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Most unpretentious of the Saronic Islands. Covered with pistachio fields. Wide range of property prices starting from 50k upwards.
AEGINA​
All About Aegina
The island of Aegina is so close to Athens that on a clear day, you can see it on the horizon. Sitting only 16.5 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus, Aegina is a favorite weekend escape for Athenians and also a wonderful getaway for those wishing to enjoy traditional island living. For such a small island, it is packed with many interesting sights and areas of natural beauty, including a famous ancient Doric temple, a must-visit monastery, family-friendly beaches, and plenty of seaside tavernas to whet your appetite. Whether you take a day trip to Aegina or wish to spend your whole vacation there, don’t forget to pick up some local pistachios – known for being the best in the world! Taking a ferry to Aegina is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets.
Routes and Ferries to Aegina
When you book your ferry tickets to Aegina with Ferryscanner, you can choose from two options: either the regular ferry, which takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes with 2WayFerries, or ANES Ferries. Alternatively, you can take the faster hydrofoil with Aegean Flying Dolphins for a 40-minute trip. There are at least 15 ferry crossings to Aegina every day from the port of Piraeus at regular intervals with various companies so you can plan when to travel with great ease.
Once on Aegina, you also have access to the other nearby Argo-Saronic islands which you can visit by catching a ferry from the town harbor. Choose from adorable Agistri, aristocratic Hydra, cosmopolitan Spetses, or pretty Poros and be back in Aegina just in time for dinner.
As Aegina has no airport, your only option is to travel there by sea, so if you are flying into Athens International Airport, you can either take the X96 shuttle bus to the port of Piraeus or catch the direct train from the terminal. Otherwise, take a taxi from the airport for a more comfortable journey.
Ports of Aegina
Aegina actually has 3 ports that connect it with the mainland and the nearby islands. The main port of Aegina is located on the northwest side and is only a few away on foot from the bustling town, which is full of restaurants, cafés, hotels, and shops.
The port of Souvala is located on the north side and is also used as an arrival and departure point for seasonal ferries from Piraeus and the surrounding islands. The port of Agia Marina to the northeast is a small settlement and very close to the Temple of Aphaia. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Aegina.
Capital & Villages
Escape the busy harbor town as you enjoy a wander through quaint little fishing villages, tranquil inland settlements, and remote mountain retreats with phenomenal vistas. Discover pine-forested hamlets and tiny villages set amongst pistachio and olive groves as you explore the island’s rich landscape.
Aegina Town
The hub of island life, Aegina Town is simply referred to as ‘the center’ by the locals because of all the activity that goes on there. Walk around it in less than an hour, stopping to admire its lovely waterfront location, its neoclassical buildings, and inviting seaview taverns and cafés. Check out the small church of Panagitsa, the 17th-century Markellos Tower, the historic Governor’s Residence (once home to the first Greek mint), and the House of Kazantzakis, the famous Cretan author.
Agia Marina
During the summer months, Agia Marina attracts many tourists because of its wide, sandy beach. Surrounded by a huge pine forest, it is also close to the impressive Temple of Aphaia, which stands overlooking the Saronic Gulf from 160 meters above. Built between 500-490 BCE, the temple is part of Greece’s ‘sacred triangles’, which are said to line up perfectly with the Parthenon in Athens and the temples of Poseidon in Sounion and Delphi Apollo.
Kypseli
Just 3km from the port, Kypseli is the second largest village on the island and dates back to ancient times, with the church of Agios Nikolaos built on the ruins of an ancient theater. The village boasts beautiful neoclassical buildings and the main square features a lovely Byzantine church. Take a step back in time to the days when the villagers were sponge-divers, sailors, or farmers as you admire its lush gardens of almond and pistachio trees.
Pachia Rachi
Once the main village on the slopes of Mount Oros, Pachia Rachi has been proclaimed a traditional settlement by the Greek Ministry of Culture. Many of its abandoned stone houses have now been restored, making it a magical place to visit. More like an open-air museum, no vehicles are allowed in the village and as yet, there are no shops, giving it a very serene feel. The church of Agios Dionysios with its large bell tower and the blue dome is a pretty landmark while the Cultural Association is housed in the old village school.
Perdika
Reach Perdika after a 9km coastal drive from the harbor, if only to take in its breathtaking views, narrow picturesque streets, and Cycladic-style whitewashed houses. A famous haunt for fresh fish lovers at its numerous taverns, its promenade is also the ideal place to people-watch. After an iced Greek coffee, wander up to the Church of Agios Sostis on the peninsula or hop on a 10-minute boat ride to the uninhabited island of Moni, where you may spot peacocks, deer, and wild goats.
