If you are looking for the best things to do on Aegina Island, you have come to the right place.
Located in the Saronic Gulf just a short ferry ride from Athens, this vibrant island is the perfect escape for a quick day trip or a relaxing weekend.
As a Greek living right here in Athens, Aegina is my personal go-to getaway.
I have put together this local guide to help you plan your time perfectly, covering everything from world-class ancient temples to the hidden coastal spots most tourists completely miss.
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Aegina at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Distance from Athens | ~31 km (~19 miles) from Piraeus Port |
| Ferry Duration | 40 mins (hydrofoil) to 1 hour 15 mins (ferry) |
| Best Beaches | Agia Marina (organized), Moni Islet (wild), Marathonas (family-friendly) |
| Best Historical Site | Temple of Aphaia (5th-century BCE masterpiece) |
| Best Village | Perdika (for authentic fishing-village charm & sunset views) |
| Recommended Stay | 2–3 days (perfect for a mix of sightseeing and beach relaxation) |
What are the Best Things to Do on Aegina Island?
Enjoy Aegina’s Beaches
While Aegina’s shorelines might not have the global fame of Mykonos or Milos, the water here is exceptionally clean, emerald-clear, and perfect for swimming.
If you want to spend your afternoon relaxing by the sea and having a long lunch at a traditional waterfront tavern, here is a breakdown of the top coastal spots:
Marathonas A: It is just a 10-minute drive or local bus ride southwest of the main Aegina port, and a highly popular, family-oriented beach.
Parts of the beach are organized with sunbeds and umbrellas.
Marathonas B Beach: This is my personal preference between the two adjacent bays.
It is significantly smaller, with fine sand and draws fewer crowds.
Aegina Fyki Beach: Located 8 km (~5 miles) from Aegina Port, this is one I always look forward to visiting.
The Fyki Beach Bar operates in a beautiful, sheltered cove tucked among native trees. Right across the road, there is an excellent restaurant-bar serving meals and cocktails by the water.
During high season, a set of sunbeds and umbrellas costs €20-€25.
Agia Marina Beach: Located on the eastern coast of the island, this is a massive, blue-flag-awarded sandy beach.
It is partially organized with only 2 to 3 local taverns and beach bars, preserving a relaxed feel.
Because the waters here are shallow and warm, it is very heavily frequented by families with young kids.
If you prefer deep, quiet waters, skip this one; but if you have children, they will love it.
Klima Beach: Tucked away down south, Klima is easily one of the prettiest spots on the island.
It’s got a great mix of soft sand and smooth pebbles, and the emerald water here is insanely clear.
It’s fully organized, so you can grab a sunbed, open an umbrella, and order a cold drink from the beach bar.
Souvala Beach: If you want a totally different vibe, head to Souvala. Locals love it for its rocky, mineral-rich thermal waters.
It’s got a couple of awesome, no-nonsense seaside taverns serving up serious fish, and because it’s particularly popular with locals, you’ll mostly hear Greek spoken around you.
Vagia Beach: Located way out on the northeast coast, Vagia is a pretty, completely unspoiled sandy beach.
There’s a super laid-back beach bar on-site, and it is definitely worth the drive if you just want to escape the busier crowds over by the main port.
Discover the Archaeological Sites on Aegina Island
Aegina was a massive maritime power and a formidable city-state in Ancient Greece, frequently acting as a major political rival to Athens.
Because of this rich history, there are some incredible archaeological treasures that you can visit.
The Temple of Aphaia
Perched on a pine-covered hill near Agia Marina, the Temple of Aphaia is an absolute must-see.
Built way back in the 5th century BCE, it is actually one of the best-preserved ancient Doric temples in the entire country.
Interestingly, if you look at a map, it forms a perfect geometric “sacred triangle” across the sea with the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon down in Sounio, although historians debate whether this was intentional.
The site is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and a ticket costs €10.
The cool part? That same ticket gets you into the small, on-site archaeological museum.
If you’re a fan of ancient history, this place easily holds its own against the impressive Temple of Hephaestus in Athens’ Ancient Agora.
You can easily walk to the archaeological site of Kolona right from the main ferry harbor.
Today, the only major structure still standing from the 6th-century BC Temple of Apollo is a single, solitary Doric pillar (known locally as Kolona), alongside the excavated layers of a prehistoric town.
The site is open daily in the summer from 10:00 to 17:30, and entry is €10.
Your ticket includes admission to the accompanying Archaeological Museum of Kolona, which houses a collection of local excavation finds ranging from prehistoric pottery to medieval artifacts.
The Temple of Hellanios Zeus
For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, head to Mount Ellanio (532 m / 1,745 ft). It is located roughly 8 km (~5 miles / 26,246 ft) from the main Aegina port, following the road toward Pachia Rachi and Anitsaio.
