AeginaArgo-Saronic Islands · Greece

All About Aegina

The island of Aegina is so close to Athens that on a clear day, you can see it on the horizon. Sitting only 16.5 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus, Aegina is a favorite weekend escape for Athenians and also a wonderful getaway for those wishing to enjoy traditional island living. For such a small island, it is packed with many interesting sights and areas of natural beauty, including a famous ancient Doric temple, a must-visit monastery, family-friendly beaches, and plenty of seaside tavernas to whet your appetite. Whether you take a day trip to Aegina or wish to spend your whole vacation there, don’t forget to pick up some local pistachios – known for being the best in the world! Taking a ferry to Aegina is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets.
 

Routes and Ferries to Aegina

When you book your ferry tickets to Aegina with Ferryscanner, you can choose from two options: either the regular ferry, which takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes with 2WayFerries, or ANES Ferries. Alternatively, you can take the faster hydrofoil with Aegean Flying Dolphins for a 40-minute trip. There are at least 15 ferry crossings to Aegina every day from the port of Piraeus at regular intervals with various companies so you can plan when to travel with great ease.

Once on Aegina, you also have access to the other nearby Argo-Saronic islands which you can visit by catching a ferry from the town harbor. Choose from adorable Agistri, aristocratic Hydra, cosmopolitan Spetses, or pretty Poros and be back in Aegina just in time for dinner.

As Aegina has no airport, your only option is to travel there by sea, so if you are flying into Athens International Airport, you can either take the X96 shuttle bus to the port of Piraeus or catch the direct train from the terminal. Otherwise, take a taxi from the airport for a more comfortable journey.
 

Ports of Aegina

Aegina actually has 3 ports that connect it with the mainland and the nearby islands. The main port of Aegina is located on the northwest side and is only a few away on foot from the bustling town, which is full of restaurants, cafés, hotels, and shops.

The port of Souvala is located on the north side and is also used as an arrival and departure point for seasonal ferries from Piraeus and the surrounding islands. The port of Agia Marina to the northeast is a small settlement and very close to the Temple of Aphaia. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Aegina.
 

Capital & Villages

Escape the busy harbor town as you enjoy a wander through quaint little fishing villages, tranquil inland settlements, and remote mountain retreats with phenomenal vistas. Discover pine-forested hamlets and tiny villages set amongst pistachio and olive groves as you explore the island’s rich landscape.

Aegina Town

The hub of island life, Aegina Town is simply referred to as ‘the center’ by the locals because of all the activity that goes on there. Walk around it in less than an hour, stopping to admire its lovely waterfront location, its neoclassical buildings, and inviting seaview taverns and cafés. Check out the small church of Panagitsa, the 17th-century Markellos Tower, the historic Governor’s Residence (once home to the first Greek mint), and the House of Kazantzakis, the famous Cretan author.

Agia Marina

During the summer months, Agia Marina attracts many tourists because of its wide, sandy beach. Surrounded by a huge pine forest, it is also close to the impressive Temple of Aphaia, which stands overlooking the Saronic Gulf from 160 meters above. Built between 500-490 BCE, the temple is part of Greece’s ‘sacred triangles’, which are said to line up perfectly with the Parthenon in Athens and the temples of Poseidon in Sounion and Delphi Apollo.

Kypseli

Just 3km from the port, Kypseli is the second largest village on the island and dates back to ancient times, with the church of Agios Nikolaos built on the ruins of an ancient theater. The village boasts beautiful neoclassical buildings and the main square features a lovely Byzantine church. Take a step back in time to the days when the villagers were sponge-divers, sailors, or farmers as you admire its lush gardens of almond and pistachio trees.

Pachia Rachi

Once the main village on the slopes of Mount Oros, Pachia Rachi has been proclaimed a traditional settlement by the Greek Ministry of Culture. Many of its abandoned stone houses have now been restored, making it a magical place to visit. More like an open-air museum, no vehicles are allowed in the village and as yet, there are no shops, giving it a very serene feel. The church of Agios Dionysios with its large bell tower and the blue dome is a pretty landmark while the Cultural Association is housed in the old village school.

Perdika

Reach Perdika after a 9km coastal drive from the harbor, if only to take in its breathtaking views, narrow picturesque streets, and Cycladic-style whitewashed houses. A famous haunt for fresh fish lovers at its numerous taverns, its promenade is also the ideal place to people-watch. After an iced Greek coffee, wander up to the Church of Agios Sostis on the peninsula or hop on a 10-minute boat ride to the uninhabited island of Moni, where you may spot peacocks, deer, and wild goats.
 

Best Beaches

Regular visitors to Aegina know that there is a large selection of beautiful beaches – some are well known and some they would rather keep a secret. From cosmopolitan hangouts for the yachting crowd to more secluded bays for those seeking peace and quiet, there is a beach for everyone in Aegina.

Agia Marina Beach

Agia Marina is a large organized beach where you can lounge under your umbrella on a sunbed all day or try out some exciting watersports. The shallow waters and shady pine trees make it a popular family beach where you can also enjoy tasting the local cuisine in one of its seafront restaurants.

Souvala Beach

The small village of Souvala is located just 10km north of the main town of Aegina and boasts a nice beach of both sand and pebbles. Known for its hot and cold springs, many consider a dip in its healing waters to be therapeutic for a range of skin conditions.

Marathonas Beach

Marathonas beach combines wonderful sea views with welcoming fresh fish taverns, just 4km outside of Aegina town. The organized facilities allow you to enjoy the deep blue sea and traditional island vibes and it’s the perfect spot to do some underwater exploration by snorkeling and diving.

Portes Beach

If you seek total seclusion, Portes beach offers exactly that with its tranquil pine-tree setting. A little bit tricky to access by car with its steep decline, only a few houses and a tavern can be found there, enabling you to indulge in a day of total calmness and tranquillity away from the summer crowds.

Vagia Beach

Take the coast road east of Souvala to the small settlement of Vagia, a picturesque port with a sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. Its beauty lies in its quintessential simplicity and you can’t ask for a more iconic Greek beach than this one.
 

Transportation Around Aegina

Aegina is quite a large island and is therefore too big to discover entirely on foot. The local KTEL buses can take you to most of the popular destinations for very cheap, with regular departures from the central bus stop at National Revolution Square. Otherwise, you can always rent a motorbike or ATV but bear in mind that the roads aren’t very wide and you will need to drive very carefully. You can also enjoy an extra treat by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride along the main harbor.