Best Beaches
Regular visitors to Aegina know that there is a large selection of beautiful beaches – some are well known and some they would rather keep a secret. From cosmopolitan hangouts for the yachting crowd to more secluded bays for those seeking peace and quiet, there is a beach for everyone in Aegina.
Agia Marina Beach
Agia Marina is a large organized beach where you can lounge under your umbrella on a sunbed all day or try out some exciting watersports. The shallow waters and shady pine trees make it a popular family beach where you can also enjoy tasting the local cuisine in one of its seafront restaurants.
Souvala Beach
The small village of Souvala is located just 10km north of the main town of Aegina and boasts a nice beach of both sand and pebbles. Known for its hot and cold springs, many consider a dip in its healing waters to be therapeutic for a range of skin conditions.
Marathonas Beach
Marathonas beach combines wonderful sea views with welcoming fresh fish taverns, just 4km outside of Aegina town. The organized facilities allow you to enjoy the deep blue sea and traditional island vibes and it’s the perfect spot to do some underwater exploration by snorkeling and diving.
Portes Beach
If you seek total seclusion, Portes Beach offers exactly that with its tranquil pine-tree setting. A little bit tricky to access by car with its steep decline, only a few houses and a tavern can be found there, enabling you to indulge in a day of total calmness and tranquillity away from the summer crowds.
Vagia Beach
Take the coast road east of Souvala to the small settlement of Vagia, a picturesque port with a sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. Its beauty lies in its quintessential simplicity and you can’t ask for a more iconic Greek beach than this one.
Transportation Around Aegina
Aegina is quite a large island and is therefore too big to discover entirely on foot. The local KTEL buses can take you to most of the popular destinations for very cheap, with regular departures from the central bus stop at National Revolution Square. Otherwise, you can always rent a motorbike or ATV but bear in mind that the roads aren’t very wide and you will need to drive very carefully.
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Port Authority of Aegina: +302297022328
Municipality of Aegina: +302297320012
Police of Aegina: +302297022100
Aegina Health Center: +302297024489
Tourist Police of Aegina: +302297027777
Taxi Service: +302297022635
Aegina Bus Service: +302297022787
All About Agistri
Agistri is an unassuming little island just one hour away from Athens that attracts both day-trippers, island-hoppers, and weekend escapists. Its proximity to the capital city and other islands in the Saronic Gulf such as Poros, Aegina, Spetses, and Hydra makes it an adorable destination to explore. Taking a ferry to Agistri is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets.
The pine-covered island exudes a natural beauty that will lull you into a state of total relaxation, with glistening beaches, traditional taverns, and minuscule villages. You will be amazed at its untouched landscape and secluded beaches, as well as the choice of activities on the island such as hiking, diving, and even horse riding. Known as ‘Kekrifalia’ or ‘Embellished Head’ in ancient times and even mentioned in Homer’s The Iliad, Agistri is truly a shimmering jewel just a stone’s throw away from Athens.
Routes and Ferries to Agistri
You can book your ferry tickets to Agistri with Ferryscanner and leave from the port of Piraeus, with Aegean Flying Dolphins or Blue Star Ferries making the trip in just one hour. The hydrofoil takes you to the small island port of Megalochori (Myli), while the regular ferries take approximately 1.5 hours and sail to the port of Skala. Ferries also regularly cross over to Agistri from the surrounding islands of Aegina, Poros, and the coastal town of Methana on a daily basis.
If you are arriving at Athens International Airport, the easiest way to reach the port of Piraeus is by shuttle bus, with the X96 leaving around every 20 minutes during the day and at half-hour intervals at night. When arriving with ferry tickets to Agistri, make your way to Gate E8, which is where the ferries and hydrofoils depart for the Argo-Saronic Islands. You can also take a taxi from the airport. Although the trip is much quicker than with the bus, it can be quite expensive.
Alternatively, trains run from the airport to Piraeus and take about 60 minutes. The blue line will take you to Monastiraki in the city center where you need to change to the suburban green line to the port, which is just a five-minute walk from the train station in Piraeus.
Ports of Agistri
There are two small ports on Agistri within close proximity to each other that are used by boats and ferries. If you travel from Piraeus by ferry boat, it will dock at Skala, while the faster flying dolphins arrive at Megalochori, or Myli, as it is also known.