At the rugged summit, a short hike leads to the 13th-century Byzantine church of Agios Taxiarchis, built directly over the ruins of an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Zeus Hellanios.
What you can see today:
- A wide, ancient stone staircase
- Two historic water channels
- Substantial 4th-century BC masonry walls.
Aegina is considered one of the best day trips from Athens!
Explore Paleochora Medieval Village
Often referred to as the “Mystras of Aegina,” Paleochora is an abandoned medieval ghost village and stands as one of the most captivating hiking areas on Aegina island.
Local citizens originally founded the village in 896 AD, intentionally building it high up in the hills to shelter themselves from relentless pirate raids along the coast.
It served as the island’s capital and flourished for centuries until 1537, when the notorious pirate Barbarossa launched a brutal assault, burning the entire village to the ground.
Miraculously, Barbarossa spared the stone churches, which still stand completely intact among the ruins today.
Local rumors often claim that Paleochora once had 365 churches—one for every day of the year. In reality, there were about 50, and today, 33 remain standing.
Every single Byzantine church is dedicated to a different saint, and you can find their names written on small plates outside each doorway.
You can always book an Aegina – Walking Tour at Paleochora if you do not want to organize the trip yourself.
From my visit: The entrance to Paleochora is completely free, but the uphill walking trails are entirely unshaded, dry, and rough.
I strongly advise avoiding this hike during the scorching summer midday hours between 11:30 and 16:00, as the exposed stone ruins trap and radiate intense heat.
I hiked Paleochora in April 2026 and here is the video you can watch about the hike.
Visit the Religious Sites on Aegina
Aegina Monastery of Agios Nektarios
Saint Nektarios Monastery is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Greece and attracts thousands of visitors every year. KTEL buses run every day to the Monastery.
Within walking distance, you can also find Paleochora and the Monasteries of Saint Gerasimos and Saint Catherine.
Dress Code Tip: Please avoid short skirts or shorts and prefer longer skirts that cover your knees and shoulders if you are a female, and wear a shirt and long trousers (pants) if you are a male.
Agios Nektarios would provide you with a skirt to cover up if you do not have one with you.
Walk around the Ancient Elaionas
You can find the ancient Elaionas (olive grove) area in Aegina, only 2 km away from the beach Marathon B in the valley at the feet of Oros Mt.
The age of some of the older ones is estimated at up to 1500 years (totally amazing!).
Besides the large olive trees, you will also find the chapels of Agia Kyriaki, Agios Georgios, and Agia Triada with the old tank.
Hike Aegina’s Signposted Trails
Aegina covers about 85 square kilometers (~33 sq. miles) of awesome rugged terrain, rolling hills, and pine forests. If you love to hike, you’re in luck.
The island has a great network of signposted trails called the Paths of Culture (Monopatia tis Physis – Μονοπάτια της Φύσης) that take you through untouched nature reserves and historic spots. You can easily download the official map online.
Here are two top trails to check out (along with Perachora and Ellanios peak):
Chrysoleontissa Monastery Trail: A 6 km (~3.7 miles) easy-to-moderate loop with a few steep uphill stretches that reward you with sweeping panoramic views of the gulf. The trail sits just 2 km (~1.2 miles) from Agios Nektarios, making it easy to combine both stops.
Sfentouri to Eleonas: A super easy 3 km (~1.8 miles) walk with a gentle 40-meter (~131 feet) climb. It starts in Sfentouri, a cliffside village with whitewashed houses that look straight out of the Cyclades.
Perdika Village
Perdika is hands down the most beautiful coastal village on Aegina.
It’s an old-school fishing village built around a crescent-shaped harbor, featuring a small sandy beach on one side and a wide, rocky shoreline on the other.
The village is famous for its elevated pedestrian walkway, packed with fish taverns (psarotavernes) serving up the day’s catch right over the water.
While yachts and catamarans regularly drop anchor in the calm marina, giving it a bit of a cosmopolitan, sailing-hub vibe, Perdika still keeps its authentic, old-world charm.
One of the best things to do here is just wander through the narrow, whitewashed alleys to see what the island looked like decades ago.
Great place to stay in Perdika: Absolute Perdika Aegina House!
Discover the Uninhabited Moni Islet
To reach the tiny, uninhabited island of Moni right across the channel, head down to the Perdika docks and hop on one of the small, traditional wooden water taxis.
They run every half hour from April to October, with the first boat running at 10.00 am, with a €7 round trip cost.
After a quick 15-minute boat ride, you’ll step out into a total natural paradise. You can also take the boat straight from Aegina town to Moni.
The catch is that you should always go back from the port you used, either Aegina town or Perdika, and not combine them.
