If you are planning to visit Athens but would like a chance to get a taste of the Greek islands, then Aegina, the island closest to Athens, is where you need to be.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about this generally less famous but extremely important island where history, nature, and amazing food all come together in one unforgettable package. Read on to know where to go and what to do to fully enjoy a visit to Aegina!
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Where is Aegina?
Aegina is part of the Argo-Saronic islands. It is located southwest of Piraeus and, like all of the Argo-Saronic islands, is extremely popular with the locals. Aegina is known for its beautiful architecture, vast history, and unparalleled pistachios. Being so close to Athens makes it a prime destination for a quick get-away, which is why the Athenians especially love it so much.
The climate in Aegina is Mediterranean, like in all of Greece. That means mild winters and hot summers. The temperature in Aegina during winter can get as low as 0-5 degrees Celsius, while during summer, it can rise to 35-38 degrees. During heat waves, that temperature can touch 40 degrees. Rain is relatively rare.
The best time to visit Aegina is from May, which is the beginning of summer, to September, which is its end. If you don’t like crowds opting for mid to late May or September is your best bet if you want to be certain that the sea is warm enough to swim.
How to get to Aegina
Aegina is the closest Greek island to Athens, so that means you can be there in under an hour!
Ferries of all types leave from Piraeus’ port and travel times range from 40 to 80 minutes, depending on the vessel type. Because Aegina is so close to Athens, tickets are relatively cheap, ranging from 8 euros to around 20 depending on vessel type.
You can buy your ticket from the ticket offices on the spot or even on the ferry itself if you are late!
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets directly.
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You might also like: How to get from Athens to Aegina.
Tip: You might want to visit Aegina on a boat trip from Athens. Check below the best options:
– From Athens: Boat Tour to Agistri, Aegina with Moni Swimming Stop
– From Athens: Saronic Islands Day Cruise with Lunch & Audio Guide
A Brief History of Aegina
According to legend and ancient mythology, Aegina got its name from the daughter of the god of the river Asopos in Boeotia who was named Aegina.
She caught the eye of Zeus, who fell in love with her and swept her away to an island, at the time, called Oenone. From their union, the first king of Aegina was born Aeacus, who named the island in honor of his mother.
Historically, the island has been inhabited since at least the Minoan times thanks to its strategic position. During ancient times, Aegina became a naval power so strong that when it joined the war against the Persians during the Persian wars, it received high accolades alongside the Athenians.
Later, during the Peloponnesian wars, Aegina sided with the Spartans and lost in the battle against the Athenians. After this, its naval power declined, and the island was mostly deserted.
During Byzantine times, people returned to Aegina and rebuilt it. It also became a favorite base for pirates until the Ottomans completely conquered the island. During the Greek War of Independence in 1821, Aegina joined the fight against the Ottoman Empire, and later upon the establishment of the first modern Greek state, newly liberated, Aegina was chosen as Greece’s first temporary capital. It remained the capital of Greece until 1829.
Aegina is generally associated with Greece’s first Governor (a position equal to President and PM wrapped up in one), Ioannis Kapodistrias, who greatly oversaw building projects on the island that still stand today. After the capital was moved to Nafplion in 1829, Aegina diminished until later in the 20th century, when it experienced a rebirth as a popular, posh vacation destination.
Things to do in Aegina
No matter what type of vacation you are a fan of, Aegina has you covered: from lush natural views to gorgeous beaches to important archaeological and historical sites, you will find something to fascinate you on this beautiful island. And that’s not counting the food and drink! So what should you definitely do while you’re in Aegina?
Hit the archaeological sites
Temple of Aphaia: Sitting proudly on a hill near Aghia Marina, above pine forests, is the magnificent temple of Aphaia. Though initially thought to be dedicated to Zeus, in reality, this temple is dedicated to an obscure fertility goddess called Aphaia, who was worshipped mainly in Aegina. Enjoy magnificent views of the entire Saronic Gulf, an astounding ancient Greek temple that has been standing for 2500 years, and promenades under trees that shield you from the sun.
Temple of Apollo: North of Aegina’s Chora, on a small hill near the port, the temple of Apollo is the first thing you see when you sail into the port of Aegina. Of the temple, only one column remains standing, which is why the locals also call it Kolona, which means “pillar.” This temple is older than the Acropolis of Athens, so as you enjoy the wildflowers that grow among the ruins and the great views, you can think of everyone who walked on the same ground before you.
Temple of Ellanios Zeus: Situated on Mt. Ellanion, the tallest mountain on the island, in the area of Sfirihtres, is the temple of Ellanios Zeus. Despite it being in ruins, it still conveys the sheer magnificence of the structure while also treating you to amazing views.
Walk around Aegina’s Chora
Walking around the main town of Aegina is like walking around an open-air museum. The town is not only gorgeous, full of neoclassical buildings from the early 19th century but also several buildings of immense historical importance, such as the governor’s house (or “Kyverneion”) and the Eynardeion Schoolhouse, which was the first neoclassical building of Greece.
