Three days in Aegina island, Greece, may not be enough to truly get to know the island, but they are more than enough to understand why so many people return time and again.
It is Friday afternoon, and you are on the ferry to Aegina. Piraeus (the port of Athens) begins to fade behind you as you watch the seagulls following the boat and feel the air changing before the cityscape has even disappeared from the horizon. Just over—or even under—an hour later, depending on whether you travel by conventional ferry or high-speed vessel, Aegina comes into view: colourful fishing boats, the pristine white chapel of Agios Nikolaos, the distinctive Panagitsa church and the neoclassical buildings lining the harbour.
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And just like that, almost as if by magic, and without airports, oversized suitcases or months of planning, you find yourself in Aegina!
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Aegina’s remarkable proximity to Athens is one of the island’s greatest privileges—but by no means its only one. The island has a light all its own, one that has inspired leading artists and writers, from Nikos Kazantzakis to Nikos Nikolaou and Yannis Moralis. Here, the landscape changes within just a few kilometres: ancient temples give way to Byzantine churches, welcoming seaside villages line the coast, and an unexpected hinterland awaits beyond the shore. And, of course, the flavour of Aegina’s pistachio follows you throughout the journey, appearing time and again in both sweet and savoury creations.
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A short escape to Aegina may not be enough to explore the entire island, but it is enough to understand why so many Aegina Lovers visit once… and then keep finding new reasons to return!
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First stop: Aegina Town
The moment you step off the ferry, you already feel much farther from Athens than you actually are. Start exploring straight away—the best way to get to know Aegina Town for the first time is undoubtedly on foot.
Bonus tip: If your hotel check-in is later in the day, leave your luggage at Lockers and More, the only luggage-storage facility of its kind in Aegina Town, just a four-minute walk from the port. You will find it at 7 Ioulias Katsa Street, in the picturesque alley decorated with umbrellas, the perfect solution for making the most of every moment on the island.
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Stroll along the lively waterfront promenade, past colourful fishing boats, cafés, restaurants and shops. Then leave the main road behind and wander into the narrow streets unfolding just beyond the harbour. Low-rise houses, brightly painted shutters, courtyards overflowing with potted plants and elegant old mansions form a neighbourhood that continues to live and breathe beyond the tourist bustle of the seafront.
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There is no need to follow a set route. The beauty of this walk lies in simply wandering: a half-open courtyard gate, the scent drifting from a bakery or a narrow lane that leads you back towards the sea. Another alley may suddenly bring you face to face with the striking Markellos Tower, the 17th-century Venetian watchtower, or the Metropolitan Cathedral, where Ioannis Kapodistrias took his oath of office.
Bonus tip: Want to discover the very best of Aegina Town through its ancient mythology, fascinating political history and distinctive charm? Let the town reveal its secrets through a self-guided audio tour of Greece’s First Capital. Starting at the chapel of Agios Nikolaos in the harbour, the tour connects past and present as you explore at your own pace. It lasts approximately 60 to 75 minutes.
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Aegina pistachio in all its forms
Of course, no first stroll through Aegina would be complete without pistachio.
At the historic Aiakeion patisserie, directly opposite the harbour, stop for a coffee and your first taste of the island’s most famous flavour.
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Try the original fistikato, made with caramel, pistachio cream and whole Aegina pistachios—a recipe first created at Aiakeion and lovingly continued for three generations. Follow it with the traditional armenovil and plenty of other tempting sweets. And, naturally, do not miss the pistachio ice cream, available in no fewer than eight different variations. Choosing just one is no easy task.
One thing is certain: you will be back in the evening, strolling beside the boats with an ice cream in hand as the lights of the waterfront shimmer across the water.
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The Aegina pistachio: It is more than the island’s most recognisable local product—it is part of the landscape itself, with pistachio groves stretching across large areas of Aegina. You will find it raw or roasted, in sesame-and-honey bars and fistikato sweets, spoon preserves and liqueurs, and even transformed into a savoury pesto for irresistible pasta dishes. There are far more variations than you could possibly imagine!
