The Greek islands are full of natural beauty and captivating attractions. Located just a short ferry ride away, Aegina Island offers a perfect escape from the bustling city. We loved spending the day here recently. Here are things to do in Aegina Island on a day trip from Athens.
Getting from Athens to Aegina
Make the most of your day trip to Aegina by maximizing your time here which means leaving early and getting out late. There were many ferries that stop at Aegina Island.
We took the 10:10 AM ferry and left at 5:45 PM using Saronic Ferries which are the traditional ferries with cars. This felt like it was enough time to do the activities we wanted on the island.
We were staying in the port city of Piraeus since we were going on a Mediterranean cruise the following day. So, it was easier to get on the ferries. You can buy tickets online beforehand.
We bought our tickets a few minutes before departure at the kiosk near the ferry due to our schedule. They accept cash and credit cards. We bought a round-trip ticket and even though we told the ticket agent 8:15 PM, we were actually able to get on an earlier ferry with no issues.
The Ferry Ride from Athens to Aegina Island
As the coastline of Piraeus faded away, put on your sunscreen and sit at the top for the best views. The inside areas felt crowded and stuffy. There are CR/restrooms and a small cafe selling food and drinks. They make announcements in English too.
The ferry ride took us through the sparkling Saronic Gulf. We passed by yachts and mega cruise ship ships. It was a beautiful and relaxing ride with views of various islands and even passing by some interesting formations.
Our ferry ride took one hour and 10 minutes. If you want a faster way (40 minutes) to get to Aegina or other neighboring islands, there is also the Flying Dolphin which looks it had airplane type seats and looked too claustrophobic to us.
This was our first glimpse of Aegina town. White-washed buildings along the seashore that’s reminiscent of many Greek islands. It offered a promise of a memorable and wonderful day.
Stroll through Aegina Town
The ferries drop passengers in the center of Aegina town (the island’s capital). So, it was very convenient to start sightseeing on the island as soon as you get off the ferries. We started by exploring this charming town and leisurely strolled through its narrow cobblestone streets with traditional whitewashed houses, charming cafes and shops.
If you’re looking for Instagrammable worthy spots, we found this alley with colorful umbrellas hanging on one area. It certainly livened up this area. I’m hoping the store names don’t go away – look for Retro Cafe or Rodi Coffee Shop as the landmarks. We think the street is called Ioulias Katsa.
Sample Local Gastronomy
We purposely ate a light breakfast so we could indulge on Aegina’s local delicacies for lunch. Waterfront tavernas line the main street, offering freshly caught seafood. It smelled so good walking past these restaurants.
We ended up at Maridaki Restaurant only because we started talking to the very friendly guy outside. Located across the bay, it was wonderful to watch all the activities of the fishermen from our street side seats.
The restaurant had beautiful decor, friendly staff and delicious food. We ordered grilled sardines, fried calamari, octopus carpaccio, seafood pasta and phyllo-wrapped baked feta with honey and sesame (Feta me Meli).
One cannot go wrong with the seafood selection on Aegina Island. Don’t forget to order some local delicacies, such as pistachios and succulent olives, grown exclusively on the island.
Greece is the top exporter of pistachios in Europe. Aegina Island produces a unique variety called “koilarati” (a bit sweeter). Pistachios were brought to the island in the 1860s.
Since then, they have thrived on the island due to its Mediterranean climate and terrain. We enjoyed seeing the many pistachio trees around the island along with the olive trees.
There were a few shops in town along the main road selling all things pistachios. The shops also offered many samples of their products that ranged from liqueurs, jams, sauces and pistachio-flavored candy. They were all delicious! I just wish we had bigger luggages to bring more home as souvenirs.
Don’t miss the ice cream shops selling several varieties of pistachio-flavored ice creams. Who knew?! It was pretty hot during our visit. So, the ice cream was a perfect treat.
Discover the Ancient Temple of Aphaia
One of the main reasons we wanted to visit the island was the ancient Temple of Aphaia. People consider this remarkable archaeological site one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples. This 5th-century BC monument honors the goddess Aphaia.
