Top Things to Do in Aegina

Aegina is the nearest sizeable island to Piraeus, the port of Athens, and that closeness is a big part of its appeal. Ferries make the crossing in well under an hour, so you can leave the city in the morning, spend the day exploring, and be back for dinner. Yet the island has enough going on to justify a longer stay. It has ancient history, a working agricultural tradition, quiet fishing villages and a lively harbour town. Here are the experiences worth planning around.

Visit the Temple of Aphaia

The Temple of Aphaia is the island's most famous monument and one of the best-preserved Doric temples in Greece. It stands on a pine-covered hill in the north-east of Aegina, with views across the Saronic Gulf towards the mountains of the Peloponnese and Attica. The temple was dedicated to Aphaia, a local goddess associated with the island, and it dates to the early fifth century BC. Many of its sculptures, which once decorated the pediments, are now in the Glyptothek in Munich, but the columns and the setting are very much worth seeing in person.

Allow an hour or so for the visit, and go early or later in the afternoon if you can. Midday in summer is hot, and there is little shade on the approach. Comfortable shoes are a good idea, as the paths are uneven in places. Check locally for current visiting arrangements, since these can change.

Advertisement

Taste Aegina's Famous Pistachios

Aegina is well known across Greece for its pistachios, which have been grown on the island for generations. The nuts are green, flavourful and used in everything from sweets to savoury dishes. You will see them sold in small shops and market stalls, often in simple paper bags, and many local producers offer tastings. Pistachio pastries and sweets are also common in bakeries, so it is easy to sample them throughout your visit.

If you enjoy food, look for the local pistachio baklava and other honey-based desserts. A bag of unsalted or lightly roasted nuts makes a good souvenir to take back on the ferry.

Explore the Harbour Town

Aegina Town, the island's main settlement, sits around a busy harbour lined with cafes, tavernas and ice cream shops. It is the place where most ferries arrive, and it has a lively, unhurried atmosphere through the day and into the evening. Stroll along the waterfront, watch the fishing boats come and go, and take time to wander the older streets behind the harbour. The town has a mix of neoclassical buildings and more modest island houses, reflecting its role as Greece's first capital in the early nineteenth century.

Seafood is the natural choice for lunch or dinner here. Ask what the fishermen have brought in that day, and order a few small plates to share.

Relax in Perdika

Perdika is a small fishing village on the south-west coast of Aegina, a short drive from the main town. It has a relaxed, almost sleepy character, with a few colourful boats moored along the quay and a handful of tavernas serving grilled fish and fresh salads. It is an ideal base for a slower stay, and a good place to end the day with a meal by the water.

From Perdika you can take a short boat trip to the Moni islet, a small island that is home to a nature reserve and was used for many years as a place of refuge for wildlife. Boats usually run from the village in season, and the crossing is brief. Check locally for current departure times and availability, as these depend on the time of year and the weather.

Visit the Agios Nektarios Monastery

The monastery of Agios Nektarios is one of the most important religious sites on the island. Saint Nektarios of Aegina, who lived and worked here in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, is widely revered across Greece and beyond. The monastery complex is set in a peaceful, green location, and visitors are welcome to see the church and its surroundings. Dress modestly, keep your voice low, and follow any guidance posted on site.

Enjoy the Beaches and Coastline

Aegina has a range of beaches, from sandy stretches with shallow water to quieter pebbly coves. Many are along the south and west coasts, and several are reachable by car, scooter or local bus. The water is generally clear, and the islands of the Saronic Gulf make a pleasant backdrop for a swim. If you hire a vehicle, the coastal drive is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the island's varied landscape of pine forests, olive groves and pistachio orchards.

Getting to and Around Aegina

Athens International Airport (ATH) is the nearest major airport. From Athens, take the metro or a taxi to Piraeus, where frequent ferries depart for Aegina's main port. Services are regular, particularly in summer, though timetables vary through the year, so check locally before you travel. Once on the island, buses connect Aegina Town with the main villages and beaches, and taxis are available. Many visitors find hiring a scooter or small car the most flexible option for exploring beyond the town.

Practical Tips

• Book your ferry tickets in advance during peak summer months and on public holidays.
• Carry water and wear sun protection, especially when visiting the Temple of Aphaia.
• Bring cash for small shops and tavernas, and confirm card acceptance before ordering.
• Check locally for current opening hours and transport timetables, as these change seasonally.
• Aim for a day trip if your time is short, or stay overnight to enjoy the harbour in the evening and the villages without the crowds.