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A seaside walk in the footsteps of artists
There is one hour of the day truly worth keeping free: the one just before sunset. As the light softens and the sun sinks behind the mountains of the Peloponnese, the coastal route leading north from the harbour towards Plakakia is painted in its most beautiful colours.
It is no coincidence that Aegina’s distinctive light inspired some of Greece’s most important artists. The island’s connection with art is not confined to museums and studios; it lives within the landscape, in the houses where artists once lived and in the works you encounter while walking beside the sea.
Begin at the harbour with Kostas Varotsos’s glass sculpture, the “Gate of Aegina.” Continue towards Kolona and Nikos Kazantzakis Street, where you will come across Yannis Moralis’s “Untitled” sculpture, its geometric forms standing against the endless blue of the sea.
The sculpture was placed opposite the home of Moralis’s close friend and fellow painter, Nikos Nikolaou. Moralis spent much of his summer days there, surrounded by Aegina’s remarkable artistic circle, which included such distinguished figures as Christos Kapralos, Odysseas Elytis and Nikos Engonopoulos. Nikolaou’s former studio is open to visitors every Saturday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. during the summer months.
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Pause for a moment at the romantic Bouzas Lighthouse, then continue towards Plakakia and Christos Kapralos’s “The Mother.” The imposing sculpture stands against the backdrop of the sea, just a few metres from the artist’s studio, in a landscape that formed part of both his everyday life and his creative world for many years.
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A little farther on stands the house where Nikos Kazantzakis once lived—the writer who loved Aegina deeply and chose its unique light as the setting in which to live and write. The property is privately owned, but you can still admire it from a distance and discover the place that inspired the great Greek author as he worked on his own Odyssey.
You do not need to be an expert in modern Greek art to enjoy this route. Simply walk at an unhurried pace, with the sea beside you and the sky changing colour almost with every step.
Nights in Aegina Town
After sunset in Plakakia, the road naturally leads you back towards town. The waterfront lights begin to glow, the main seafront road becomes pedestrian-only during the summer months, and Aegina slips into the familiar, lively rhythm of a summer evening.
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One of the top choices for dining with a sea view, Miralice offers a contemporary gastronomic experience, combining creative cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails and an atmosphere made for dinners you will not want to rush. Do not miss the osso buco risotto or the beef carpaccio, served with spiced mayonnaise, basil pesto, Parmesan and aromatic croutons.
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Right next door, Oinoi—named after the mythological name once associated with Aegina—is the town’s timeless all-day café bar, known for its signature cocktails, distinctive flavours and transportive atmosphere. As night falls, it transforms into a lively club filled with rhythm, energy and powerful music.
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A little quieter, yet still close to the harbour and beside the Panagitsa church, Panayitsa Restaurant has already built a loyal following. Its creative cuisine spans fish, seafood and meat dishes, presented through a carefully curated, concise menu and a selection of fine wines. Set literally at the water’s edge, it offers an unexpected sense of calm—perfect for a relaxed dinner away from the livelier bustle of the main waterfront.
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At Heaven Café Aegina, the night takes on a livelier rhythm, with events that consistently draw a crowd and keep the town buzzing until late.
At the legendary Avli, evenings follow their own musical tradition, with live performances every Wednesday and Saturday in an atmosphere that feels authentic, vibrant and deeply connected to Aegina’s nightlife.
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For shopping in the heart of town, head to SALTo Aegina by En Mykono, at 30 Spyrou Rodi Street. Colourful handmade jewellery by designer Marili Soumpasi, bags crafted from recycled leather, hand-painted fans and umbrellas, miniature artworks, amulets and distinctive decorative objects fill the space with playful spirit and authentic artistic energy.
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The evening stroll around the harbour is one of the most characteristic scenes of summer in Aegina: people wandering between the boats, children’s voices, ice cream in hand, and that easy-going feeling that the night does not need a fixed plan.
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The next morning, it is time to leave the town behind and begin discovering the island’s many different sides—and northern Aegina is the perfect place to start.
