Aegina, an easy island escape from Athens
Aegina, a charming island in the Saronic Gulf, is a perfect island getaway from Athens, offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Getting There
- By Ferry: Aegina is just a 40-minute ferry ride from Piraeus, Athens’ main port, making it an easy day trip or weekend escape.
We hired a car (one that had definitely seen better days… or centuries) and we explored the island at our pace.
Aegina is a very quiet island and driving, even for those less confident, is not challenging at all.
For some reason, a lot of people were driving very old (should we say vintage?) cars.
There is not a lot to see on the island, so it is perfect for a chilling out weekend.
Aegina Town is cute. Wander through the neoclassical streets, enjoy the bustling waterfront, and savour local food.
Explore Paleochora, the Byzantine-era ruins of Aegina’s old capital, perched on a hillside. Also the Temple of Aphaia, a stunning Doric temple, older than the Parthenon, located amidst a serene pine forest.
Beaches: Relax at Agia Marina, Souvala, or Marathon Beach, known for their clear waters and tranquil vibes.
Our favourite is Perdika. Both the beach and the small town are charming and a 5 minutes’ boat ride will bring you to idyllic Moni island.
Aegina is famous for its pistachios, so don’t miss trying them in various forms, from snacks to desserts.
