Athens to Aegina Day Trip Guide: How To Get There + Things To Do

Planning a quick island escape from Athens?

Keep reading as I reveal why a day trip from Athens to Aegina could be your perfect Greek getaway.

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

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

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

Here’s your complete Athens to Aegina day trip guide, where I’ll reveal exactly how to get there, what to do, and what makes this little island so special.

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How To Get From Athens 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.

Organized Tour from Athens to Aegina

If you’re short on time or you’d rather not worry about logistics, many companies offer organized day trips from Athens to Aegina.

These tours include round-trip transport from Athens, guided sightseeing of Aegina’s highlights, and free time to explore Aegina’s beaches and town.

Here are some highly-rated Aegina tours I would recommend –

Things to do in Aegina

Once you arrive in Aegina, you’ll shortly realise why it is such a popular day trip from Athens.

Despite the ease in reaching it, it 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 here for everyone.

Depending on your interests, here are some of the best things to do in Aegina.

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Explore Aegina Town

Aegina Town is where your ferry will dock, and wandering its bustling streets 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.

Stroll along the picturesque port, admire the colourful fishing boats, and stop by the lively seafood market.

When you’re ready for a break, grab a coffee or bite to eat at one of the many waterfront cafes and restaurants.

Temple of Apollo

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

Although only one column still stands today, it provides a fascinating glimpse into Aegina’s past and offers great views over the ocean.

⏰ Short on time? Check out this combined Aegina Tour of the main ancient sites for a hassle-free experience

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 from Aegina’s ancient past, and is a must for history lovers visiting the island.

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Temple of Aphaia

Arguably one of the best things to do in Aegina for history and architecture fans, do not miss a visit to the Temple of Aphaia.

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 sea, the Temple of Aphaia also offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views on the island.

Monastery of Agios Nektarios

Aegina is home to the Monastery of Agios Nektarios – one of the largest monasteries in Greece, and a significant pilgrimage site.

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 on the way

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 an absolute must. You’ll find pistachio stalls everywhere in Aegina Town (check out family-run Eakion) and indulge in some pistachio ice cream.

👉 if you want to learn even more about pistachio cultivation in Aegina, check out this highly-rated Pistachio Orchard Tour

Aegina beaches

When you’re ready 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 top spots 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

Explore towns further afield

If you’re staying overnight or have rented a car or scooter, it’s worth exploring more of Aegina beyond the main town

Here are some other places worth exploring –

• Perdika – a charming fishing village with waterfront tavernas serving fresh seafood. From here, you can take a short boat ride to Moni, an uninhabited island known for its turquoise waters and amazing snorkeling
• Souvala – another port town on the north coast with many waterfront tavernas and cafes
• Agia Marina – a great town on the island’s east coast with a relaxed vibe and beautiful beaches

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Suggested 1-Day Aegina Itinerary

While you can easily tailor your Athens to Aegina day trip to your interests, here’s how I’d recommend spending one day on the island.

Morning

Once you’ve docked at Aegina Town, head straight to the Temple of Aphaia to beat the crowds and the heat (check the bus schedule here).

Jump back on the bus and stop off at the Monastery of Agios Nektarios on your way back to town.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon wandering the quaint streets of Aegina Town, browsing the shops, and admiring the colorful fishing boats and bustling markets near the port.

Grab some lunch on the waterfront before heading to the Temple of Apollo and Archaeological Museum of Aegina.

Spend the late afternoon relaxing on nearby Kolona Beach, and treat yourself to some pistachio ice cream.

👉 if you’ve rented a car or ATV, you could check out the quaint fishing village of Perdika or Marathonas Beach instead (just a 10-minute drive away)

Evening

Watch the sunset and enjoy some fresh seafood on the waterfront, before taking your return ferry to Athens.

⛵Heading to Poros Island after Aegina? Check out my Poros Travel Guide for everything you need to know

Aegina Island Tours

For some even more unique 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.

How to get around Aegina

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.

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.

FAQs

How long is the ferry from Athens to Aegina?

Getting from Athens to Aegina takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on the ferry type (check schedules here).

Is Aegina worth visiting?

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.

Where to catch the ferry to Aegina?

As with all the Saronic Islands, including nearby Poros, the ferry from Athens departs from Piraeus Port.

➡️ You might also like: 10 Amazing Things To Do in Poros, Greece

What to do in Aegina in a day?

On an Athens to Aegina day trip, I’d suggest the following –

• Temple of Aphaia
• Monastery of Agios Nektarios
• Explore Aegina Town
• Relax on Kolona Beach or Marathonas Beach
• Visit the Archaeological Museum of Aegina
• Enjoy fresh seafood and local pistachios

How much time do I need 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 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.

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.

Is Aegina walkable?

Aegina Town is walkable, and you can explore the main attractions on foot.

However, if you want to explore the rest of the island, you’ll need to hire a car, scooter, or take the public bus.

Does Aegina have nice beaches?

Yes, Aegina does have nice beaches, especially Agia Marina, Marathonas, and Moni Island.

Athens to Aegina Day Trip: Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! This post has detailed everything you need to know for an unforgettable Athens to Aegina Day Trip, including how to get there and things to do while you’re there!

If you have visited Aegina Island, 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!