Souvala and Vagia: Aegina’s northern coast
Aegina Town, Agia Marina and Perdika usually attract the most attention from first-time visitors. Yet the island’s northern side reveals a different Aegina: quieter, less polished and deeply connected to the sea, especially when you follow the coastal road north from town.
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Souvala, at the pace of a fishing village
In Souvala, fishing boats are moored along the quay and tavernas sit just a few steps from the water. The harbour remains lively, yet the day seems to unfold at a slower pace.
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Sit for a while facing the sea, walk to the end of the pier and watch the everyday comings and goings of the boats. Souvala does not try to impress. It wins you over because it has preserved something of the simplicity of the seaside village it has always been.
And when the time has slipped by and your walk has worked up an appetite, there is a good chance a local will point you towards Willy grill house. Its handmade gyros, succulent grilled dishes and relaxed atmosphere have built a loyal following that returns time and again—not only in summer.
Bonus tip: Souvala also has its own port, with seasonal ferry connections to and from Piraeus during the summer months.
Vagia, with the nostalgia of a beloved children’s book
Driving east, Vagia retains the character of a small, peaceful fishing village. For generations of Greek readers, its name has been closely associated with The Treasure of Vagia by Georges Sari, the novel that made this corner of Aegina feel familiar long before many ever visited it.
Today, Vagia remains simple and charmingly unpretentious. There is no need for a packed itinerary. Relax on the beach, discover its own quiet treasures and enjoy the feeling of having moved away from the island’s busier spots.
Aegina’s roads are part of the experience
Distances in Aegina are short, yet the scenery changes constantly. Within just a few kilometres, the sea gives way to pine forest, pistachio groves stretch between small settlements and the roads through the island’s interior seem to belong to an entirely different place.
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From northern Aegina to Agia Marina
The road from Souvala towards Agios Nektarios and Agia Marina passes through some of the greenest parts of Aegina. Pine trees draw close to the road, sunlight filters through the branches and, in summer, the scent of resin drifts in through the open car windows.
The route is even more beautiful early in the morning, before the temperature rises, while the forest is still quiet and Agia Marina waits on the other side of the island.
The history of Aegina in three stops
History on the island is not confined to museums. Ancient temples, Byzantine churches and major pilgrimage sites coexist with its roads, villages and natural landscape.
Palaiochora: the island’s Mystras
Palaiochora was founded in the 9th century and served for centuries as the medieval capital of Aegina, offering its inhabitants protection from Saracen pirate raids.
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Today, wandering along its stone paths among 38 surviving Byzantine basilica-style churches is an unforgettable experience. The ruins of former buildings, the old pathways and the frescoes that have endured create a place that is not meant to be explored with one eye on the clock.
Walk for as long as your time and energy allow. Climb towards the ruins of the Venetian castle at the top and take in the breathtaking view.
Agios Nektarios: a place of faith and awe
The imposing Church of Agios Nektarios dominates the landscape long before you reach it. Its scale, two tall bell towers and distinctive architecture inspire a sense of awe, encouraging even visitors without a strong religious connection to pause and take it all in.
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The heart of the experience, however, lies higher up at the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, also known as the Monastery of Agios Nektarios, which the saint himself founded. There, the grandeur of the church gives way to simplicity and devotion. Pilgrims from Greece and around the world wait patiently to approach his tomb, bow, kneel and place an ear against the marble in the hope of hearing the saint’s famous “walking stick.”
Whether you regard it as a miracle or as a deeply personal act of faith, the sight of people of every age and background standing silently before the tomb is one of the most moving you will encounter in Aegina.
Do not miss the small room where Agios Nektarios once lived. Its austerity stands in striking contrast to the vast church below. Inside this humble space, the simplicity and ascetic nature of the saint’s daily life become immediately tangible.
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A visit to Agios Nektarios is not simply another stop on a sightseeing itinerary. It is an experience filled with faith, emotion and human stories. Come without rushing and allow time for both the great church and the monastery. They possess entirely different atmospheres, yet together they explain why Aegina is one of the most important Orthodox pilgrimage destinations.
