Whether you’re backpacking, a solo traveller or on a family holiday, we’ve got you covered on where to stay in Aegina. In this article, we delve into the different areas that make up this quintessentially Greek Island and what each has to offer, be it the bustling energy of a town centre or the serene seclusion of a coastal retreat.
For a backpacking destination that’s both far from the crowds and also has plenty to see and do, the Greek island of Aegina is well worth considering. Situated in the dead centre of the Saronic Gulf, Aegina has a rich ancient history and once challenged even mighty Athens for dominance of the sea, but today it’s a relatively sleepy spot that’s a favourite summer getaway for Greeks.
It’s also often overlooked by foreign tourists in favour of more lively locations like Santorini and Mykonos, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind for a few days.
The town of Aegina, on the west coast of the island, is a great place to use as a base for your stay. Its quintessentially Greek open-fronted cafés offer fantastic seafood in a tranquil setting.
After sunset the evening ignites a surge of vibrant energy; restaurants and bars stay open late into the night, transforming the town into an exciting nightlife scene. For archaeology enthusiasts or history buffs, Aegina Town is the ideal place to explore lesser-known but profoundly interesting ancient sites. Showcasing over 10 monuments, you will be spoilt for choice.
The Temple of Apollo is one of the more impressive sites holding much historical value and UNESCO verified. Built in the Doric style, this temple is dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god of music, healing, and prophecy. Although much of the original structure has been lost to time and natural disasters, some remnants, including several standing columns, provide a glimpse into its former grandeur. The site also includes a museum that houses various artefacts discovered during excavations, such as sculptures, pottery, and offerings made to the god Apollo.
The island’s protector saint is venerated at Aegina’s largest religious building, the modern church of Agios Nektarios, located between the port of Aegina and Agia Marina. One of the most visited spots on the island, the church features two bell towers and a connected monastery that is tended by a small community of nuns.
A little further on you’ll come across the mediaeval village of Paleochora, where the remains of 33 churches linked by winding stone paths and in various states of repair, can be found. The oldest of these churches dates back to the 13th century, and some have ancient frescoes and sculptures.
Aegina is an island blanketed by enchanting landscapes and edged with shimmering beaches. There are so many blissful beach spots for you to relax on, it’s difficult to narrow it down to a specific area.
If you’re enjoying a full week on the island, it’s worth hopping between areas to make the most out of the glorious sun, sea and sand. With this said, if you’re looking for a location to anchor yourself in with a beach that has everything you could desire, you want to visit the Agia Marina.
Agia Marina is home to the island’s poster beach, showcasing a long 500m stretch of soft golden sand. The beach is well-equipped with amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable set-up for a day in the sun.
You won’t need to plan ahead for lunch; a short stroll along the shore and you’ll find an abundance of waterfront tavernas ready and waiting for you to savour the flavours of the island whilst enjoying a sea view.
There are lots of fun activities to get involved in when you want a break from basking in the sun, whether it’s experiencing the thrill of speeding across the Aegean on a jet ski or gliding along the calm waters on a paddleboard.
Perhaps you or the kids may want to hop aboard the fun fair ride of the sea: the banana boat. Hold on tight and experience a bouncy ride as the speedboat pulling you does all it can to shake you off. There is certainly something fun for everybody on this beach!
The Aegina island captures a perfect balance of a lively atmosphere and a tranquil oasis. There are many places on the island with a thriving nightlife scene, Aegina Town being the most obvious choice. Although if you’re wanting to venture further afield, some lesser-known sides of the island also know how to party.
Vathi and Souvali are two equally charming destinations sat beside each other on the northeastern coast of Aegina. Known for their laid-back ambience and scenic surroundings, they both offer a distinct yet vibrant nightlife experience.
Once the sun sets in Vathi, the waterfront promenade comes alive with numerous bars, tavernas, and clubs, where locals and tourists gather to enjoy a night on the town. Sip on delicious cocktails and indulge in authentic Greek cuisine surrounded by the still backdrop of the sea.
Souvali, Vathi’s neighbouring village, offers a more tranquil and intimate nightlife experience. This small seaside village is characterised by a romantic feel, rooted in its cosy tavernas and beach bars. We’d recommend heading to dinner early, finding a taverna with a prime seafront view and watching the sun dip into the horizon as you indulge in the chef’s catch of the day.
The charming fishing village of Vagia is an ideal location for family holidays with little ones. Populated by friendly locals as well as travellers, this beautiful and serene area offers a safe, calm environment for families.
Vagia’s picturesque harbour houses a beach on both ends. The beach to the left side of the harbour is the largest out of the two, yet it remains relatively uncrowded even during the high season – perfect for families with young children.
A soft sand bed and shallow shoreline cover the entirety of the beach, with sunbeds, umbrellas, tavernas and snack bars decorating the beachfront. Kids can keep themselves busy building sandcastles, playing beach games and paddling in the crystalline waters.