So, who was Aphaia? We certainly have never heard of her prior to this visit. According to mythology, Aphaia was believed to be the Cretan goddess Vritomartis – Diktynna, daughter of Zeus and Karme.. Minos, the King of Crete, tried to force her into marriage so she escaped and hid in the sea.
Fishermen, near Aegina’s coast, caught her in their nets. A sailor fell in love with her and again tried to force her into marriage. She ran and vanished to the top of the mountain in Aegina with the help of Artemis.
In her place, the locals found a statue which they named Aphaia which meant vanished. She is a local deity associated with fertility, childbirth and agriculture.
Getting to the Temple of Aphaea
Unfortunately, the temple is located about nine miles (15 km) from the town center. There are several options to get there. The bus (which many visitors take), renting a car or taking a taxi.
We opted for the bus and you can catch them in town near the Heroes Monument square. Buses and taxis line up in this area and can easily be seen to your left once you leave the ferry port.
The buses looked like those large tourist chartered buses and were air-conditioned. We paid about 14 euros round-trip total for the four of us for our bus tickets. It was about a 40-minute ride to the temple but the ride was quite scenic. Don’t worry, the bus driver announced the temple stop.
In hindsight, we regretted taking the bus. The bus was supposed to come once every hour which is what the attendant told us and wha we’ve read too. But, during busy summer weekends, this could take a bit longer. In our case, we waited about 1.5 hour for it.
We saw people who came on taxis and the drivers waited for them. I’m not sure how much these would have cost but when on a day trip, time is a precious commodity. So, please learn from our mistakes and rent a car or hire a taxi.
Renting a car is the ideal way to see the island as a tourist whether you pick it up on the island or bring it along on the ferry from Athens. But, my husband was just not comfortable driving here even though the roads looked fine and far less traffic than Piraeus and Athens.
Visiting the Temple of Aphaea
Despite some time wasted waiting for the bus, it was worth the trip to see this beautiful temple that was built in 500 BC. The grounds were not very big so it was easy to cover the area. It cost 6 euros per person to see the temple and has a small museum near it.
Located on top of the hill mostly covered with pine trees, the impressive temple was a sight to behold. It was built on the Doric style with its majestic columns standing tall made with local limestone. Like many classical temples, it had six columns on the short side (front/back) and 12 columns on its long side.
Currently, there are still 24 of the 32 columns still standing here. We couldn’t believe how well-preserved it was and that we almost had this temple all to ourselves.
We loved that the Temple of Aphaea offered breathtaking views of the island and the Saronic Gulf.We spent some time enjoying the views and breeze from up here. It was beautiful and relaxing.
The Temple of Aphaea, along with the Acropolis in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion, form a Holy Triangle. It is an imaginary isosceles triangle. Supposedly, visitors can see the other two structures from here on a clear, cloudless day.
The temple site was believed was used for worship since 1300 BC. Archaeologists discovered remains of an older temple from the 570BC under this current temple’s foundations. There have been several excavations and restorations here for over a century.
They have discovered several statues, artifacts and two large carved pediments. There are still many things and treasures waiting to be discovered here.
Archaeological Museum
There was a small museum on the temple grounds. There were no posted hours and no staff really watching it. It was a small two-story building but contained a wealth of information and insight into the area’s rich history and sacred grounds.
You can’t miss the model of what the temple must have looked like in all its glory. It was an amazing complex. German and English archaeologists unearthed many treasures from this temple in the early 19th century.
Though, they sold it to Louis of Bavaria. So, parts of the Temple of Aegina, statues among other things are actually on display at the Glyptotek in Munich in a hall called “Aiginetes”.
Luckily, many other archaeological finds were still kept at this museum. We enjoyed walking around this museum and seeing many statues, artifacts and tools which included English descriptions.
It was also very interesting to see one of the temple’s restored pediment. What a great testament to the Greek’s artistry and craftsmanship.
There was a small shop selling souvenirs and cafe with seating and beautiful views across from the temple. It was the ideal place to get some cold drinks. This was our refuge during our long wait for the bus.