The Tower of Markellos, a 17th-century stunning building that is thought to have been part of the old town’s fortifications and housed the first government of Greece, and more.
Visit the Museums
The Archaeological Museum: The Archaeological Museum of Aegina was founded by Greece’s first governor Ioannis Kapodistrias in 1829. Until 1980 it was housed in the neoclassical building prepared for this purpose, but since then, it has a new, modern building to house its exhibits. You will admire a wide range of artifacts excavated all over the island, especially from the temples of Aphaia and Apollo, from large vases to reliefs, funerary styles, and ancient inscriptions.
The Aphaia Museum: Right next to the temple of Aphaia, you will find the Aphaia museum. Right at the entrance is a full reconstruction of the temple, and further inside, you will find important artifacts, pottery, various tools of the era, and a large part of the temple’s pediment. Because Aphaia was later syncretized with Athena, you will also see replicas of her statues surrounded by warriors.
The Museum of Folklore: In the heart of Aegina’s Chora, in a beautiful neoclassical house of 1828, you will find the Museum of Folklore. Step inside for a trip to the 19th century as the first floor is a reconstructed rendition of a house of the era. The ground floor features several tools and manuscripts, items of daily use, fisherman’s tools, and more.
Christos Kapralos Museum: The Christos Kapralos Museum is dedicated to Christos Kapralos, one of the most important Greek sculptors of the 20th century. You will see various works of his in stone or wood, such as his series Monument to the Combat of Pindos dedicated to the Greco-Italian war during WWII and the Greek Resistance.
Visit Aghios Nektarios’ Monastery
Aghios Nektarios’ monastery is situated 6 km from Aegina’s Chora and is the most important religious site on the island. Founded in the early 20th century, it is one of the biggest Orthodox Christian monasteries in the Balkans.
It attracts many visitors as a pilgrimage site because it is considered miracle-working (Aghios Nektarios was a saint who is said to have performed miracles while still alive). Approaching the complex inspires awe simply due to its sheer size, as well as its craftsmanship.
The views you will be treated to are equally wonderful. Be aware that to enter, you must wear modest clothing (holds for men and women alike).
Visit Paleochora village and castle.
Also dubbed the island ‘Mystras,’ Paleochora Castle sits atop a hill in the area of Mesagros. The village was built in the 9th century, while the castle protecting it was built in 1462 during the period of Venetian rule. The castle was a powerful fortress until it fell under the Turkish pirate Barbarossa.
Within the village, 38 of the legendary 366 churches it contained are preserved with beautiful frescoes to admire. At the top of the hill, the castle ruins will reward you with sweeping, unforgettable views.
Visit Perdika village
9 km south of Aegina’s Chora, you will find the beautiful fisherman’s village of Perdika. The village is extremely picturesque and offers beautiful views as it is built on the slope of a hill. Walk the streets of the village, taking in the colorful houses and traditional atmosphere as you let the peace and tranquility just seep in.
Visit the little island of Moni
Southwest of Aegina, opposite the village of Perdika, there is the wonderful tiny island of Moni. It is uninhabited because there is no water or food to be had. But there are gorgeous, lush, verdant places to visit if you love hiking or climbing. The island has a lot of deer, kri-kri goats, and falcons that you can view if you are patient and quiet! There are also tiny beaches to swim in and beautiful trails to explore. Just make sure you take supplies with you, especially water.
Hit the beaches
Beaches in Aegina are small, beautiful, and mostly organized! They are wonderful to lounge at or use for a quick dunking after walking around all the sites.
Souvala Beach: Located 9 km north of Aegina’s Chora, with golden sand, colorful surroundings, some natural shade, and crystal clear waters, Souvala Beach is one of the most popular ones on the island. It is family-friendly and has all the facilities you’ll need.
Aghia Marina Beach: This beach is 12 km from Aegina’s Chora and is the most well-organized one. Several hotels line it, and there are water sports centers and extra amenities besides sunbeds. The beach itself is sandy with beautiful azure waters.
Marathon Beach: If you’re looking for a secluded beach, Marathon Beach is a good option. It has lush vegetation and beautiful sand and rarely gets crowded.
Perdika Beach: Perdika Beach near Perdika village is known for its fish taverns and emerald waters. It has an untamed beauty of nature kissing the waters.
Try the local pistachios.
Once at Aegina, you mustn’t miss trying the world-renowned local Aegina pistachios! They are shelled, offered roasted or raw, salted or unsalted. These pistachios are considered the best in the world thanks to the unique variety, called “koilarati”, brought to Aegina from Iran in the mid-19th century, and the special circumstances of the island’s richness in calcium carbonate and near-constant dryness under the Greek sun.
It’s these circumstances that give the Aegina pistachios their unique taste, so make sure you sample them! Just be advised that nobody can eat just one.