10 Incredible Things To Do in Aegina: Top Activities & Attractions

Planning an escape to Aegina Island?

In this guide, I’ll reveal 10 amazing things to do in Aegina for an unforgettable experience on this underrated island.

From ancient temples and crystal-clear beaches to colorful harbors and fresh seafood, Aegina offers a charming blend of history, culture, and seaside relaxation.

If you’re looking for an authentic island vibe without the long ferry rides or crowds, Aegina is the perfect escape from Athens, whether for a quick day trip or a few days.

Keep reading as I reveal the very best things to do in Aegina, Greece – for every type of traveller.

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10 Things To Do in Aegina

Despite its proximity to Athens, Aegina feels worlds away from the chaos of the capital.

Whether you’re here for the beautiful nature and beaches, ancient sites without the crowds, or simply to spend an afternoon indulging in pistachio ice cream, there’s something for every type of traveller.

Keep reading for the best things to do in Aegina, Greece.

⏰ Short on time in Aegina? Check out my full Athens to Aegina Day Trip Guide, including how to get there & a perfect one-day itinerary

Explore Aegina Town

Aegina Town is likely where your ferry will dock, and wandering its charming streets and picturesque port is one of the best things to do on the island.

Think neoclassical buildings painted in soft pastels, vibrant flowers spilling from balconies, and hidden alleyways lined with boutiques selling handmade jewellery, art, and local crafts.

Here are the top things to do in Aegina Town –

• Stroll along the port & admire the colorful fishing boats
• Visit the bustling seafood market for a taste of local life
• Wander the narrow alleyways lined with jewellery shops, craft stores, and small galleries
• Take a ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage
• Stop for a coffee or meal at a waterfront café

Temple of Apollo

Just a short walk from the port, you’ll find the Temple of Apollo (Kolona), one of the island’s most important ancient sites and iconic Aegina attractions.

Although only one column still stands today, the ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into Aegina’s ancient past.

You’ll also catch breathtaking panoramic views over the harbour and the sparkling Aegean Sea.

👉 combined tickets for the Temple of Apollo & Archaeological Museum of Aegina are super affordable, roughly €4–€6 depending on the season

Archaeological Museum of Aegina

Just next door to the Temple of Apollo, you’ll find the Archaeological Museum of Aegina.

This small but fascinating museum showcases pottery, sculptures, and artefacts uncovered from ancient sites around the island.

Visiting the Archaeological Museum of Aegina offers valuable context for the Temple of Apollo and is one of the best things to do in Aegina for history lovers.

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Temple of Aphaia

Arguably one of the best things to do in Aegina for history and architecture fans, the Temple of Aphaia is a must-visit.

As one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece, the Temple of Aphaia forms part of the famous Sacred Triangle with the Parthenon and Temple of Poseidon – but without the crowds.

Perched high on a pine-covered hill overlooking the Aegean Sea, the Temple of Aphaia not only offers incredible history but also some of the most breathtaking panoramic views on the island.

Monastery of Agios Nektarios

Aegina is home to one of the largest monasteries in Greece – the Monastery of Agios Nektarios.

Dedicated to Saint Nektarios, a revered figure in the Greek Orthodox Church, this significant pilgrimage/ site is a must-visit for those interested in history and religion.

Its grand domes and marble staircases are seriously impressive, and even if you’re not religious, it’s worth visiting for the peaceful atmosphere and sweeping island views.

👉 if you take the bus from Aegina Town to Agia Marina, it will stop at both the Monastery of Agios Nektarios and the Temple of Aphaia, making it easy to combine both in one trip

Explore the fishing town of Perdika

charming fishing village of Perdika is one of the top things to do in Aegina.

For a taste of authentic local life, stroll along the waterfront, watch the fishermen at work, and enjoy the relaxed pace compared to Aegina Town.

Perdika is also famous for its seafront tavernas, so don’t miss the chance to savor freshly caught seafood.

Wander the narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, soak up the atmosphere, and capture that quintessential Greek island charm.

➡️ Suggested: Athens to Aegina Day Trip: Ultimate Travel Guide

Take a boat trip to Moni Island

Located just a 10-minute boat ride from Perdika’s coast, the beautiful Moni Island is a hidden gem of Aegina.

Known for its crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches, and friendly peacocks roaming freely, it’s an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing in nature.

Completely uninhabited, the island’s relaxed vibe makes it one of the most unique experiences on Aegina.

Boats depart regularly from Perdika and Aegina Town, making it an easy and unmissable addition to your itinerary.

If you’re short on time, check out these Aegina tours from Athens & explore three islands (including Moni) –

Try local pistachios

Thanks to its unique climate, Aegina produces some of the best pistachios in the world – and is the largest exporter in Europe.

Trying pistachios in Aegina is therefore an absolute must when visiting the island.

You’ll find pistachio stalls everywhere in Aegina Town, for example, the family-run Eakion is a local favorite for fresh nuts and pistachio products.

For a sweet treat, experience the island’s signature flavours with a delicious pistachio ice cream – I personally loved Dimitris in Agia Marina.