Megalochori is actually the administrative capital of the island and you will find many tourist shops, hotels, and taverns here, as well as supermarkets, bakeries, retail shops, a bank, a pharmacy, and a regional health center. There are also a number of tourist shops, hotels, and taverns at Skala for you to discover. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Agistri.
Capital & Villages
Megalochori or Myli, is actually no more than a small village and its population is estimated at around 560 permanent residents. A naval base in ancient times, it is a natural port that is now used as the docking area for the flying dolphins all year round, as well as serving as a refueling point for boats and yachts.
There is also a small beach of pebbles and sand with emerald green waters just perfect for swimming. The town’s quaint stone-built houses with terracotta rooftops and paved alleys give you a lovely retro feel as you wander around and you will definitely come across the landmark windmill from 1812 on your way.
Skala
Skala, on the northeastern coast, is also a natural port that serves the ferry-boats arriving from Piraeus or Aegina and is only 1 kilometer from Megalochori. It’s a busy little settlement with hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars catering to visitors, as well as offering lively nightlife in the form of a few clubs.
Skala has a wonderful family beach with calm, shallow shores, making it ideal for a day of relaxation with children, while the blue-domed, white-washed church of Agioi Anargyroi dominates the town.
Limenaria
Limenaria village lies 5km northeast of Megalochori and the ten-minute drive there affords stunning panoramic views of the nearby islands. Resting in a tranquil valley, the settlement has retained all of its traditional charisma, with the small church of Agia Kyriaki being a focal point for village life.
Taste some of the best food on the island at the local taverna after a leisurely stroll around this idyllic hamlet and check out the old school before heading to the small bay of Mareza, known for its deep blue waters.
Metochi
Get a bird’s-eye view of Agistri from the village of Metochi, which sits on a slope between Megalochori and Skala. Although not accessible by public transport, it is worth taking a trip there either on foot or by taxi to enjoy its winding streets lined by aromatic pine trees. A residential area with pretty, traditional houses, Metochi is the perfect place to set off for some hiking before tucking into the delicious dishes served in its family-run tavern. It also boasts stunning views across the Saronic Gulf to Aegina, the Peloponnese, and neighboring islands.
Best Beaches
Agistri is home to a handful of small beaches which each have their own charm. From sandy bays to more secluded coves around the coastline, you can opt for family-friendly organized beaches or more off-the-beaten-track sunspots, all offering unparalleled pristine waters.
Chalikiada Beach
You will find the pebbled beach of Chalikiada near Limenaria village or by driving through the pine forest from Skliri. Access to the beach is difficult as it requires climbing a cliff so its secluded nature has also made it a favorite with nudists. The deep blue waters make a stunning contrast with the surrounding greenery, creating a sense of pure paradise.
Aponisos Beach
Aponisos beach is actually a tiny island on the west coast of Agistri reached by a rocky causeway close to Limenaria. Possibly one of the most beautiful swimming spots on the island, it is surrounded by greenery with incredibly clear water. Enjoy some delightful seafood delicacies accompanied by ouzo on the rocks in the waterfront tavern as you watch the small yachts sailing in and out of this heavenly haven.
Dragonera Beach
Take the coastal road after Megalochori to Dragonera beach as you pass through a dense pine forest. The brightness of its emerald waters is truly breathtaking. Escape the busy bars of the main town and succumb to the laid-back vibes of this unspoiled beach, where a small bar playing chillout music provides the perfect background noise as you soak up the misty views of tiny distant islands on the horizon.
Skliri Beach
Skliri beach boasts an impressive location which can be quite steep and rocky to get to, making it ideal for those seeking a small adventure. It is very close to Skala so a full range of facilities is available nearby although the beach itself has retained its peaceful aura and offers crystalline waters, just perfect for scuba-diving.
Transportation Around Agistri
Transportation around this small island is fairly straightforward, with the local bus service carrying out daily routes from Skala to Megalochori, Aponiso, Dragonera, and Limenaria. If you prefer to follow your own itinerary, you can rent a car or motorbike, while taxis are also available to get you to your preferred destination. Taking a ferry to Agistri is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.
Enjoy a fun ride on Agistri’s tourist train, which departs from Skala, or take one of the regular water taxis that will drop you off at the beach of your choice.
Contact
Port Authority of Agistri: +302297091541
Municipality of Agistri: +302297091260
Police of Agistri: +302297091201
Agistri Health Center: +302297091215
Pharmacy: +302297091540
Taxi Service: +302297091455 / +30697718040