Beach Escapade
We took the bus back to the town and spent the rest of the afternoon at the beach and walking some more around town for some window shopping. Aegina has many beautiful beaches. But, the ones in the town center were acceptable but not their best. These beaches, Paralia Avra or Karnágio, were located near the bus stops and ports.
There was plenty of sand and my kids swam and enjoyed it. Our beaches in San Diego have fine sand, so this was a bit different. But, we were on a beautiful Greek island so one can’t really complain. There were some grassy areas and a small park by the beach to hang out.
Other Attractions and Things to do in Aegina Island
If you’re staying for a few more hours or more than a day, these are some suggested things to do in Aegina Island for more fun and unforgettable memories.
Cycle Around the Island
If you want a bit of an adventure and have the stamina, rent a bicycle and embark on a scenic adventure around the island. Feel the warm sea breeze on your face as you cycle through olive and pistachio groves, and quaint villages.
This eco-friendly mode of transportation allows you to fully immerse yourself in the island’s landscapes at a slower pace. I would have enjoyed biking some parts of the island on an E-bike.
Visit the Monastery of Agios Nektarios
Another one of Aegina’s popular attraction is the Monastery of Agios Nektarios. Built in honor of Saint Nektarios, a beloved Greek orthodox saint, this spiritual site attracts both locals and visitors seeking solace.
Our bus made one of the stops here on the way to the temple. I really wish we had more time and could have gotten off to explore.
The monastery looked stunning with its architecture. Its interior looks amazing based on photos. There are two small chapels that contain the tomb and holy relics of Agios Nektarios. There are currently 14 nuns live who live in the monastery.
Learn at the Archaeological Museum of Aegina
This museum is a hidden gem that will captivate both history buffs and curious families. Founded in 1829, it was Greece’s first National Archaeological Museum.
Located on a modern building near the archaeological site of Kolona, which are the remains from the ancient temple of Apollo. It was near the bus stop areas and beaches.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of exhibits, showcasing the island’s evolution from the Neolithic period to the Roman era. It contains many archaeological treasures from several ancient sites on Aegina like the Temple of Aphaia, Kolona and the Temple of Ellanios Zeus.
Visitors can see various exhibits of ancient columns, old vases and marble statues among other things. I regret not taking a peek here while my family was at the nearby beach. The museum is closed on Tuesday. Visit this museum especially if you want to delve into the ancient wonders of Greece.
More Beach Adventures
Aegina boasts a variety of sandy shores. Bask in the sun and dip your toes into the crystal-clear waters beyond the town’s vicinity. Many of the beaches have good facilities and are family-friendly. Of course, this means you would need a car to stop and explore many of these beaches at your convenience.
Escape the summer heat by visiting four of the most popular beaches: Souvala, Agia Marina, Marathonas and Perdika Beach. Souvala and Agia Marina have facilities including sun beds, umbrellas and watersport equipments to rent.
Plan your itinerary wisely to make the most of your day on Aegina Island. We actually covered a lot of things during our day trip with a mix of some sightseeing and relaxing. Aegina Island was a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, local charm and delicious food, making it an ideal destination for a memorable day trip from Athens.
Tips for Visiting Aegina Island on a day trip
- Early start: Begin your day early to maximize your time on the island. Catch one of the early morning ferries from Piraeus port to Aegina to make the most of your day.
- Ferry options: Check the ferry schedules in advance and consider booking your tickets online to secure your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons. There are several options depending on your schedule.
- Horse carriage ride: Take a delightful horse carriage ride in Aegina Town. It offers a relaxing way to see the town’s sights. They parked at the end of the ferry port, so you can’t miss them.
- Piraeus port: We stayed in Piraues so we walked to the port (E8) where the ferries leave from. If you’re staying in Athens, you will need to get to Piraues via taxi, roam or subway.
- Transportation: Rent a bicycle, scooter, or car to explore the island’s hidden gems at your own pace. This will allow you to venture off the beaten path and discover secluded spots. Don’t rely on the public bus if you’re comfortable driving a scooter or car.
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