What makes Vagia an even more perfect family holiday oasis is its location. Several attractions in the surrounding areas of Vagia are well-suited for families with kids.
Just a short drive from Vagia and nestled amidst the olive groves sits the ancient Temple of Aphaia. Built around 500 BC as the sole site of worship for the eponymous goddess, the temple is among the most well-preserved you’ll find outside of Athens.
According to Greek mythology, Aphaea was a Cretan woman of great beauty who ascended to divinity through the favour of Artemis, the goddess of hunting and wild animals. Whilst the historical significance of the site may be more appealing to adults, kids can still appreciate the impressive architecture and learn about Greek mythology through guided tours and the fascinating on-site museum.
If you’re looking for an activity to exhaust your little rascals, the Aegina Water Park is a very popular attraction for families, located in the nearby town of Agia Marina. The park features a variety of water slides, pools, and water games that provide hours of fun for children of all ages. With lifeguards on duty, you can be confident that your kids can splash in safety until their heart’s content.
The Greek island of Aegina is certainly the ultimate backpacking destination, rewarding keen explorers with a wealth of historical structures, religious architecture and natural beauty. There are several captivating destinations which should definitely be explored, as it’s difficult to pick just one!
You could start your adventure by exploring the verdant hills of Mount Oros, the highest peak on the island, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the shimmering Aegean. Be sure to set up camp here during the evening; you won’t want to miss the unforgettable moment the sun casts hues of orange and gold across the sky before meeting the sea in its descent.
Venture off the beaten path to discover hidden coves and secluded beaches such as Sarpa, Moni, and Vagia, offering crystal-clear waters and serene natural beauty, but don’t miss the charming fishing village of Perdika. Nestled along the coastline, this hidden gem has retained its traditional charm and authenticity, offering backpackers a chance to slow down and live the authentic Greek island life.
Perdika boasts stunning natural beauty, surrounded by a rugged coastline and rocky cliffs, perfect for adventurers and nature enthusiasts amongst us. You can wander through narrow cobbled streets, encounter friendly locals, and observe fishermen going about their daily routines.
As a fishing village, Perdika is renowned for its exceptional seafood. Backpackers can indulge in delectable dishes including grilled octopus, fried calamari, and flavorful fish soups whilst relaxing on the secluded beaches. Klima Beach, with its crystalline waters and pebbly shores, is a favourite spot for sunbathing and swimming.
Being the largest of the Saronic Islands, and positioned very close to Athens, native Athenians used Aegina as if it were a suburb, frequently travelling back and forth on the weekends.
The best way to reach Aegina is by ferry from Piraeus, near Athens. The Athens-Aegina ferry travels between the coast and the island multiple times daily. It’s roughly a 30-minute ferry ride, with the average ticket price sitting at €15, making it a perfect destination for a day trip or a complete holiday destination.
Aegina is essentially an extinct volcano, meaning two-thirds of the island is rugged and mountainous, which is something to bear in mind when travelling around the island. A popular choice for getting around Aegina is cycling. Scenic routes and coastal roads are scattered across the island, perfect for you to pedal along at your leisure.
Aegina’s bus network is run by KTEL and is frequently used by tourists to get around the island. It has expansive coverage of the island, connecting everything from remote villages to Aegina Town. An advantage of the bus is that it’s definitely one of the more reasonable price points for travel, although they don’t run as frequently as you would hope.
To avoid planning your holiday based on a timetable, you may want to consider hiring your own set of wheels. Car and scooter rentals are a great way to travel at your pace and aren’t overly expensive when compared to the price of taxis.
In the same spirit as the rest of Greece, the island’s beauty is certainly not limited to a particular season. Whether you visit during the high season or throughout the winter, there are always plenty of stunning coastal destinations to visit and cultural hotspots to explore.
However, as with any other Mediterranean destination, there are more obvious activities to enjoy in the summer when the sun is beaming down on your holiday.
The weather in Aegina begins to really pick up in late spring to early summer as the sun appears, making the Aegean sparkle. May to June sees temperatures sitting at a very pleasant average of 17-21°C. Moving into the high season months of July and August, the island becomes a sun-worshipper’s paradise, as temperatures rise to sweltering heights of a whopping 34°C, and balmy lows of 24°C.
If you’re not quite accustomed to the beaming sun, don’t worry too much. Being a coastal island, Aegina is surrounded by an alluring shoreline which reaches average temperatures of 24°C in summer; ideal for cooling off.
Aegina is an idyllic spot on the Saronic Gulf, encapsulating the same easy-going character of any other Greek island, but with the added bonus of not being a tourist hot spot. Expect the usual Greek charm found in picturesque villages, stunning beaches, verdant plains, and important archaeological sites, all in a more accessible and affordable setting. A perfect summer getaway for solo travellers, backpackers and families, for a full week’s holiday or a weekend expedition.
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