The Temple of Aphaia: energy and views beyond the columns
The Temple of Aphaia is one of Aegina’s most important archaeological sites and a monument worth visiting at least once in your life.
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Built in the early 5th century BC, it is one of the best-preserved Doric temples in Greece. Together with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, it is said to form the celebrated “sacred triangle” of antiquity.
Its architecture and history are impressive, but the view from this spot is equally unforgettable. Stand just below the temple. Pine-covered slopes descend towards the sea, while the Saronic Gulf stretches out before you as far as the eye can see.
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light softens and the crowds begin to thin, the landscape imposes its own silence.
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There is nothing else you need to do—simply stand still and take in the energy of the place.
Agia Marina: the liveliest side of eastern Aegina
Just below the Temple of Aphaia, the lush resort of Agia Marina stretches around the island’s largest sandy, shallow-water beach, with pine trees reaching almost to the shore. It is one of Aegina’s liveliest destinations, with cafés, restaurants, small shops and plenty of accommodation, yet it still retains an easy-going summer rhythm.
Ideal for families, as well as for those who want to combine a swim with a visit to Aphaia, Agia Marina can easily become your base for exploring the entire eastern side of the island. The area still carries something of the carefree spirit of 1990s summers, with a nostalgic, authentic character that sets it apart.
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At the heart of the village, the beautifully restored chapel of Agia Marina stands beside the sea, while just a few steps away lies Aegina’s largest sandy beach. It is spacious enough to let you choose between the many beach bars and organised facilities or simply find your own spot, open your umbrella and enjoy the sea at your own pace.
The brand-new port has also refreshed the area, while the seasonal direct connection from Piraeus aboard Hellenic Seaways high-speed vessels makes Agia Marina an even easier choice for a quick escape to the island’s eastern coast.
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A different side of Aegina lies inland
Beyond its archaeological sites, monasteries and seaside villages, Aegina reveals an entirely different character in its interior. As you drive higher above the sea, the landscape changes once again, uncovering rolling hills, tiny chapels, stone-built settlements and roads that cut through the island’s quieter, more rural side.
Aegina’s hinterland is often left out of a short weekend itinerary. And yet, it is precisely this part of the island that completes the picture, revealing a place far more varied and multidimensional than you might imagine when first looking out from the harbour.
Pacheia Rachi: a village from another era
Officially designated a traditional settlement, Pacheia Rachi is one of Aegina’s best-preserved villages. Its stone houses, cobbled lanes, old churches and restored courtyards retain the atmosphere of another era, while the village was also home to fighters who took part in the Greek War of Independence of 1821.
The open views across the Saronic Gulf are impressive, but do not stop there. Walk through the heart of the village, notice the details on the façades and allow its stillness to transport you briefly into the past.
From Pacheia Rachi, you can also follow the trail leading to the Ancient Olive Grove, one of the island’s most distinctive hiking routes and a walk worth experiencing at least once. The path descends into a secluded valley of centuries-old olive trees, old chapels and the remains of monastic farmsteads, revealing a side of Aegina that remains unknown to most visitors.
Anitsaio: Cool air, nature and walking trails
At an altitude of around 230 metres, Anitsaio offers welcome coolness even on the hottest summer days. Nature takes centre stage here, while a number of routes begin in the village and cross Aegina’s mountainous interior, leading towards small settlements, remote chapels and Mount Ellanio.
It is an ideal choice for those who enjoy hiking and birdwatching, particularly in spring and autumn. Even if you do not have time to follow an entire trail, however, the journey here and the striking change in scenery are enough to introduce you to a completely different side of Aegina.
Mesagros: The tradition of Aegina pottery
Mesagros pairs naturally with a visit to the Temple of Aphaia and deserves a stop of its own. Set in a lush landscape, the village is closely associated with Aegina’s pottery tradition and with the craftspeople who kept the art of clay alive through the decades.
Walk through its streets, look for traces of the old workshops and notice the houses and courtyards that preserve the unpretentious character of the island’s eastern hinterland.
