Continuing our quest for the best island destinations just an hour away from Athens, we introduce to youAegina island, ideal for escaping the rising temperatures of Athens and getting a taste of an authentic Greek island experience!
The island of Aegina is the second-largest island of the Saronic Gulf and holds a really important place in Greek history.
One of the close to Athens island destinations, with only an hour-long distance from the port of Piraeus, Aegina is an excellent destination to combine archaeological sites, monuments, and landmarks related to modern Greek history, with long, stretched sandy beaches and picturesque secluded islets.
Here you will find the best attractions of Aegina island that you should absolutely visit during your stay.
Visit the best-preserved classic Temple of Aphaia
The Temple of Aphaia - credits: en.wikipedia.org
Situated in the eastern part ofAegina island, the temple of Aphaia is one of the most impressive ancient temples in Greece andone of the most charminglandmarks in Greece. The temple faced numerous construction phases since the Bronze Age but particularly after the Archaic times.
The existing ruins belong to its latest phase, in 500-490 BC. Originally, the sanctuary, where the temple is located, was dedicated to the Aeginetan deity Aphaia, a deity of fertility often associated with the Cretan deity Vritomartis.
After the Athenian domination of the island, the cult of Athena, of the Olympian gods, was merged with this local deity, along with the cult of Artemis. Pausanias, in the 2nd century AD, said:
"On Aegina, as one goes toward the mountain of Pan-Greek Zeus, the sanctuary of Aphaia comes up, for whom Pindar composed an ode at the behest of the Aeginetans.
The Cretans say (the myths about her are native to Crete) that Euboulos was the son of Kharmanor, who purified Apollo of the killing of the Python, and they say that Britomartis was the daughter of Zeus and Kharme (the daughter of this Euboulos).
She enjoyed races and hunts and was particularly dear to Artemis. While fleeing from Minos, who lusted after her, she cast herself into nets cast for a catch of fish. Artemis made her a goddess, and not only the Cretans but also the Aeginetans revere her.
The Aeginetans say that Britomartis showed herself to them on their island. Her epithet among the Aeginetans is Aphaia, and it is Diktynna of the Nets on Crete."
The temple stands on the top of a hill, following the Doric order, and was built entirely out of local limestone.
Due to its location, it creates two imaginary triangles, one with the temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion and the temple of Hephaestus in Thissio and another one with the temple of Apollo in Delphi and the Parthenon of Athens. It also offers amazing views of Aegina and the Saronic Gulf.
Ever since antiquity, it was known for its wonderful sculptures made out of Parian marble, which decorated its pediments. On the west side, there was a depiction of the second Trojan War (the one narrated by Homer), including the notable figure of Ajax.
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In the east, there was a depiction of the first Trojan War, with Telamon and Hercules fighting against the king of Troy Laomedon. Statues of the goddess Athena occupied the central space of those two pediments.
The sculptures were discovered by the English archaeologist Charles Robert Cockerell in the 19th century when he was conducting excavations at the ancient temple during his Grand Tour.
After their discovery (and the removal of those still in place), they were sent to Zakynthos island and then to Malta, where eventually, the King of Bavaria Ludwig I bought them at auction. Nowadays, they are on display at the Glyptothek of Munich.
Stroll Paleochora
Paleochora - credits: weloveaegina.com
After the end of the Peloponnesian War, Aegina was not able to recover from the continuous clashes and warfare. In the 2nd century AD, Pausanias, who visited the island, admitted that most of its ancient monuments were left in ruins, and the old port was under the sea. Generally, nothing really raised his interest.
During the coming years, many invasions that happened in the mainland of Greece resulted in the relocation of groups of people towards the island, boosting that way the economy and social dynamics of Aegina once again.
In the 10th century, piracy forced the Aeginetans to leave the coastal areas and found a settlement in the mountainous region of the Aegina islandto ensure their protection.
