Aegina
Discover Aegina
Aegina (Greek: Αίγινα) is one of the Saronic Gulf Islands, a triangle 11 km on each side. It's the closest island to Athens, reached in barely an hour by ferry, and in 2011 had a population of 13,056. The main reasons to visit are to escape the city heat for an agreeable old port, and to see the temple of Aphaea. It feels more like a beach suburb than a Greek island, and it can get busy, but most visitors are from the city. In legend Aegina was a goat-nymph, though it was almighty Zeus who acted the prize goat with his predatory sex adventures. Aegina was carried off to the island that now bears her name (maybe not unwillingly) and bore Zeus a son Aeacus, who became king. Hera the wife of Zeus tended to blame the other women rather than her hubby, and wiped out the island population by plague. However Aeacus prayed to Zeus to convert the teeming ants into humans, the myrmidons, a sort-of warrior caste - honestly, how many of us would have thought of doing that?
What to Experience in Aegina
Taste of Aegina...
As of Aug 2022, Aegina town has 4G from all Greek carriers, but the signal becomes patchy 3 km out. You might pick up 5G from Pireaus on the ferry.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsFrequent ferries ply from Piraeus port in Athens to Aegina town. Hydrofoils for foot passengers take 40 min, single fare €14, conventional vessels for cars and motorbikes take 70 min, single fare €10. Within the Piraeus port, follow signs for "Aegina" and "Gate E8" (to be sure, check the electronic screens, as specific gate can sometimes shift e.g., to E7). In normal times hydrofoils sail hourly 07:00-17:00, some continuing from Aegina to Agistri, Poros or Methana. The ferry operators are Hellenic Seaways, Blue Star Ferries and Saronic Ferries. As of December 2025, Hellenic Seaways and Blue Star Ferries provide only hydrofoils option, while previouly mentioned Alpha Lines and ANES Ferries don't list Aegina in their schedules. 37.74523.4261 Aegina port is at the heart of the town. Ferries dock on the west pier, cruise ships on the east pier, and small craft use the inner harbour. There are lots of nearby cafes....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
There are five car rental agencies near the harbour, which also have motorbikes and scooters - book ahead to ensure availability. Some of their offerings are dilapidated. For a day trip, you might do better to hire a taxi. The driver knows the roads, where to park and how much time to allow to return you to the ferry pier, and will regale you with what his great-grandmother got up to during the war. Buses on the island are a limited service to enable villagers to get into town for essentials then get home. They are not well-designed for sightseeing outings, but it's possible given boundless patience. The three routes all start from the bus stand by the harbour, and take at most 30 min to the end of the line. A single ticket is €2, pay cash as you board. Destinations are only shown in Greek but if in doubt, get on and ask the driver. As of Aug 2022, Aegina town has 4G from all Greek carriers, but the signal becomes patchy 3 km out. You might pick up 5G from Pireaus on the ferry.
Where to Stay
As of Aug 2022, Aegina town has 4G from all Greek carriers, but the signal becomes patchy 3 km out. You might pick up 5G from Pireaus on the ferry.
Money & Budget
As of Aug 2022, Aegina town has 4G from all Greek carriers, but the signal becomes patchy 3 km out. You might pick up 5G from Pireaus on the ferry.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
As of Aug 2022, Aegina town has 4G from all Greek carriers, but the signal becomes patchy 3 km out. You might pick up 5G from Pireaus on the ferry.
Glimpses of Aegina
white and blue boat on sea during daytime
an aerial view of a small town by the ocean
the ruins of the ancient city of delphinia
Egina
a fruit stand with fruits
the ruins of the ancient city of delphinia
two square white wooden tables and chairs near beach
Greek island of Aegina. The Saronic Islands of Greece in the Saronic Gulf. Marina, harbor.
a body of water with boats in the distance
a view of a beach with clear blue water
white and blue boat on sea during daytime
an aerial view of a small town by the ocean
the ruins of the ancient city of delphinia