Aegina Island, a gem in the Saronic Gulf, offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of Athens. With its laid-back vibe, rich history, and beautiful landscapes, Aegina is perfect for those looking to unwind and soak in the slower pace of island life.
Access and Getting Around
Located just an hour’s ferry ride from Athens and Piraeus port, Aegina is easily accessible for both locals and tourists. The island is small enough to explore by renting a scooter, bike, or car.
Public buses also connect the main villages and beaches, making it convenient to get around.
You can book your ferry tickets and support my site here:
Rich History
Aegina is steeped in history, with several significant sites to explore:
• Temple of Aphaia: an ancient sanctuary located on the island, dedicated to the goddess Aphaia, who was worshipped as a local deity associated with fertility and the harvest. The temple dates back to the early 5th century BC and is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Greek architecture.
Angel’s tip: This well-preserved temple is part of the “Sacred Triangle” of ancient temples, along with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. This triangle is believed to reflect a balance of land, sea, and divine protection, connecting major religious and cultural sites in the region.
• Archaeological Museum of Aegina: Situated near the ancient site of Kolona, this museum provides valuable insights into the island’s rich past. Did you know that Aegina served as a temporary capital of Greece for a brief period during 1827-1829?
• St. Nektarios Monastery: A major pilgrimage site dedicated to one of Greece’s most revered saints, this monastery is a peaceful retreat that attracts visitors from all over.
Stroll Around Aegina Town
Aegina Town features a picturesque harbor lined with traditional buildings and a bustling market offering fresh produce and local goods. Key attractions include the Archaeological Museum and the Christos Kapralos Museum.
Pistachio Capital
Aegina is renowned for its high-quality pistachios, considered among the best in the world. Be sure to sample them during your visit or take some home as a souvenir. The Aegina Fistiki Fest, held annually in September, celebrates the island’s pistachio harvest with local products, music, and cultural events.
Charming Villages
Apart from Aegina Town, several villages showcase the island’s culture and lifestyle but have in mind that all the nightlife is mainly in town:
- Perdika: A scenic fishing village known for its fresh seafood tavernas and beautiful sea views.
- Agia Marina: A lively (old) resorts area famous for its sandy beach.
- Souvala: A tranquil village with a pebbly beach and natural hot springs.
- Vagia: Close to the Temple of Aphaia, this peaceful village offers a serene beach.
- Pachia Rachi: A traditional mountain village with stunning island and sea views.
- Mesagros: Known for pottery and crafts, this inland village is near the Monastery of Saint Nektarios.
- Palaiochora: The abandoned medieval capital, rich in history with numerous churches among the ruins.
- Anitseo: A small, traditional inland village, offering a quiet escape from touristy areas.
Beautiful Beaches
Aegina boasts a variety of beaches catering to different tastes:
- Klima beach: A pebbly beach with a nice beach bar and cocktails.
- Agia Marina Beach: Popular for families, with sandy shores and shallow waters.
- Portes beach: Known for its clear waters and peaceful ambiance.
- Sarpa beach: Located near Perdika, famous for its sandy shore and turquoise waters.
- Marathonas Beach: Close to Aegina Town, featuring clear waters, a beach bar and nice sunsets.
- Souvala Beach: Known for its pebbly shore and hot springs, offering a quieter atmosphere.
- Perdika Beach: Picturesque with crystal-clear waters and traditional tavernas.
- Aeginitissa Beach: A peaceful spot surrounded by greenery.
- Kavouropetra Beach: A rocky beach ideal for snorkeling.
- Moni Island: Accessible by boat, it features unspoiled beaches and wildlife. The usual schedule is from Perdika port in Aegina with duration 10 minutes. Angel’s tip: No need to book in advance as they depart every 30 minutes from Perdika during the summer season. You can find boats from Aegina town too.
Angel’s tip: Beach bars like Bocampo beach bar, Klima beach bar, The Beach House, Fyki Beach Bar, and Moni Beach Bar are perfect for drinks and relaxation.
Food Scene
Aegina is known for its delicious local cuisine, particularly fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes. Recommended restaurants include:
• Skotadis: Famous for its seafood, it is my favorite! Angel’s tip: during summer, there is a terrace upstairs with nice views and more relaxed and private atmosphere.
- Steki tou Kinigou: A great choice for meat lovers at the mountain.
- Tholos: A restaurant locals prefer in Agia Marina.
- Kavouropetra: Renowned for its fish dishes and stunning views next to the sea. I really enjoyed it!
- Kappos Etsi: Offers a variety of Greek cuisine.
- Remetzo and Nondas: Known for their fish in Perdika.
- Maridaki: A great place for traditional meals.
- Il Posto: For Italian fare.
- Aiakeio: Perfect for sweets, try the pistachio ice cream flavors.
Nightlife
Aegina Island offers a charming and laid-back nightlife, making it a great destination for those looking to enjoy a relaxing evening by the sea. While it may not have the bustling nightlife of larger Greek islands like Mykonos or Santorini, Aegina provides a pleasant atmosphere with various options for evening entertainment in its port/town.
The charming streets of Aegina Town are perfect for a leisurely evening stroll. Enjoy the ambiance of the island, with its historic architecture and vibrant flowers, while exploring shops and cafés that stay open late.
Angel’s tip: my favorite bar with a great garden and delicious cocktails is “Perdikiotika-Sto vathos kipos” .
*Check my Aegina highlight and posts for more*
IG: angeliki.a_