Therefore, the Aeginetans decided to establish the new capital -Paleochora- of their island approximately at the center of it, and the settlement remained its main town for many centuries. Paleochora suffered numerous attacks and invasions over the years, with one of the notorious pirates Barbarossa in the 16th century being the most memorable one.
After the end of the 18th century, though, the islanders abandoned Paleochora and resettled the coastal areas of their island. Nowadays, the visitors of Paleochora can walk among the medieval ruins of the settlement and visit the Byzantine churches with their magnificent frescoes.
Without a doubt, this destination is a must-see site of Aegina, often described as the Mystras of the island. At the site, you will find 38 of the 366 churches Paleochora used to have, worth visiting for their architecture and murals that still survive to this day.
At the top, you will find features of the Venetian castle, a Greek castlebuilt in 1654, as well as enjoy the spectacular view of the island.
Sail to the islet of Moni
Moni island, Aegina, Greece - credits:Sven Hansche/Shutterstock.com
In case you want to swim in the waters of an uninhabited islet full of dense pine forests and sandy beaches in the Aegean sea, Moni islet is the place to be.
In order for you to get there, head to the main town of Perdika, located in the southern part of the Aegina island and one of the most beautiful of its regions, and hop on a small boat from Perdika beach that will take you to this small paradise.
Just 500 meters away from Aegina, the islet has nothing but a single monastery on it. Wander around its lush forests, hike to the highest point of the islet, and enjoy the panoramic view of Aegina and the Saronic Gulf.
While there, you will have the chance to see up close the islet's wildlife, which includes deer, wild goats, and peacocks! Moni is being protected as a natural park. Therefore, regulations over littering and camping are quite strict.
Choose its beach to relax with a drink in hand, and finish your day in one of the few delicious taverns found at the port of the fishing village of Perdikafor you to explore the riches of Greek cuisine. Aegina is quite popular for its seafood dishes!
Spend some time in Aegina Town
Aegina Town - credits:leoks/Shutterstock.com
The town of Aegina is one of the most historic towns in Greece, closely related to the modern history of the country.
Except for the picturesque alleyways of Aegina town, you can choose one of the sites located nearby, which reflects the history of the island from prehistoric times up until the 19th century.
Right next to the port, the archaeological site of Kolona includes the Late Neolithic (4th mill. BC), the Bronze Age settlement (2600-2500 BC), and the sanctuary of Apollo (with one column of the ancient temple still standing) that lasted up until the 3rd century AD.
In addition, you can visit the Venetian tower of Marcellus (17th century), located inside the Aegina's capital, or discover the importance of Aegina regarding the history of the New Greek State.
After the Greek War of Independence, Aegina was chosen by the first governor of Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias, as the first capital of the State in 1827.
Ioannis Kapodistrias founded on Aegina the first archaeological museum of Greece, the first national library, public school, and orphanage of the modern Greek state, all of them still exist today, with the archaeological museum still operating!
After the relocation of the capital to Nafplio in 1829, Aegina island lost its political importance but remained an important urban center in the Saronic Gulf, more powerful than most mainland destinations.
Try the local products of Aegina and the Greek islands
Aegina pistachios, Greece - credits:clickatlife.gr
There is no way you visiting Aegina island without trying something pistachio flavored! Most known for its award-winning pistachio production, you will fall in love with the local delicacies including it.
Eat it directly with its skin is a great healthy snack for when you get late-night cravings.
You can also feel refreshed with some pistachio-flavored ice cream or satisfy your sweet tooth with a breakfast pistachio spread and handmade sweets.
Don’t miss the chance to try Aegina’s local product in a traditional pasteli, a sweet bar dating back to Homer’s time!
Go swimming and enjoy Aegina beaches and beach bars
Aegina beaches - credits:Viviana Delidaki/Shutterstock.com
Looking for more things to do in Aegina? The island's beaches from the north to the east coast are waiting for your exploration.
Enjoy the turquoise waters of Agia Marina Beach and Souvala, the most popular beaches and beach bars in Aegina,and you'll forget any mainland destinations you've ever thought of visiting.
