Top 6 Things to Do in Aegina Island, Greece

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Spending a day in Aegina Island, Greece should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Read on for the best things to do in Aegina, an unspoiled Greek island in the Aegean Sea.

During my first visit to Greece, I wanted to experience a real Greek island.

After some online research I stumbled upon Aegina, the closest island to the mainland, but despite that (or maybe because of that) one that has remained immune to mass tourism.

Less than one hour from Athens, Aegina Island receives mainly Greek weekend visitors or foreigners on a day trip.

And, contrary to other Greek islands, it preserves all the charm of authentic Greece.

 

Read more:

• 8 Best Day Trips from Athens
• 1 Day in Athens Itinerary: The Best Things to Do in Athens in One Day
• Top 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Greece

 

Getting to Aegina Island from Athens

They say it’s about the journey, not the destination. And when it comes to the Saronic Gulf this couldn’t be any truer.

I took the ferry from the port of Piraeus, in Athens, to Aegina Island early in the morning.

I traveled with Nova Ferries, but there are other ferry lines connecting Athens to Aegina at almost every hour.

You can check the timetable and buy your ticket online or at the ticket offices on the quay as I did. If you’re late, you can also buy your ticket directly on the ferry.

All ferries from Piraeus to Aegina depart from Gate E8. The trip takes between 1 and 1,5 hours and costs around 9 euros depending on the ferry line.

You can also get to Aegina by flying dolphins, which are faster (and more expensive). But I would recommend taking the ferry instead so you can admire the gorgeous views over the Aegean Sea.

Being an island girl myself, I’m used to traveling by water. But this was definitely one of the most enjoyable sailing experiences I can remember.

Alternatively, you can join a guided day trip to Aegina Island here.

 

Things to do in Aegina

#1 Explore Aegina town

I arrive at the port of Aegina and find my way to the main town, which is still relatively calm at this hour, even though it’s Saturday and the sun is shining.

I walk along the pier, colored by small fishing boats and tanned fishermen, until the church of Agios Nikolaos, considered the protector saint of sailormen.

On the opposite side, a row of small cafes and restaurants contemplates the busy harbor.

I make my way back through narrow and picturesque streets, filled with little tavernas, markets, and handicraft shops.

Save at least an hour or two to stroll around Aegina town, mingle with the locals and contemplate the Greek way of life.

 

#2 Enjoy the views from Koloni

From Aegina town, walk past the port and the first beach until you reach the small hill known as Koloni.

I enter the archaeological site and wander for a while through the ruins.

There’s also a small museum that tells the story of ancient Aegina, when the island was an important sea power and the major rival of the neighboring state of Athens.

Finally, I climb up to what was once a temple to Apollo. Here I can enjoy the true reason for my visit: the splendorous view over Aegina town, the beautiful beach on the opposite side and the Aegean Sea.

Believe me, when I tell you, this is what paradise looks like.

 

#3 Visit the Temple of Aphaia

After a Greek salad facing the beach for lunch, I take a taxi to the Temple of Aphaia in the middle of the island. There’s also a bus from Aegina town to the sanctuary.

This beautiful Doric temple dedicated to the goddess Aphaia is Aegina’s top attraction and one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Greece.

Even if you’re not so interested in ancient history, the spectacular views of Aegina island and across the Saronic Gulf to the mainland make this place worthy of a visit.

 

#4 Relax at Agia Marina

My last stop is Agia Marina, the most popular beach town on Aegina Island.

The walk from the Temple of Aphaia down to Agia Marina takes me almost one hour, with regular pauses to contemplate the stunning views along the way.

Finally, I arrive at what looks like a ghost town.

Almost all shops, restaurants, and cafes are closed and Agia Marina seems completely empty on this warm Saturday of May.

Except for its long sandy beach (the longest on the island) where everyone seems to gather, and a beach bar.

I pick a spot in the sand to leave my things and, without delay, take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea.

To be honest the beach is ok, but not the best I’ve seen around Aegina. Nevertheless, it’s still a nice place to relax and have a swim.

 

#5 Taste the best pistachios in the world

Back to Aegina town, I scroll the colorful pedestrian streets one more time in search of the best pistachios in the world.

Greece is the first pistachio producer in Europe and the sixth worldwide, with the small island of Aegina alone producing more than 600 tonnes of pistachios a year.

The soil and dry climate of this idyllic Greek island produce the protected Fistiki Aiginis variety (literally meaning pistachio of Aegina), considered the best in the world in terms of taste and quality.

So you can’t possibly leave Aegina without tasting its famous (and delicious!) pistachios.

You can find them in shops all around town and should definitely take a couple of bags back home with you as a souvenir.

 

#6 Admire a stunning sunset over the Aegean Sea

With my bag of pistachios and my salty skin, I take the last ferry from Aegina island to Athens for one final treat: a spectacular sunset over the Aegean Sea.

 

Where to stay for visiting Aegina island

Intercontinental Athenaeum Athens

During my trip to Athens and the island of Aegina, Greece, I stayed at the gorgeous Intercontinental Athenaeum Athens. This was one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in!

The Intercontinental Athenaeum Athens is the perfect place to splurge yourself after a day exploring Athens or Aegina island. My classic room was enormous and super comfortable, the staff always very warm and helpful, and the breakfast and dining options simply delicious.

The hotel is located outside Athens city center, but it does offer a complimentary shuttle bus to Syntagma square and return, several times per day, so you only need to worry about having a great time.

Click here for more info and booking.

 

Aegina Island is what Greece is all about. If you’re visiting Athens, you should definitely consider taking a day trip to Aegina or even spending a couple of days on this unspoiled Greek island.

Either way, this list of things to do in Aegina is a great starting point to explore all this small island has to offer.

 

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More travel tips

Travel Insurance

SafetyWing – Travel insurance is very important and you should never leave home without it! I use and recommend SafetyWing travel medical insurance for travelers, remote workers, and nomads.

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Cheap flights

Looking for the best airfare deals? Skyscanner is my favorite travel search engine for finding cheap flights around the world. They also offer price tracking and alerts to help you secure the best deals.

 

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, Booking.com is the best site out there. From hotels to apartments, resorts, villas, B&B, and guest houses, it offers the best prices for accommodation all over the world. I book the majority of my stays through them.

 

Yoga Retreats

Looking for a yoga retreat near home or in an exotic destination? BookYogaRetreats offers the best yoga retreats, holidays, and courses around the world for all budgets and levels of experience.

 

Tours

GetYourGuide is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.

Klook is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.

 

Car Rentals

Rentalcars.com is a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.

 

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Have you been to Aegina Island? What would you add to this list of things to do in Aegina? Share in the comments section below!

 

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