Posted by The island of Aegina is the most important and largest of the Saronic Islands. Aegina has an area of a good 80 km² and almost 15,000 inhabitants. No other island in Greece has such good ferry connections as Aegina. From the port of Piraeus near Athens, there are 1-2 ferries to Aegina per hour during the day. Many wealthy Athenians have a house on the island. In an hour by boat you can travel from the hectic city of five million to a completely different, quiet and peaceful environment.
The northern half (facing Athens) is particularly densely populated. Around 10,000, or two thirds, of Aegina’s inhabitants live in the capital, Aegina Town. Many tourists, especially Brits, spend their holidays in Agina Marina on the other side of the island. There are some interesting sights on Aegina. The archaeological excavations and a monastery are particularly popular with holidaymakers. Aegina is the ideal island for tourists who want to spend their holidays in Athens and take a day trip to one of the Greek islands. Many Athenians also come for a day, especially at the weekend. Then the island is very crowded. If you have the choice, it is better to visit Aegina during the week. It is worth staying on the island for a few days, there is a lot to discover on the island of Aegina. You can also spend your holiday on Aegina and take one or more day trips to Athens.
There are various great day trips from Athens to the Saronic Islands such as Aegina (also several islands in one boat tour): >>> More information and booking at Getyourguide
The island of Aegina was already inhabited in very early history, in the Minoan Bronze Age. In ancient Greece, Aegina was a significant power factor, especially in the war with the Persians. In modern times, Aegina had its heyday in 1828. Athens was still occupied by the Turks and little Aegina was the capital of Greece for a few months.
Aegina is the island of pistachios. You can see pistachio trees all over the island. About four percent of all pistachios in the world are grown on Aegina. However, you cannot eat the small stone fruits from the tree. They have to be roasted and salted before they are edible. Olive cultivation and fishing also take place on the island. The largest industry, however, is tourism, with 80% of tourists being Greek.
Important towns on the island of Aegina
Aegina Town
The main town and only town on the island is simply called Aegina Town. It is a beautiful little town that has largely retained its tranquil character despite mass tourism.
If you go right from the ferry dock, you will come to the fishing and yacht harbor. The nice old town of Aegina is around this harbor. In the narrow streets you will find shops and good taverns. Delicious and inexpensive food can be found in the Klimataria tavern, for example.
If you go left from the ferry dock, after about 50 meters you will come to the bus station on the island of Aegina. About 200 meters further on you will reach an interesting excavation with a museum (entrance fee 3 euros). It is a Doric village from the 6th century BC. The excavation is located on a small hill (Kolona Hill). A single column still stands upright on the summit. Because it can be seen from a great distance, the column has become a landmark of the island.
If you have a lot of money, you can also take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through Aegina Town. Horses and coachmen wait for passengers every day opposite the harbor.
Agia Marina
The tourist resort on the other side of the island is popular with foreigners. In contrast to Aegina Town, there are good beaches right in the town. It is a typical Greek tourist resort with little flair. The pubs, bars and restaurants are mainly aimed at English beach tourists. The hotels in Agia Marina are significantly cheaper than those in Aegina Town. Beach lovers in particular should consider Agia Marina as a base. The bus to the capital runs every hour in summer and takes just 30 minutes.
Agios Nektarios Monastery
A monastery with a large domed church in the interior of the island of Aegina that is absolutely worth seeing. The monastery complex is located halfway between Aegina town and Agia Marina. The main road goes right past it, all buses stop here.
Paliochora
Paliochora (translated Old Town) is the ancient capital of the island. The remains of Paliochora can be visited. The place has not been inhabited for about 200 years. Visitors are particularly impressed by the at least 20 old churches of Paliochora. Paliochora can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes from the monastery of Agios Nektarios.
Aphaia Temple
Extremely well-preserved temple from the 6th century BC. The mighty complex on the top of a mountain can be seen from far away and is the most popular tourist destination on Aegina. From up here you also have a great view of Aegina, the Saronic Sea, the mainland and other islands. The bus from Aegina Town to Agia Marina also stops here. This means that you can easily combine the monastery, the ruins of Paliochora and the Aphia Temple into a day trip with the public bus. From Agia Marina you can also hike to the temple.
Perdika
One of the few places in the south. From the small fishing village there are excursion boats to the tiny island of Moni (good beaches and short hiking trails).
