern coast, while the road to Saint Nektarios and Aphaia is hilly. However, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views.
