Aegina is the closest Greek island to Athens — just an hour by hydrofoil from Piraeus — and it is one of the most rewarding. It has a magnificent ancient temple, the finest pistachios in Greece, a charming neoclassical harbour town and a pace of life that feels genuinely removed from the city, despite the proximity.

The Island

Aegina is medium-sized — around 83 square kilometres — with a permanent population of around 13,000 people. The landscape is varied: the northern half is relatively flat and agricultural, dominated by the pistachio orchards that are the island's most famous product; the southern half is more mountainous, rising to the peak of Mount Oros (531 metres), the highest point in the Saronic Gulf.

The main settlement is Aegina Town, a beautiful neoclassical harbour town on the northwest coast, with an elegant waterfront of cafes, fish tavernas and the colourful caiques of the local fishing fleet.

Sights and Attractions

The Temple of Aphaia is the island's great treasure — one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece, dating from around 500 BC, set on a pine-covered hill with extraordinary views over the Saronic Gulf towards Athens and the Peloponnese. The pediment sculptures (now in Munich's Glyptothek) were among the finest of their era; the temple itself, with its double row of Doric columns, is magnificent.

Aegina Town is a pleasure to explore — the neoclassical architecture, the busy fish market, the waterfront tavernas and the single remaining column of the Temple of Apollo (the island's ancient acropolis) all reward a morning's wandering.

Palaiochora in the interior is a remarkable ghost town — the island's medieval capital, abandoned in the 19th century, with over 30 Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches still standing among the ruins. It is one of the most atmospheric sites in the Saronic Gulf.

The Christos Kapralos Museum near Aegina Town houses the work of one of Greece's most important 20th-century sculptors, in a beautiful setting among pine trees.

Pistachios

Aegina is famous throughout Greece for its pistachios — considered the finest in the country, with a distinctive flavour attributed to the island's volcanic soil and dry climate. They are sold everywhere in the town and make the perfect souvenir. Look for the roasted, salted variety sold by weight from the stalls along the harbour.

Beaches

Aegina has several good beaches. Agia Marina on the east coast is the most popular resort — a long, sandy beach with good facilities and views across to the Temple of Aphaia on the hill above. Marathonas on the west coast is a quieter alternative. Perdika in the south is a beautiful fishing village with a small beach and excellent fish tavernas, with views across to the islet of Moni.

Eating and Drinking

The food on Aegina is excellent. The fish tavernas along the harbour in Aegina Town are among the best in the Saronic Gulf — Agora fish market restaurant is the local institution. Perdika village has several excellent tavernas serving fresh fish and seafood. And everywhere, the pistachios — in ice cream, in pastries, in nougat, or simply roasted and salted.

How to Get There

Aegina is served by hydrofoil from Piraeus (around 40 minutes) and by conventional ferry (around 1.5 hours). It is the easiest Greek island escape from Athens and makes an excellent day trip or overnight stay.

Best For

Aegina suits a wide range of travellers — those who want to combine an Athens visit with an island day trip, those who want a relaxed Saronic base with good beaches and excellent food, and those who want to see one of the finest ancient temples in Greece without the crowds of the major sites.

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Thinking about Aegina? Talk to us — we can build it into a Saronic island itinerary that takes in Hydra, Poros and Spetses.