Beaches: an Aegina for every kind of swim
Sandy shores with shallow waters, small coves, pine trees reaching almost to the sea and unspoilt beaches that remain unknown to most visitors. In Aegina, there is no single version of the perfect beach day. There is simply the one that suits your mood, your company and your pace each time.
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Marathonas: the easy choice for an entire day
With its calm, shallow waters and easy access, Marathonas remains a firm favourite with families. Its sandy shore and numerous dining options allow you to spend the entire day beside the sea without constantly having to change plans or locations.
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Here, Cebu Beach Restaurant can give the day a different rhythm. Start with brunch, pair it with a swim in the shallow waters and let lunchtime unfold over creative dishes such as tarama mousse or ceviche made with the catch of the day. As the light begins to fade, cocktails take centre stage and the beach gradually slips into a more evening mood.
Aeginitissa: Where sunset becomes part of the experience
On the island’s western coast, Aeginitissa is one of those beaches where the final swim of the day usually lasts longer than expected. The bay faces west and, as the sun sinks towards the Peloponnese, the sea fills with golden reflections.
At Fyki Beach Restaurant, the day can easily begin with coffee and swimming and continue until late. Sun loungers beside the water, bohemian styling, food with a sea view, music and summer events have created a tradition of their own on western Aegina.
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The most likely scenario? You arrive planning to stay for a few hours and end up watching the sunset from the very same spot.
Sarpa: a small bay near Perdika
Close to Perdika, Sarpa Beach lies within a sheltered bay with clear waters and a more peaceful atmosphere. It is smaller and more compact than the island’s larger sandy beaches, giving it a more intimate character.
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It is ideal for those who want to combine a swim with a stroll around Perdika or a trip to Moni without venturing too far from the island’s south-western side.
Klima or Kleidi: wild beauty in the south
In southern Aegina, the landscape becomes more rugged and rocky. Klima, also known as Kleidi, is one of the island’s most beautiful bays, distinguished by its crystal-clear waters, open horizon and the feeling that you have arrived at a beach somewhere in the Cyclades.
Mourioti: The little-known beach of southern Aegina
Between Sarpa and Kleidi lies Mourioti Beach, one of the least-known beaches on the island’s southern coast. It is unorganised and offers no facilities, which is precisely why it has retained such an untouched, natural appearance.
It is the choice for those seeking peace, clear waters and a place far removed from beach bars and loud music. Just remember to bring water, an umbrella and everything else you may need. Here, the experience remains wonderfully simple: sea, sunshine and the wild landscape of southern Aegina.
Swimming without a car: The beach beneath Kolona
You do not always need to cross the island to enjoy a swim. Just a few minutes on foot from the harbour, beneath the shadow of the Kolona archaeological site, lies a small, unorganised beach that is ideal for anyone visiting Aegina without a car.
The setting is truly distinctive: you swim with the single surviving column of the ancient Temple of Apollo rising directly above you, while the town remains within easy walking distance. It is perfect for a quick morning dip, for the final hours before your ferry or for a day trip to Aegina when you do not want to lose time travelling around the island.
Perdika and Moni: A small escape within your escape
When you want to combine swimming with a short sea excursion, continue towards Perdika and Moni.
The road from Aegina Town to Perdika is yet another route that reveals how many different landscapes can fit onto such a small island. As you approach its south-western edge, the vegetation becomes lower and the scenery takes on a wilder, almost Cycladic appearance. The sea emerges between the bends, and shortly before you arrive, Moni appears across the water.
Perdika remains a lively, cosmopolitan fishing village, with traditional boats and small yachts moored in the harbour, tavernas lining its elevated seafront “balcony” and groups of friends extending lunch well into the afternoon. Walk around the peninsula, pause wherever the view opens towards the small island opposite and return to the harbour when it is time to eat.
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At Nontas fish taverna, the sea seems to arrive at the table almost untouched. Fresh fish, seafood, an unusual fried fish soup and, when available, the wonderfully sweet local katsoules of the Saronic Gulf come together in a meal that suits Perdika perfectly: generous, full of the sea and free from unnecessary formality.
