General Information & Reviews

Reviews

• andriana88 20 Feb 2011
  Everytime it feels like home

  I visit Aegina the last five years now and I can definitely say that it is the best short destination in Greece. Someone would assume that I have a house there but I don't. I don't mind staying to different places while I am there, it is good because you get to see different places each time. During these five years, I have stayed in Perdika, a lovely fishing village. I loved the traditional taverns there and one of the best that I recommend is "To Horio". The beaches are very nice, full with greenery and clear waters. The town is beautiful, with many neoclassical buildings, narrow streets and many traditional shops. Aegina is famous for the pistachios nuts. I have bought many kilos of these, they are delicious, especially salted. During the summer season, the island has a high tourist movement which they fill the morning cafes and the beach bars. However, Aegina is not famous for the beaches but the ones that I love is Perdika and Marathon.
  
• tessydat 14 Jun 2010
  Off season paradise

  This was my second visit to Aegina after a period of three years and I am so glad I made a decision to visit the island in the off season. Aegina minus the throng of visitors was a paradise and my first trip might as well not have happened at all. I saw the same places and did pretty much the same things I did on my first visit, but let me tell you, there is a vast difference in your holiday experience when you have the island all to yourself.
  
  One of my most memorable visits was to the temple of Aphaia on top of a hill dotted with pine trees. From the temple, I could have the most magnificent view of the island and the Saronic Gulf. Some of the places like Angistri, a tiny island close to Aegina, were off the beaten track, and the unspoilt and tranquil atmosphere there was quite remarkable. Interestingly enough, I was told that Angistri was one of the first islands in Greece to experiment with naturism. The island has some fabulous sandy beaches and good tavernas.
  
  Talking of tavernas, I must tell you about the small fish restaurant in the center of the fish market in the island. It is crowded, small, and totally unpretentious. In fact, I had to wait for 10 minutes for a seat. But, believe me, the food was well worth the wait. An astounding variety of grilled fish, fried shrimps, and octopus (which you commonly see hung out to dry in the sun), lovely Greek salads and of course, ouzo to wash down the delicacies. To me, this was one of the best dining experiences of my life, more memorable than even some of the classy upscale restaurants I have often dined off during my visit of the Greek islands.
  
• vanpoekjoos 28 Mar 2010
  Never stops to fascinate me

  I fell in love with Aegina ever since my first visit way back in 2004. This summer, it will be my fourth time in Aegina, this amazing island that never stops to fascinate me. This is the remarkable thing about this island, that on every visit, I find myself discovering something new. Set foot on the marina and you find yourself into a different world. Small cafes with tables on the sidewalk, street vendors selling fresh pistachios, car and bike rental agencies, the marina is a hub of activity. This small island has some of the best taverns in the islands. And don't forget to wash down the food with ouzo! My favourite place is Perdika, about 30 minutes drive from the Town. Obviously not the best beach on the island, but certainly the best atmosphere. Fish taverns all along the coast, a beautiful setting to swim and an amazing view to a deserted island, right across the port. Frequently I do the swimming there. I need about two hours one way, so careful, don't do it if you are not a good swimmer!!!
  
• margaret.talbot 04 Feb 2010
  Good for a day or much longer

  Aegina Island is one of the nearest islands to Athens and for this reason, is often overlooked as a place to visit. But it's a wonderful place to come to escape the traffic and bustle of Athens or Pireaus, either for a day out or for much longer.
  
  I visited for a day back in 1988, to get some fresh air, after a stressful visit to Athens to set up student exchanges. And I have been going back almost every year since. Always a great welcome and a feeling of coming home.
  
  Arriving into the port of Aeginais like entering another world. The setting is spectaular, with the mountains of Methana and the Peloponnese providing a wonderful backing for the Saronic Gulf. And the port is pretty, with neo-classical buildings showing the island's history as the first capital of modern Greece.
  
  There are many cafenions and tavernas along the harbour front. Our favourite is Pelaisos, not far from the fish market. It's run now by Vangelis, who took over from his father Costas, recently. Costas still cooks a great dish of fish! They are friendly and helpful, and the food is simple, well cooked and reasonable in price.
  