Soak up the sun on the sandy coasts before finding shelter in one of the many taverns and hotels in the area. If you want to get away from the crowd, you can try the secluded beach of Marathon, a picturesque fishing village, or Vagia, with the most beautiful green scenery in Aegina.
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Are you feeling a bit adventurous? Get that sweet adrenaline rush by going scuba diving in Aegina’s mesmerizing waters. Whether you are a skilled diver or just a novice, you can explore the deep blue, making your vacation to Aegina an unforgettable experience.
Pay a Visit to the Tower of Markellos
One other landmark not too well-known is Markellos Tower—a surprise salmon-pink building left by the Venetians at the start of his second rule on Aegina.
The tower is carved out of stones, and the building became a military headquarters in 1821 in response to the Greek revolt. It was certainly constructed to counter an Ottoman attack that ended up taking place in 1715.
Many of these fortress walls were constructed during this period as Turkey seized the islands, leaving the tower behind. Later, it became an office of the Greek temporary government.
Marvel at the famous Saint Nektarios Monastery
If you decide to visit the Doric Temple of Aphaia, you must make sure to stop at the Saint Nektarios Monastery before leaving.
Even if you're not a religious person, you will be intrigued by the spectacular monastery and its architecture. Arguably, Saint Nektarios Cathedral is one of Greece's most impressive buildings.
There is parking available on-site; however, one thing to keep in mind is that, unfortunately, there is a strict dress code, which is the case with the vast majority of Greek monasteries.
To enter the church, women should wear long skirts, while men should wear pants instead of shorts. There are spare skirts available at the entrance. However, we highly recommend you bring your own.
FAQs
Why is Aegina so popular?
Aegina is a picturesque Greek island located near Athens and, therefore, a popular destination when it comes to short getaways.
Aegina belongs to the Saronic Islands group and is rich in archaeology, scenic villages, beautiful beaches, and the incredible scenic Aegina town, the island's capital!
How to get to Aegina From Athens?
The ferry from Athens to Aegina carries passengers daily from the port of Piraeus to the island. These ferries will take you to two additional Greek islands in the gulf: Hydra and Poros.
A day excursion between Athens and Athens involves a 45min ferry trip. You can choose between the conventional ferry, which will take around an hour and 15 minutes, and the Flying Dolphin, which cover the distance in 40 minutes.
The price of the tickets is 9€ and 15 € accordingly, while the service operates about every hour during the high season. Still, it is a very good idea to buy tickets in advance.
Best Time To Visit Aegina island
Due to its proximity to the Greek mainland, Aegina is a lovely destination all year round. Whether you visit Aegina during the high season months of summer or during winter, which may be less busy, there's plenty to enjoy, from a number of beaches with fun beach bars to be explored to scenic walks to take.
Please keep in mind that if you visit it in winter, you may encounter a number of establishments closed. Despite that, during the colder winter months, there is a chance that you can find cheaper accommodation.
Final Thoughts
Aegina is one of the most important and historical Greek islands with a vast heritage.
Just an hour away from Athens -so close that it has even earned a mention in our Athens travel guide- it offers so many options to the traveler, from ancient sites, medieval settlements, and modern history landmarks to wonderful beaches and secluded islets.
In case you are in Athens and you're planning your Greek islands escape, choose Aegina, and you won't be disappointed! Let us help you to plan your own trip to Aegina, or check out one of our Greece tours!
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FAQs
How long should I spend in Aegina? ›
Stroll through Aegina Town
Spend at least an hour or two strolling around Aegina town. Here you will also find the temple of Apollo or “Kolona,” which used to be the ancient acropolis and the house where the legendary novel Zorbas the Greek was written.
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.
What islands are within 1 hour of Athens? ›Hydra, Spetses, Poros, Aegina, Tzia/Kea: Welcome to the charming little islands near Athens, which offer history and style in abundance and are ideal for a quick getaway all year round.
