Day Trip to Aegina
The Island of Aegina
Where to buy your ferry tickets
Aegina is only accessible by boat. While you can buy your tickets in person, either from a ferry ticket office (there are many locations around the city) or from a ticket booth at the port, I recommend purchasing your tickets online. There are a few website options, but the prices are pretty standardized. Here is the website I prefer:
If you do decide to purchase your tickets in person, look for ferry offices around the city or ticket booths at the port that sell tickets for the shipping lines: Agean Flying Dolphins, ANES Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, or Sardonic Ferries. There are different lines, which vary in pricing and travel time. You can use the ticket website to research and compare. During the summer, I recommend booking your tickets in advance. In the off season it is possible to by your tickets in the port on the day you plan to travel, but you need to have slightly more flexible travel plans.
Which ports to travel between
If you book your tickets online, you will select "Piraeus" as the port you are leaving from and "Aegina Town" as the port you are traveling to.
Side adventure recommendation:
If you have a little extra time in Piraeus, before you get on the ferry, especially if you take the metro to get there, I highly recommend that you take 15 minutes to stop into The Electric Railway Museum! It's totally free and such a unique piece of Athens' modern history!
Highlights of Aegina
If you've only got one day in Aegina, you may need to be selective of your activities, depending on your pace. Here are my favorite things to do and sights to see that are special to this island:
Aegina Old Town
When you arrive in Aegina, after you've had a moment to take in the fresh sea air, your first task is to find some Pistachios!Pistachios are the pride of Aegina and are consider the best in the world! They do not export their precious product, so make sure you consume all of the pistachio gelato, baklava, butter, oil, and brittle that you can. Then grab some big bags of salted in-shell pistachios and roasted caramel pistachios to take home!
While you're strolling along, keeping cool with your pistachio gelato and exploring the town, stop by the Tower of Markellos. While there's not much that meets the eye, this building holds much historical significance in Greece's contemporary History. It's definitely worth a second to stop by, have a sit (do a quick google search), and snap a picture!
Saint Nectarios and Aphaia
Whenever you're ready to start exploring the rest of the island, these activities are excellent to pair together because they are located on the same road (about 10 minutes apart). If you choose to rent a vehicle, it's a no-brainer to visit both, but it is also very easy to do so, using the local bus. If you are traveling by taxi, make sure you either arrange to have a taxi for your return/on to your next location, or you should be prepared to possibly have to wait for a taxi to drop someone else off to catch a ride.
Off The Main Path
If you've got extra time or are looking for some place more unique to visit, Aegina has several quieter, more secluded churches, sites, and hiking trails to enjoy!
Aegina also has a selection of beautiful hiking paths that allow you to enjoy views of the rolling hills, colorful pistachio groves, and crystal blue waters!
Add a beach trip to your day!
Here are some beautiful beaches on the island that you can visit by taxi or vehicle rental
Aegina has transportation options for every budget, making it easy to get around the island!
Rent A Car
If you're traveling in a group or family, carrying alot of luggage/equipment, need the accessibility that a car provides, or you simply like the freedom that comes with having your own vehicle, Aegina has many car rental options:
*Be sure you verify that the driver's licence you will be carrying is accepted in Greece.
Hire A Ride
There are plenty of ways to get a ride on Aegina, from hailing a taxi the old fashion way to booking an uber on your phone. If you're looking for something more "all inclusive" than a single ride, here is a transfer and tour company that may suit your needs:
Take The Bus
This is the cheapest option for getting around the island and is quite convenient if you are just looking to hit the highlights.KTEL is a private bus company that travels between neighboring towns (as apposed to local busses that have numerous stops on short routes). You can find KTEL buses throughout Greece, but each regional branch is autonomous. Some have more user friendly websites than others, and each will have their own ticket office and customer service number.
The best place to get online information about the KTELs on Aegina is here:
Bus tickets are purchased in person at the port ticket booth (where you can also ask any questions you may have and verify the time tables) located here:
*Be advised that all buses cease running by 3:30 pm
Bicycle
Self-Guided
If you are an avid cyclist, you may have your own bike, in which case, you can certainly bring it on the ferry with you!
If you'd like to rent a bike, Aegina has plenty of options. Many of the rental places in the town of Aegina offer Bicycles, you can check the links above or do a quick google search, if you wish to reserve one in advance, but I have found it quite easy to simply keep and eye out for bicycles outside a rental business while enjoying an initial walk around the port and old town, then pop into the one that I best like the look of and ask for a bike.
Professionally Guided
If you are interested in a guided cycling tour of the island, I recommend Aegina Bike Tours. They have multiple routes to choose from (up to four people), the tours are always private, and you can arrange a time that fits your schedule. The office is located in Agia Marina, so you will need to make plans for getting there and back, before and after your tour, but it is an easy trip.*If you decide to look into other tour companies, be sure to verify where they store their bikes. Many companies are based out of Athens and you will have to travel with your bike to the island (which is largely why I recommended this company).
Additional resource for Cyclists:
Addition information about the transportation available on Aegina:
Stay the Night
Aegina is so full of wonderful things to see and do, you may just need to add on a extra day! Here are some hotel options that will allow you to have the time you need to enjoy all this island has to offer:
Old Town
Agia Marina
Private Properties for Groups
Budget Options
A Note for Backpackers
The Virgin Mary Chrysoleontissa Holy Convent has been know to allow visitors to stay in the guest house on the property, providing a very unique experience, but I strongly recommend calling in advance to verify your plans and be made of aware of any rules or policies you'll be expected to respect while you are there.Contact Details Address: Monastery of Chrysoleontissa 18010 Kontos, AeginaTelephone: (+30) 22970 62100
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