  Swimming is best in Marathonas, which has two great sandy beaches, very safe for children and by June, the water is warm. Our favourite taverna there is Tassos, right on the beach and the best vegetables and octopus on the island!
  
  There are many places to see, probably the most dramatic the Temple of Aphaia, which is one of the best preserved ancient temples in Greece.
  
  Getting to Aegina is really easy, with ferries and dolphins departing all day from Pireaus. Ferries are cheaper and more pleasant, and take only an hour and 10-15 minutes, just enough time for a relaxing coffee, ouzo or beer.
  
  Enjoy!
  
• voiles 28 Dec 2009
  Charming atmosphere

  Aegina has a tremendously charming atmosphere. We visited last spring. Our hotel was located in the main town along the waterfront. The room had a sea view and it was really amazing to watch the different boats coming and leaving the port. The streets between the houses are really narrow although the main streets have a lot of traffic.
  
  We noticed a couple of neoclassical structures in the town and most of all we enjoyed a tour with a horse carriage. They go up and down the port side and give a very romantic experience, although the smell of the horse can be annoying very often. The waterfront remains busy all day and there are plenty of small gift shops.
  
  We hired a motorbike and visited the Temple of Athena with the nice views of the island. Monuments like these are precious and the authorities should take better care of it. At least protect it with a fence against any abuse or vandalism. In the evening, many tours go there so prefer early morning to go because in the midday it is very hot. Beaches in Aeginaare not that great, but at least swimming is relaxing. In May, the sea is still very cold.
  
• agelikoni 06 Oct 2009
  Horse buggies and deer

  Aegina is 1 hour away from Piraeus, by ferry! We got to see her for the first time, on our way to Agistri. The ferry to Agistri has a stop over the port of Aeginafor some minutes, on its way to Agistri. The first impression of the island port was so nice, that we visited the place some days after!
  So... first thoughts and impressions... the port is colorful! All the houses tend to keep the Greek tradition and most of them are painted in yellow, orange and even pink colors. These, along with the many small tourist shops, cafeterias and the hundreds of boats and cruisers floating at the port, give you a great place for relaxing walks and fun.
  And... around there... you will meet the first buggies! There are many horse buggies all over the port, waiting for you and every romantic dreamer, for a ride! Talking with the reinsman for a while, we learnt that horse buggies is a tradition kept by many nearby islands. Also, thanks to our conversation with me, we learnt about this wonderful place... Moni!
  Moni is a tiny isle in Aegina. There are only some small boats to take you there and the isle is not really inhabited. The only creatures that live there are goats and deer! The deer are very friendly and be ready if you see them following you, begging you for food!
  Other than deer, Moni has some beautiful and of course quiet beaches to relax and delight! Definitely recommended to couples in love! Enjoy!
  
• federpu 15 Jun 2009
  People with a smile

  I was surprised to see such a lovely island and with clean waters so close to Athens. I thought that you have to travel far from Athens to fidn nice beaches and rural life, but apparently I hadn't thought of Aegina. It was my first time there and I liked it a lot. No huge nightlife but lovely seaside villages, sun beds, colourful umbrellas and people with a smile on their face. It was too hot in Aegina in August. Take lots of sun lotion with you and a hat necessarily when you go at the beach. Do not stay long under the sun or you get sunburnt. Pay much attention to your kids and also do not let them stay long in the beach. For me the best resort was Agia Marina on Aegina, it was more family oriented. To eat go to the hotel Three Brothers in Agia Marina. It has the best food and Mr Giannis is the best professional I know. Souvala was not much impressive and had many gist shops along the street, it was a typical tourist village. Stay away from the centre of the island, very mountains and awful roads.
  
• christa21 28 Feb 2009
  Welcoming even in winter

  There was an amazing church in the middle of the island somewhere. We found it by luck and happened to stop by at a whim and I am so happy we did. It was very empty because it was January. There were few tourists and the monks there seemed so calm and peaceful. I couldn't remember its name but I saw in photos in your site that it was Saint Nektarios.
  