Tour a local pistachio farm

Visiting a local pistachio farm is a fascinating way to see how Aegina’s prized nuts are grown, harvested, and processed.

Many farms offer guided tours where you can walk through the groves, learn about traditional farming techniques, and even sample fresh pistachios straight from the trees.

This hands-on immersive experience is one of the best things to do in Aegina for those wanting to gain a deeper understanding of of the island’s culture, economy, and climate.

Check out this highly-rated Pistachio Orchard Tour –

Beaches in Aegina

If you’re looking to unwind, there are plenty of beautiful beaches in Aegina perfect for a quick swim or a lazy afternoon in the sun.

Here are some of the best Aegina beaches worth checking out –

• Kolona Beach – just a short walk from Aegina Town, this sandy bay sits beside ancient ruins and is perfect for a quick dip after sightseeing
• Marathonas Beach – around 10 minutes from Aegina Town, Marathonas is great for swimming, with shallow, clear water and a few relaxed tavernas nearby
• Agia Marina – a long sandy stretch with many restaurants, beachfront cafes, and a cute town
• Souvala Beach – quieter spot a little further out, perfect if you want a more peaceful beach day surrounded by scenic views

Whether you’re after convenience, a scenic swim, or a tranquil spot to relax, Aegina’s beaches have something for every type of traveler.

Aegina Island Tours

For some even more incredible things to do in Aegina, check out some of these tours below –

If you’re looking for total convenience, I’d suggest joining an organized tour from Athens to Aegina.

Some of these tours just visit Aegina Island, while others also visit other nearby Saronic Islands like Poros, Agistri, or Moni.

Where to stay in Aegina

If you do decide the stay the night (which I would highly recommend), here are some of the best places to stay in Aegina.

To be close to the action, I’d suggest staying in Aegina Town. If you’d prefer to be in a more peaceful area, I’d suggest Agia Marina, Vagia, or Perdika.

Aegina Dream Suites (Town)

If you want to stay in the heart of the action, do not miss Aegina Dream Suites in Aegina Town.

Here’s what I loved about it –

• Prime location near the port, restaurants, and main attractions
• Balconies with sea views
• Modern & trendy aesthetic

Prices start from €90 per night.

The Blue Dolphin (Vagia)

The Blue Dolphin perfect place to stay in Aegina if you’re looking for a secluded peaceful vibe.

This is where I stayed and I could not recommend it more. Here’s why I loved it –

• Secluded location but easily connected to Aegina Town & Agia Marina by bus
• Beautiful swimming pool
• Walking distance from the beach, cafes, and restaurants

Prices start from €90 per night.

How to get to Aegina

Aegina sits just 27 km from Athens, and forms part of the Saronic Islands (along with nearby Poros Island).

Its proximity to the bustling capital makes it perfect for a day trip or a quick weekend getaway.

Getting from Athens to Aegina is super straightforward.

There are a couple of options depending on the type of experience you’re after.

Athens to Aegina Ferry

A ferry from Athens to Aegina is the easiest and most affordable way to make this journey.

Ferries from Athens to Aegina depart from Piraeus Port, about 40 minutes from the city center.

👉 from central Athens, you take the Metro Line 1 (green) to Piraeus station. From the station, there’s a 5-minute walk to the port. This journey costs €1.20

The Athens to Aegina ferry schedule is extremely regular, with ferries roughly every 30 minutes.

The first ferry departs from Athens to Aegina at 6:30 AM, with the final ferry back from Aegina to Athens at about 7:45 PM.

FAQs

Is it worth going to Aegina?

Aegina is absolutely worth visiting.

It’s one of the easiest islands to visit from Athens and offers a perfect mix of beaches, history, and local charm. It is perfect for a day trip from Athens or a weekend getaway.

How long should I spend in Aegina?

If you only want to explore the highlights, a one-day trip from Athens to Aegina is a fantastic option.

However, if you benefit from more time, I’d recommend staying 3 nights on Aegina Island.

This way, in addition to the highlights, you’ll have time to relax on the beach and explore other towns such as Perdika or Agia Marina.

What is Aegina best known for?

Aegina is known for having the best quality pistachios in the world, and is the largest exporter in Europe.

It is also known for having one of the best preserved ancient temples in Greece (Temple of Aphaia), and for its accessibility from Athens.

What is the best part of Aegina Island?

Aegina Town is the best part of the island for a buzzing atmosphere, and many restaurants, cafes, and attractions.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed beach vibe, I’d suggest heading to Agia Marina.

For a more peaceful and authentic experience, be sure to check out Perdika.

Is Aegina easy to get around?

Aegina is a relatively small island; however, things are spread out.

Generally, Aegina Town is walkable, and you can take public transport to the main tourist highlights (Temple of Aphaia, Monastery of Agios Nektarios).

👉 check the bus timetable here

However, if you’re looking to explore more towns a little further afield, or want more flexibility, I would suggest renting a car, scooter, or ATV.

What to do in Aegina: Final thoughts

Well, there you have it! This post has detailed 10 amazing things to do in Aegina, Greece.

If you have visited Aegina, I would love to hear from you – drop me a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know how it was!