Is it worth going to Aegina Island? ›One of the close to Athens island destinations, with only an hour-long distance from the port of Piraeus, Aegina is an excellent destination to combine archaeological sites, monuments, and landmarks related to modern Greek history, with long, stretched sandy beaches and picturesque secluded islets.
Is Aegina or Agistri better? ›Agia Marina is a beach town with some tavernas a view of Athens and a nice beach. Aegina is a good island for people who want to see Athens but not necessarily stay in Athens because you can get to the city in an hour or less.
How long is the boat ride from Athens to Aegina? ›The ferry trip from Athens to Aegina normally takes 40 min to 1 hr 15 min.
Is a car needed on Aegina? ›For any activity outside of Aegina, you'll need to rent a vehicle to get around. There are several car rental options on the island, including jeep rentals.
Is Aegina walkable? ›Aegina Town offers a coastal route, easily walkable from the port! This is the famous route of the artists of Aegina.
What is the closest tourist island to Athens? ›Aegina Island
Aegina is the nearest island to the Greek capital. and the trip to Aegina from Piraeus port only takes about 40 minutes. The island is rich in both cultural and natural attractions. Many Athenians own summer homes there because it is such a popular weekend getaway.
The easiest islands to get to from Athens are Hydra, Spetses, Aegina, Poros, and Agistri. These are all within a 1.5-hour ferry trip from Piraeus port and are all perfect for a day trip.
How easy is it to island hop in Greece? ›
A Greek island hopping holiday is pretty easy to plan because the islands are easily accessible by ferry. The bigger islands, such as Mykonos and Santorini, even have their own airports, meaning you can fly between islands.
Why is Aegina so popular? ›Today, Aegina is a very popular destination, due to its proximity to Piraeus port of Athens. Its historical significance and immaculate natural beauty are protected by law; thus the construction of contemporary infrastructure in Aegina Town, the capital of the island, has been banned.
Why do you think Aegina is so popular? ›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.
Can you swim in Aegina Island? ›Quiet and picturesque place for a relaxed swim despite the fact that it is an organized beach with a beach bar. The "double" beach of the island, since it is divided into Marathonas A and Marathonas B.
What is better Aegina or Hydra? ›Aesthetically and architecturally, Hydra is purer, it's better preserved, but Aegina is more accessible in every way. You have everything within easy reach: a lively town, country walks, antiquities and secret beaches.”
Which is the best town to stay in Agistri? ›The pine tree-covered island of Agistri has three main villages. Megalochori is the capital of the island, while Skala is the most popular tourist resort on Agistri.
How long is the ferry from Athens to Agistri? ›How long is the ferry ride from Athens (Piraeus) to Agistri? The Piraeus - Agistri ferry duration is between 55 min and 1 hr 35 min, depending on the type of vessel and the weather conditions.
How long in Athens is enough? ›How long should I spend in Athens? Given the size of the city, three days is a good amount of time to spend in Athens. This gives you enough time to visit the main attractions without being too rushed and allows you to see some of the city.
Where does ferry for Aegina leave from? ›About ferries to Aegina
There is a ferry to Aegina from Piraeus port, the main port of Athens, very frequently. Actually, there is a ferry to Aegina every day and almost every 1-2 hours. The ferry to Aegina takes 1 hour by normal vessel and 30 minutes by hydrofoil.
Today, the remains of this old capital consists of 38 churches spread around the hill. The place is beautiful for an afternoon stroll, but beware of snakes. The archaeological site of Kolona.
How do you get around in Aegina Greece? ›
Grab a taxi just outside the main port at Aegina Town. Although the busses don't run frequently, it's the cheapest option (tickets around 2 euro per person per route). You can find the bus timetables at the bus station in Aegina Town (where you can also buy your tickets).
How do you pronounce Aegina? ›Modern Greek Aí·yi·na [e-yee-nah] (for defs.
Which is the most lively Greek island? ›Mykonos is without a doubt the most popular party island in Greece. The island has something for everyone, from world-famous beach clubs to lively bars and nightclubs. It's known for having some of the best nightlife in Greece.
