Aegina: things to do on the island closest to Athens
Aegina is close to Piraeus and easy to explore in a day. It has an ancient temple, an important monastery, an abandoned town and a pleasant fishing harbour.
- The Temple of Aphaia, from around 420 BC, is the island's main ancient site.
- Agios Nektarios monastery and Paleochora, an abandoned town with more than 33 churches, are in the middle of the island.
- The island is small enough to drive around in a day.
Aegina is one of the easiest island day trips from Athens. Hire a car or take taxis between the sites, and finish with a meal in Perdika.
Aegina, Greece: why go?
Aegina is an island in the Saronic Gulf, close to Piraeus. That makes it a good choice for a day trip or a weekend from Athens. The island is small enough to drive around in a day. (Greeka) Getting there: ferry from Athens to Aegina.
Aegina attractions: what to see
| Site | What it is | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Temple of Aphaia | Doric temple from around 420 BC, on a rock in the middle of the island | centre of the island |
| Agios Nektarios monastery | founded in 1904 by the saint, an Orthodox bishop who lived there from 1908 to 1920 | centre of the island |
| Paleochora | abandoned castle town with more than 33 medieval churches | near the monastery |
| Temple of Apollo (Kolona) | one column still stands | by the town harbour |
| Archaeological Museum | founded in 1829 | near Kolona |
| Tower of Markellos | old tower | town centre |
Source: Greeka.
According to Greeka, the Temple of Aphaia, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion and the Parthenon form an isosceles triangle. If you enjoy ancient sites, you could do Sounion on another day.
Aegina town and harbour
Aegina's harbour town is pleasant on foot, with waterfront cafés, fishing boats and neoclassical buildings. Bouza Lighthouse is about 2 km from the port. The writer Nikos Kazantzakis's house is in Livadi, about 2 km north of town.
Aegina is also famous for its pistachios. You'll find them in every shop around the harbour, and they make a good souvenir.
Perdika and Moni islet
Perdika is a fishing village in the south of the island, with tavernas on the water. Opposite lies the small, uninhabited islet of Moni, which has beaches. In summer, boats run to it from Perdika.
Beaches
Greeka mentions Marathonas and Agia Marina as places to swim. They aren't among Greece's finest beaches, but they're handy for a dip on a day trip.
Getting around the island
- Hire car or scooter: the most flexible. You can rent at the port.
- Taxi: good for getting to the temple and the monastery.
- Local bus: there are routes, but services aren't frequent.
More islands nearby: islands near Athens · day trips from Athens.
A suggested day
- Take a morning ferry from Piraeus.
- Visit the Temple of Aphaia.
- See Agios Nektarios monastery and Paleochora.
- Have lunch in Perdika and, if there's time, take a boat to Moni.
- Stroll round the harbour and Kolona, then return to Piraeus.
FAQ
Can you see Aegina in a day? Yes. The island is small, and you can see the main sights in a day with a car or taxi.
What is the most important sight on Aegina? The Temple of Aphaia, a Doric temple from around 420 BC, and Agios Nektarios monastery.
Do I need a car on Aegina? It isn't essential, but a car or taxi saves time between the temple, the monastery and Perdika.
What should I buy on Aegina? Local pistachios, which the island is famous for.