Moni has a great little organized beach bar complete with sunbeds, umbrellas, cold drinks, and light snacks. But the real reason you come here is the wild neighbors.
The island has zero human residents, but it’s completely packed with free-roaming peacocks and wild Cretan mountain goats called kri-kri (κρι-κρι).
Taste World Famous Fystiki (pistachio)
Aegina is world-famous for its award-winning PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) pistachios, known locally as fystiki.
Thanks to a mix of dry volcanic soil, salty sea air, and intense sunshine, these nuts have a rich, slightly sweet flavor that totally blows away anything you buy at a regular grocery store.
When you’re exploring the main town, you have to stop by Aiakeon, the oldest and most iconic pastry shop right on the main port promenade.
Their artisanal pistachio ice cream is legendary—it’s slightly salted, packed with rich caramelized nuts, and hits a whole new level if you ask for a drizzle of dark chocolate on top.
What Else Should You See on Aegina?
Markellos Tower: Right in the middle of Aegina Town, you can’t miss this striking, salmon-pink Venetian tower built in 1802.
It’s a huge piece of history, serving as the actual headquarters for the revolutionary Greek government back during the War of Independence in 1821.
The Lighthouse of Bouzas: Located about a kilometer (~0.6 miles) north of the main harbor, this historic stone lighthouse is one of the best spots on the island to sit back and watch the sunset drop into the Saronic Gulf.
The Christos Kapralos Museum: Found in the Plakakia district of Aegina Town, it used to be the private workshop of the famous Greek sculptor Christos Kapralos.
Today, it holds an amazing collection of his massive terracotta, wood, and bronze sculptures.
Where Best to Stay on Aegina Island
Aegina Town: If it’s your first time visiting, I highly recommend staying right in the main town. It’s picturesque, full of tiny back alleys, historic neoclassical buildings, and a lively harbor front packed with cafes, bars, and taverns.
A killer mid-range, family-friendly choice here is Fistikies Holiday Apartments. It’s tucked far enough back from the harbor noise to give you total peace, has an awesome pool, and is still just a short walk from all the shops and ferries.
Perdika Village: If you’re looking for a quieter, more romantic vibe, the fishing village of Perdika is an amazing runner-up.
Check out Absolute Perdika Aegina House—it’s a bright, beautifully decorated holiday home that easily sleeps up to 6 guests and serves up panoramic sea views in a super peaceful neighborhood.
Read my post on the best hotels in Aegina for more options!
Best Guided Tours in Aegina
I have discovered some unique tours that I believe you will immensely enjoy on Aegina. Check them out and book the one best for you!
- From Athens: Aegina Island guided tour in a day
- Aegina Ceramics Class – learn the magic of this art, be inspired & create!
- Aegina – Walking Tour At Paleochora
Best Taverns on Aegina Island
Dining here is a whole different experience if you know where to look. Skip the basic tourist menus and hunt for traditional dishes.
Definitely try the local pistachios in all their forms (cakes, cookies, spreads, and honey), but also look out for local fish native to the Saronic, and handmade wild green or spinach pies.
Pair your dinner with classic white wines from central Greece, like Roditis (ροδίτης) or Savvatiano (σαββατιανό).
The Fish Market Ouzeris (Aegina Town): For the ultimate authentic Greek experience, walk right behind the main covered fish market stalls in the center of town. You’ll find old-school taverns tucked away where you can sit right next to the seafood displays.
Order a cold carafe of ouzo and a bunch of mezedes (μεζέδες – small plates) like grilled octopus, marinated anchovies, and fried local fish.
Ammos Tavern: Right on Marathonas Beach, this is a fantastic spot for high-quality Mediterranean food and fresh seafood, where you can eat with your feet literally in the sand.
Thymari Restaurant: Tucked away near Agia Marina beach, it specializes in upscale, creative Mediterranean and seafood dishes.
Stratigos Tavern: Hidden deep in the back alleys of Aegina town, this local favorite serves up unbelievable, authentic Greek comfort food and slow-cooked traditional staples (mageirefta – μαγειρευτά).
Ready to expand your journey beyond this destination? Explore our Greek island hopping guide to seamlessly link your favorite Aegean spots.
FAQ on Aegina Sightseeing
Is Aegina worth visiting?
Yes! Athenians pop to Aegina all the time because they love the ouzo shops (so do I !) by the Aegina waterfront and the fish mezedes (tapas).
It is so popular because you can visit a beautiful Greek island in an hour from Athens and spend a great full day or do island hopping and visit Agistri, Poros, Methana, Hydra or Spetses islands!
What is Aegina known for?
The island is known as a great ancient city-state and maritime power of ancient Greece, and often an opponent of Athens.
Aegina minted some of the earliest and most influential silver coins in the Greek world, known as the “turtle coins.”
