Aegina is the Saronic Gulf's great crowd-pleaser, sitting just across the water from Athens on one of the shortest ferry crossings from Piraeus. Conventional ferries and hydrofoils depart many times a day all year round, which makes the island effortless to reach for a day trip, a lazy weekend or a longer stay. Beyond its famous pistachios, sold roasted, caramelised and in every conceivable form along the harbourfront, Aegina rewards exploring: the beautifully preserved Temple of Aphaia crowns a pine-covered hill, the abandoned medieval settlement of Paleochora scatters chapels across a hillside, and the fishing village of Perdika serves fresh seafood beside bobbing boats. Add sandy swimming at Agia Marina and a lively main town full of neoclassical facades, and you have Greece's most convenient island escape.
Aegina works in every season thanks to its year-round ferry links. Late spring and early autumn are ideal, with warm seas, open tavernas and far fewer visitors than midsummer. July and August are lively but busy, especially at weekends when Athenians arrive in force. Winter has its own charm, with quiet harbour cafes and the island's unhurried everyday rhythm on full display.
The main port is right on the waterfront of Aegina Town, so you step off the ferry straight into cafes, fish stalls and horse-drawn carriages. Most conventional ferries and hydrofoils from Piraeus arrive here. In summer, some boats also serve Agia Marina on the east coast and Souvala on the north shore, which is handy if your accommodation is on that side of the island.
Local buses leave from near the port in Aegina Town for Agia Marina, Perdika, Souvala and the Temple of Aphaia. Taxis wait by the harbour, and bicycles, scooters and small cars are easy to hire for exploring at your own pace. Distances are short and no corner of the island feels remote, so even a single day lets you see a great deal.
| From | Frequency | Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Piraeus | Multiple daily | Saronic Ferries, Aegean Flying Dolphins |
Frequencies are indicative and seasonal — check live schedules for your dates.
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