Souvala
Souvala is a place in the north of Aegina with many villas of rich Athenians in the area. There are no particularly good beaches in Souvala.
Ferries to the island of Aegina
All year round there are ferries from Piraeus to Aegina Town at least every hour. There are large, around 100 meter long car ferries with a journey time of around 65 minutes and a fare of 10 euros (one way). There are also about the same number of fast ferries that make the crossing in under 45 minutes, but they are more expensive. In the season (around June to September) there are also direct ferries from Piraeus to Agia Marina and Souvala (around 3-4 per day).
There are also several daily ferry connections to other Saronic islands such as Agistri, Poros, Hydra and Spetses.
From Athens there is a very good day trip on a small cruise ship. In one day you can visit three Saronic islands, Aegina, Hydra and Poros. Lunch and the bus transfer from the hotel in Athens to the port are already included in the price. More information and booking
Buses on the island of Aegina
Overall, the bus network on Aegina is very well developed. In summer, buses run every hour from Aegina town to Agia Marina (with stops at the Agios Nektarios monastery and the Aphaia temple in both directions). There are also about eight buses a day to Souvala and Perdika. The bus fares are cheap – all routes cost between one and two euros.
Accommodation
Most hotels and guesthouses are in Aegina Town and Agia Marina. If you just want to see the island, it’s better to stay in the town. If you want a good beach as part of your holiday, Agia Marina is a better place to stay. The hotels in Agia Marina are also much cheaper.
You can book all hotels cheaply on Booking.com:
The Rachel Hotel in Agia Marina is very popular and cheap. In the low season you can get good double rooms here for 25-35 euros. If you would rather have a studio (1-room apartment) with a small kitchen, the Sylvia Studios in Agia Marina are a good choice. Even in summer you won’t pay more than 40 euros.
In Aegina Town, the Aeginitiko Archontiko is a very interesting place to stay. Well-known people such as the writer Nikos Kazantzakis have stayed in the stylish historic villa hotel. The Danae Hotel, about 1 km away behind the Kolona hill, has a good swimming pool and an extensive breakfast (buffet).
These are just a few examples. On Booking.com you can find over 100 other accommodations on the island of Aegina, some of which are very inexpensive.
Smaller but great sights on Aegina
Temple of Zeus Ellanios
This ancient site on Mount Ellanio is rarely crowded. Although only ruins remain, the panoramic views over Aegina and the Saronic Gulf are breathtaking, especially at sunset. The hike up the mountain is a peaceful adventure through nature.
Perdika Village
Perdika is a picturesque fishing village with narrow streets, whitewashed houses and cozy seaside tavernas. The nearby island of Moni, a short boat ride away, is perfect for a secluded swim and is known for its free-roaming deer and peacocks.
Aegina Ancient Olive Grove
Near the village of Pachia Rachi, this ancient olive grove is home to trees said to be over a thousand years old. It is a tranquil place for a nature walk and offers a unique insight into Aegina’s agricultural heritage.
Agios Nektarios Monastery Aegina
Although it is one of Aegina’s main attractions, the quiet paths around the monastery seem like a hidden gem, especially if you visit early or late in the day. The peaceful gardens and the nearby hill with caves for meditation make this area very special.
Paliachora Aegina
Known as Aegina’s “Mystras”, this abandoned medieval village has over 30 churches scattered across a hill. It is a peaceful place with historical ruins, beautiful landscapes and scenic views of the surrounding area.
Kipos
This is a small, quiet beach away from the main tourist areas. Kipos has clear waters and is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a peaceful place to swim and relax.
Sfendouri Forest
This pine forest near Marathonas beach is perfect for nature walks and hikes. The area is shaded and offers various paths leading to viewpoints and hidden coves – ideal for anyone wanting to experience Aegina’s natural beauty.
Kolona Aegina
Located near Aegina town, Kolona is both an archaeological site and a beach. You can explore the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo before going for a swim at the adjacent beach, which is usually less crowded than others on the island.
Livadi Aegina
A lesser-known beach surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, Livadi has a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for picnics and a quiet day by the sea.
Pistachio Farms on Aegina
Aegina is famous for its pistachios and visiting a local farm to see how they are grown offers an authentic insight into local life. Many farms offer tours and tastings where you can try fresh pistachios and other homemade products.
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