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Traditional boats depart from Perdika harbour for Moni, and in around ten minutes you arrive on a small, lush island surrounded by clear turquoise waters. Pine trees descend towards the shore, the beach looks back towards Perdika and the island’s most unusual residents, deer, peacocks and wild goats, often make an appearance near the swimmers.
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Swimming here truly feels like an excursion within an excursion. And yet, you are still only a few minutes from Aegina and a little over an hour away from Athens.
Where to stay for three days in Aegina or even longer
Where you choose to stay will significantly shape the way you experience the island.
In Agia Marina, Apollo Resort is ideal for those who want to wake up overlooking the Saronic Gulf and enjoy direct access to the sea. Its location allows you to combine relaxation with easy excursions around the island and idyllic holidays right beside the water.
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Close to the harbour, Rastoni Hotel offers a peaceful setting surrounded by a lush garden. You remain within easy reach of the town’s restaurants, nightlife and evening strolls, without giving up the tranquillity of your accommodation.
Also part of the Rastoni family is Rastoni 1928, a distinctive neoclassical building dating back to 1928, set in the heart of Aegina Town. Carefully restored with the utmost respect for its history, the property has been transformed into an elegant boutique retreat comprising six individually designed apartments.
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For families or groups of up to ten people who prefer greater privacy and more outdoor space, Villa Elmar offers the comfort of a self-contained home, turning the accommodation itself into a meaningful part of the getaway.
The final hours before returning home
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On Sunday afternoon, the harbour begins to fill once again. Some visitors sit down for one final coffee, others buy pistachios to take home, while many take one more stroll along the waterfront, trying to gain a little extra time before boarding the ferry.
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When you have already checked out and your departure is later in the day, Lockers and More, just a few steps from the harbour, allows you to leave your luggage safely and make the most of your final hours without dragging suitcases through the narrow streets.
That leaves time for one more coffee, a few last-minute purchases or—why not?—one final pistachio ice cream.
Bonus tip: Make sure you book your ferry tickets in advance, especially when travelling with a car and particularly during summer weekends and public holidays, when the most popular sailings fill up quickly.
Frequently asked questions about a weekend in Aegina
Are two days enough in Aegina?
Two days are enough for a first introduction to the town, one or two important sights, a beach and one additional side of the island. A week—or several more days—will allow you to add northern Aegina, the hinterland or a trip to Moni without constantly watching the clock.
Do you need a car in Aegina?
You can enjoy a wonderful weekend without a car, particularly if you stay in Aegina Town and use buses or taxis. A car or scooter, however, gives you greater freedom to combine Souvala, Vagia, the inland villages, the Temple of Aphaia and Perdika within the same trip.
What is the best time to visit?
Summer is the season for swimming, beach restaurants and evening walks around the harbour. September combines warm seas, quieter beaches and the Aegina Fistiki Fest. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking, exploring the interior and visiting archaeological sites without the intense summer heat.
Can Aegina be visited as a day trip?
Absolutely. Its short distance from Piraeus makes Aegina ideal for a day trip. A full weekend, however, allows you to experience the town after the day-trippers have left, enjoy the evening atmosphere around the harbour and travel beyond the island’s best-known stops.
So, is one weekend in Aegina really enough?
Probably not.
But it is enough to watch the seagulls escort the ferry shortly after it leaves Piraeus. Enough to lose yourself in the narrow streets behind the harbour and walk beside the boats with pistachio ice cream in hand.
It is enough to drive through the pine forest from Souvala towards Agia Marina, stand beneath the Temple of Aphaia with the landscape opening around you and watch the sun sink as you follow the coastal road towards Plakakia.
It is enough to eat beside the waves, swim on more than one side of the island and feel as though you have taken far more breaths of fresh sea air than the mere hour it took you to arrive.
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Most importantly, it is enough to have that familiar thought just before the ferry casts off for the journey home:
Next time, we are staying a little longer.