Aegina Island Day Trip Guide: The 1 Best Greek Escape Near Athens
A Day At A Greek Island
Aegina is a stunning island found at a 45 minute ferry ride from Athens. During our one week trip to Greece in November 2023, we did a day trip to this hidden gem. It was one of the best times connecting with the waters of the Aegean Sea and immersing ourselves in stunning architecture.
If you want to explore an island that is not too far from Athens, then Aegina is the best choice. It is a small, beautiful island. Since we did not have plans of going all the way to Santorini, we admired this petite and beautiful romantic island instead.
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Arriving in Athens
- Via Ferry or Bus: Athens is the gateway to the Mediterranean, seamlessly connected by sea and road. To compare the most convenient routes and prices for your journey, you can book through Busbud or local ferry providers.
- Via Flight: Land at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH), located approximately 40 minutes from the historic city center. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Essential Travel Resources for Your Greece Trip
- Over-night Stays: To book a hotel, explore the options available here.
- Stay Connected: Stay connected while exploring without worrying about roaming fees. Grab a local eSIM that fits your data needs here:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
Planning Your Aegina Getaway
The third day of our exploration was dedicated to a trip to Aegina Island. We booked an online ferry ride to Aegina from Piraeus Port which took around 45 minutes and cost around 10 Euros one way. The ferry ride was comfortable and we easily found a place to sit on both journeys.
Pro-tip: Book your guided tour from Athens to Aegina using the widget below.
Top Things to Do in Aegina
As we arrived at Aegina, we were captivated by the beauty of both the waters and the island. Our first destination was the Temple of Apollo. We spent an hour at the temple exploring the architecture of the ruins and enjoying the breathtaking presence of the Saronic Gulf. The water was extremely blue and we just could not stop looking at how beautiful it was.
Next, we had lunch at a random restaurant that we did not find appetizing at all and left without finishing. We walked around the island for 2 hours going through the narrow and pretty streets looking for pistachio desserts for everyone to enjoy. If you are at Aegina, you must get something made out of pistachios grown on the island.
Where to Eat: Aiakeion (Eakion)
- 🥘Cuisine: Greek Patisserie / Mediterranean / Cafe-Restaurant
- ⭐ Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 🌙 Halal Status: Muslim-Friendly (Alcohol served; extensive Vegetarian & Seafood options)
- 🌐 Website: aiakeion.gr
- 📸 Socials: Instagram
- 💰 Budget: €10–25 per person
Aiakeion (Eakion) is a dessert bar located on the Island of Aegina. It has both indoor and outdoor seating and offers many different ice creams to choose from. We had four different scoops of ice cream and they were all delicious. We also got pistachio Baklava as a takeaway, which was made from pistachios grown at Aegina. Overall, both the ice cream and baklava were great. Do not miss this awesome dessert bar if you are in Aegina.
Final Remarks
Aegina is a perfect slice of Greek paradise. It offers a blend of history, turquoise waters, and world class treats. Whether you are there for the Temple of Apollo or the famous pistachios, it is a trip you will not forget.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry from Athens to Aegina?
The ferry ride from Piraeus Port in Athens to Aegina takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the type of vessel you choose.
How much does a ferry ticket to Aegina cost?
A one way ticket costs around 10 Euros, making it an affordable day trip from the capital.
What is Aegina famous for?
Aegina is world famous for its high quality pistachios. You can find pistachio flavored ice cream, baklava, and butter throughout the island.