What is the island of Aegina known for? ›After the creation of the Modern Greek State in 1930, Aegina did not take any leading part again and is now known as the first producer of pistachio nuts in Greece. In modern times, the island combines history, culture, beautiful beaches and a long tradition of pistachio production.
Where is the best Greek island? ›- Crete. Best for variety. ...
- Skiathos. Best for beautiful beaches. ...
- Corfu. Best for lush landscapes. ...
- Rhodes. Best for families. ...
- Mykonos. Best for summer hedonism. ...
- Lefkada. Best for ferry-free island-hopping. ...
- Santorini. Best for romantic retreats. ...
- Hydra. Best for car-free cool.
Athens is a walkable city and its historic center is easy to navigate, while public transport is affordable.
Is Hydra Island worth a visit? ›Hydra's proximity to Athens makes its a popular destination for day trips or weekend breaks, and its small size means you can see a lot, but it's a good place to relax and take it easy.
How do I get to the ancient Olive Grove Aegina? ›To reach Eleonas you can follow the paths that descend from the surrounding mountain villages (Pachiorachi, Kapotides, Marathon). You will find yourself in an area just south of Pahia Rahi, under the Sfirixtres, in a secluded valley with a fair number of ancient olive trees.
What are the prettiest towns near to Athens? ›These villages in Attica, including Agios Stefanos, Marathonas and Varibobi, are surrounded by nature and look like mountainous towns in any other part of Greece, far from the capital. Some of the most beautiful areas to visit in Athens are Plaka, Thissio, and Monastiraki.
Which island was Mamma Mia filmed on? ›In the original "Mamma Mia," the Greek island of Skopelos played the fictional island of Kalokairi. But to shoot "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again," filmmakers turned to the island of Vis, off the coast of Croatia.
What island should I visit leaving Athens Greece? ›
The best islands for a day trip from Athens are the Saronic islands, Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra and Spetses, and the Cycladic island of Kea or Tzia.
Can you do day trips to islands from Athens? ›You can travel by ferry from Athens to nearby islands such as Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, Kea, Spetses, Poros, and Kythnos, as well as other beautiful islands of the Aegean Sea, such as Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, Crete, Lesbos, Kastellorizo, and so many more!
What is the closest beach town to Athens Greece? ›The closest beach to the city center of Athens is Edem, a long sandy beach located near the boundary between the districts of Palio Faliro and Alimos.
What is the best way to travel around Athens? ›- Metro (Subway) The metro is the easiest and fastest mean of transport in Athens. ...
- Tram. The tram network connects the center of Athens (Syntagma Square) to the southern (coastal) suburbs. ...
- Buses and Trolleybuses. ...
- Taxis. ...
- Hop on hop off bus. ...
- Happy Train. ...
- Organized Tours. ...
- Suburban Railway (Proastiakos)
Mykonos. There's no better way to start your Greek island hopping adventures than with Mykonos. This enchanting Greek island is famous for its vibrant nightlife, pebbled streets, whitewashed houses and, of course, some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.
Where is the best place to start island hopping in Greece? ›The perfect Greek island hopping starting point for people is usually in Athens. It is typical to spend a few days, no more than 3, to see the Acropolis, shop, and eat traditional food. Worldpackers has volunteer opportunities in Athens making it an ideal city to start and be introduced to Greek culture.
What is the most touristy Greek island? ›Santorini is probably the most popular Greek Island. Afloat in the Aegean, east of the mainland, it is typically Cycladic with its blinding white houses, blue and pastel shutters and roofs.
Which Greek island is famous for blue roofs? ›Santorini is perched on the edge of a submerged volcano, overlooking a stunning caldera. It is a dream island in Greece that epitomizes one's fantasies – the iconic white buildings of Greece, blue rooftops, and windmills.
Why is Ikaria special? ›Dangling 30 miles off the coast of Turkey in the eastern Aegean, the Greek island of Ikaria is one of the world's five 'blue zones', places of exceptional longevity, with remarkably high percentages of centenarians.
