Saronic & Peloponnese · The Greek tourist's getaway
Aegina
Aegina is the island Athenians choose for their own weekends, just 45 minutes from Piraeus yet miraculously authentic. We design private Aegina itineraries around the Temple of Aphaia, its pistachio-coloured port and the tiny paradise of Moni islet.
Aegina is a Greek island which, quite miraculously given its proximity to the capital, has retained a cosy authenticity.
The temple in the triangle
The Temple of Aphaia is one of the most complete temples in the whole of Greece, famously said to form a geographical triangle with the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, both of which can be spotted from the hilltop on a clear day. Ancient myth says it was dedicated to Vritomartis, daughter of Zeus, who fled to the island to escape unwanted suitors and hid in its forests under the protection of Artemis. With the goddess’s help she became invisible, aphanti in Greek, and so the sanctuary took the name Aphaia.
Explore Aegina
Aegina is a wonderful getaway from Athens, just 45 minutes by hydrofoil from the port of Piraeus. There are visitors here, but they are mainly Greeks who have come from the capital for the weekend. Join them to enjoy the ancient temple and the charming horse-drawn carts that amble along the port beside the traditional fishing boats.
Aegina Port
Aegina Town is a lovely little place, with beautiful neoclassical buildings in bright colours, quaint narrow streets, picturesque cafes and a harbour where tiny painted fishing boats moor. The whole town is an explosion of colour, accentuated by the famous local pistachios sold on every corner.
Temple of Aphaia
The temple stands in a beautiful spot above the pine forests in the hills of Aegina, with fabulous views across the Saronic Gulf. Wander among the bleached stones and imagine yourself here 2,500 years ago, when the surviving temple was built, or among the first worshippers a thousand years before that.
Perdika Beach
This pristine little beach lies in the small picturesque fishing village of Perdika, south of Aegina Town, which enjoys a magnificent view over the islet of Moni and across to the Peloponnese, with a romantic, magical atmosphere. The beach itself is a mix of rock and sand, with clean crystalline water.
Pairing Aegina
Aegina opens the Saronic beautifully: continue to Poros and car-free Hydra, or cross to Nafplio to carry the journey onto the Peloponnese.
Known first-hand
Our best picks on Aegina
- Best Bar Bartan
A cosy, unique stone-built bar near the port for a cheeky cocktail. For a destination venue, Perdikiotika fills an amazing old building that was once a bank, now hiding a garden and seriously good DJs.
- Best Local Specialty Oreini Aegina
In the southernmost village of Sfentouri, Giannis Cherouvim and Evangelia Tzitzi keep 180 sheep and goats; arrange an early morning visit to watch graviera and halloumi being made, then sample rich yoghurt, rice pudding and fresh ice cream.
- Best Dining Ammos
In Marathonas on the west coast, with tables directly on the beach beneath trees instead of umbrellas. Our top Aegina tip for friendly service and excellent food in a genuinely peaceful location.
- Best Hidden Spot Moni Island
A ten minute water taxi from Perdika to a miniature paradise: clear water, a beach bar with a DJ, wild peacocks and deer in the trees, and rocks to jump from on the far side. Wear water shoes; sea urchins lurk.
- Best Viewpoint Mount Ellanio
The island's highest peak, known locally simply as Oros, with an incredible view that remains off most visitors' radar. Legend says Aiakos, son of Zeus, climbed here to ask his father for rain; clouds on the peak still promise it.
- Best Sight The Temple of Aphaia
One of the most complete ancient temples in Greece, 2,500 years old, above the pine forests with fabulous views across the Saronic Gulf. Come late in the day, when the light turns the columns gold.
Aegina is reached from Piraeus in around 45 minutes by hydrofoil, making it one of the easiest island escapes from Athens.
Design
Design your experience
Tell us the occasion, the season and who is coming. One of our Epicureans will come back with a first sketch of Aegina, and will tell you if another island suits your dates better.