The coins were found all over Greece as well as in Persia, Egypt, and southern Italy.
What does the word Aegina mean?
Aegina was the name of a nymph who was kidnapped by Zeus and taken to an uninhabited island. She gave birth to a son, Aiakos, who asked his father, Zeus, to turn the ants into humans because it was very lonely on the island. Zeus did so, and the Myrmidon tribe was created.
How to Get Around Aegina
Aegina is the second-biggest island in the Saronic Gulf, right after Salamina Greece.
There are public buses on Aegina that you can pick up from the port but I always get around a new area with a rental car as it offers the freedom to explore an area at my own pace.
Road Taxis: The taxi square is located outside the port.
Water Taxis: The water taxis transfer you from one beach to another or any other place you would like to visit, a fun way to travel on any Greek island.
Check out my flying versus ferries to the Greek islands!
Are there beaches suitable for families in Aegina?
Yes, Agia Marina Beach and Marathonas Beach are family-friendly options with calm waters and amenities.
How long does it take to tour the main attractions in Aegina?
Aegina can be explored in a day, but for a more relaxed experience, consider spending 2 to 3 days to fully enjoy the island’s beauty and attractions.
Is it safe for a solo female to travel to Aegina?
Aegina is generally considered very safe for solo female travelers, as is much of Greece, though normal travel precautions always apply.
When is Best to Go to Aegina?
How to get to Aegina
Ferry Boats depart daily from E8 Gate in Piraeus port and reach the main port of Aegina in about 1 hour and 10′. The ferries from Piraeus also go to Souvala and Agia Marina ports.
You can choose between the larger vessels that can carry passengers, cars, and motorbikes and much faster Flying Dolphins which carry only passengers and no vehicles.
Aegina is connected with ferries to Agistri, Poros, Methana, Hydra, and Spetses.
The Saronics are the easiest islands to reach from Athens, but should you stick to the boat for these short trips? See my comparison of Greek island transport for the full scoop.
Should I take a horse carriage tour?
When you get off the ferry, you’ll see a long line of traditional horse-drawn carriages offering rides around town.
I strongly ask you not to support this business. In the peak summer months, these horses stand for hours on baking asphalt in the intense heat, looking visibly exhausted and thirsty. Please choose to explore the town on foot or use ethical local transport instead.
Useful Info/tel for Aegina Island
- Ambulance +302297020100 & https://aeginahospital.gr
- Police +30 2297022100
- Port +30 2297025734
- Municipality +30 2297320011
- There are plenty of ATMs and banks on Aegina, so getting cash out should be no problem at all. In addition, most shops/ restaurants accept all major credit cards so you will not have any problem with purchasing items or your food.
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Happy and safe travels,
Evgenia
How to get to Athens Port (Piraeus) from Athens Airport
- Bus: If you are arriving at Athens International Airport you can travel straight to the port by taking the X96 express bus (€5.5, children <6 yo, free entrance), which departs every 40 minutes and the average trip lasts 1 hour – runs 24/7. X93 will take you to Athens center.
- Metro: (€9) is easily found across airport arrivals (blue line – M3) going directly to Piraeus port. The average trip to Piraeus lasts 1 hour.
- Taxis are available in front of the airport (around €45 to Athens, €55 to Piraeus (depending on the traffic in Kifisos), and take up to 3 or 4 people with small luggage)
- Rent a car with Discover Cars for reliable, new cars at affordable prices
- You don’t like driving but love hassle-free solutions? Book a Private transfer with an English-speaking driver from Athens International Airport to Piraeus Ferries, or anywhere else in Greece.
Plan Your Next Trip to Greece With These Resources
- Greece Packing List – What to pack for a 10-day trip to Greece
- Mamma Mia Greece Locations – All the mainland and island shooting areas in Greece
- Salamina Island – So close to Athens, so unknown to the mass tourism
Essential Travel to Greece Info
- ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Ya sou” and “Efharisto”
- Booking.com: I use Booking.com mostly for Europe.
- All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece
- Rent an Affordable Car in Greece
- Athens Metro Website (timetables and ticket info)
- Trains (Hellenic Train)
- Public Buses KTEL
- Get Your Guide: For all your day or multi-day tours and city guide needs, I use Get Your Guide
- Emergency Numbers Anywhere in Greece: AMBULANCE 166 – FIRE 199 – POLICE 100– EMERGENCY NUMBER 112
Interesting to hear about Aegina from someone who’s been there. The history is really interesting. I read that they got the silver for their coins from the mines on Sifnos. I did the hike to them one time.
Yes, it does have a lot of historical sites to visit. You are absolutely right, Sifnos was a very rich island back in the 6th c BC, had a lot of gold and silver mining going on and a good amount of the produce went to Aegina and Poros islands. Thanks for the comment!