Is Aegina busy? ›The island of Aegina is definitely busier than the other islands year-round due to its proximity to Athens and the fact that people can bring cars onto the island. But, having been there in two different seasons, I would say that it is still manageable.
How long should I stay in Aegina? ›
While Aegina is fine for a day trip from Athens, I recommend spending at least one night on the island. Aegina's rhythms are far more relaxing than Athens, and while it can't compare to Santorini or similar islands, the truth is that there are plenty of things to do in Aegina, as you'll read later on on this guide.
What are the two most important Greek city-states *? ›There grew to be over 1,000 city-states in ancient Greece, but the main poleis were Athína (Athens), Spárti (Sparta), Kórinthos (Corinth), Thíva (Thebes), Siracusa (Syracuse), Égina (Aegina), Ródos (Rhodes), Árgos, Erétria, and Elis.
What is the closest beach to Aegina Town? ›The Avra beach is the closest beach to the port of Aegina town. It is located in front of the archeological site of Kolona and at walking distance from the ferries.
Is Aegina a nice island? ›One of the closest islands to the coast of Athens, Aegina is a great place to discover while you're enjoying some time in the capital of Greece. It's a fabulous destination with interesting things to discover for short-day trips and for longer vacations.
Does Aegina Town have a beach? ›The town of Aegina has two organized beaches. The first is 200m. at the left of the port and in front of the Archaeological place of Aegina. It has got sand and shallow green-blue clean waters, ideal for swimming and deck-chairs, umbrellas and shower.
How long should you spend on each Greek island? ›How long do you need for Greek island hopping? In order to fully immerse yourself in the authentic Greek life and culture and explore as much as possible, we recommend spending at least 2-3 nights on each island, so if you're planning to visit the four ones mentioned above, it would take you a little over a week.
How long do you need in Paros? ›Paros, one of the most popular Greek islands, is famous for its beautiful beaches and vivid nightlife. Located almost in the center of the Cyclades, Paros has true Cycladic architecture and an active lifestyle. In brief, staying 3 to 5 days is recommended in order to explore the island as much as possible.
Can you walk around Aegina? ›It's easy to walk around Aegina town and to nearby beaches and the Kolona archaeological site, and there are buses from the main town to various spots around the island. You'll find the central bus station around 300m from the port.
What month is best for Greek islands? ›The best times to visit the Greek Islands are the summer months of June and July. August is a popular month to visit but it can be incredibly crowded. Some islands are also great to visit as early as April or May and as late as September. Generally, winter is not a great time to visit the Greek Islands.
Where is Mamma Mia filmed? ›In the original "Mamma Mia," the Greek island of Skopelos played the fictional island of Kalokairi. But to shoot "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again," filmmakers turned to the island of Vis, off the coast of Croatia.
Is Paros the best Greek island? ›
Naxos and Paros are two of the Best Greek Islands. When people ask what island to visit in Greece, my first answer is Santorini and my 2nd is usually Naxos or Paros (with Crete close behind – though Crete requires at least one week to explore). Both Paros and Naxos have better beaches than Santorini.
Is Paros nicer than Mykonos? ›If you want an upbeat, adventurous time and you wish to visit some fancy places, Mykonos is the place for you. If you prefer a laid-back type of vacation, Paros is the winner. Paros offers more of a rustic vibe than Mykonos – whether that's a good thing or not, it's up to you to decide.
Why is Paros famous? ›Paros Island is well known for its fine white marble, thanks to capital town Parikia's rich history of Parian marble mining. While today the town's quarries lie abandoned, the whitewashed buildings pay a nod to the good old days.
Which island near Athens is the best? ›- Aegina Island. Aegina is the nearest island to the Greek capital. ...
- Agistri Island. It only takes a quick ferry journey from Aegina to reach the tiny island of Agistri. ...
- Poros Island. ...
- Spetses Island. ...
- Hydra Island. ...
- Andros Island. ...
- Kea Island.