  Shopping on Aegina was pretty neat, a lot of cool jewerly. As it was off season, only a couple of gift shops were open in Town. The food was mostly bland, except for the sausages, those were amazing! The family restaurants that were less crowded had great owners. They were very accommodating and made special orders. They also gave us free wine. People seem to take a longer time to eat than in America. They seemed surprised when we left after 2 hours.
• alexa_net_2004 03 Jan 2009
  Beautiful

  I just love this island. I've been there just once but I fall in love. I wish I could come back and enjoy the beautiful place!
• marybla 11 May 2008
  Visit Agios Nektarios

  I wanted to go to Aegina to visit the monastery of Agios Nektarios. This was the main reason. I had been to the island some years before and found that little has changed. Of course, we enjoyed the beaches a lot. We tried to stay away from the crowded town beach. The restaurants in Aegina port town were nothing spectacular and they basically all served the same thing. We did enjoy the outdoor cinema, the horse and buggy ride from the water-front and the water park. The only thing that needs improvement is the chaos of getting on and off the ferries!
• mauricia4312 09 Apr 2008
  I expected something more

  We visited Aegina in September and stayed for almost a week. We chose this island because we wanted to go somewhere close to Athens, so that the children would not get too tired from the trip. We arrived by plane in Athens airport and then we went by ferry to Aegina. At this point, I have to say that the Metro ticket from Athens airport to Piraeus port was very expensive!! The island itself was picturesque and relaxing, but I personally expected something more. The food was ok, but I have had more delicious and cheaper Greek dishes elsewhere. What I enjoyed the most was swimming in the beach near Aegina town, visiting the archaeological sites and drinking ouzo in the moonlight. I had the best coffee at the airport, on the way home, ask for strong Greek coffee, not frappe. I don't know if I would go back to Aegina some time in the future. We had a nice time in general, but I already feel that this island has offered us what it had to offer, there is nothing left to get from there.
• Christa_21 02 Jan 2008
  Empty in January

  There was an amazing church in the middle of the island somewhere. We found it by luck and happened to stop by at a whim and I am so happy we did. It was very empty because it was January. There were few tourists. The shopping was pretty neat--a lot of cool jewelry.
  The food was mostly bland, except for the sausages--those were amazing! The family restaurants that were less-crowded had great owners. They were very accomodating and made special orders. They also gave us free wine. People seem to take a longer time to eat than in America. They seemed surprised when we left after 2 hours.
• aza 28 Oct 2007
  Breathtaking scenery Amazing people

  The main purpose of our visit was to go at the Convent of Agios Nektarios, the miracle-worker, on the island of Aegina. The Monastery of Saint Nektarios is an impressive place, even for non-believers, and the story of Saint Nektarios life is one of a kind - esp since he is the last saint to be canonized, actally living in the 20th century --- a revelation!!!
  We were on Aegina on low season, so the tourist life was not very intense (which we appreacited very much). I found a lot of historical places to visit, the scenery was breath-taking and the people were amazing. And of course the food was delicious. We actually made friend with some locals and felt very home there. It is a special place and I would like to go back one day. The beaches were very good (we did not use them too much though, the water was still cold) and the nightlife is very present on the main street; it's difficult to have a good night's rest actually.
  Local food: EXQUISITE, if like mediteranean food, also a lot of pastries and locally-made food, very good!!!!! We gained some wait, yes, I admit! Everything tastes different. I strongly reccomment yaugurt, the locally made, olives, feta cheese and olive oil of course. Oh, and lemons...
  If you ask me about improvements needed on the island, I'd say maybe newer buses... when you go from Aegina Town to Agia Marina (West to East), you feel scared all the way, I did, every time, although I must have taken the bus a million times.... I would also put more on the INternet, for those who are far away and want to visit. I was not able to find an internet cafe on the island actually. For someone coming from America it is imp to be able to reserve all and know all beforehand. Oh, very imp, I would also have a site where I would always update the ferry schedule.
  For future visitors: Try to read as much as you can on the internet and get in contact with someone at a speciifc hotel, maybe they can arrage a bit more for you, even get the ferry hours. We used CARRAS Hotel and the service was excellent and the prices very good. Esp clean, renovated. I liked it. And became friend with Ms Karras, a very nice lady. We would definitely stay there again.
• Catalina_K 24 Jun 2007
  Authentic with nice people

  Hello, my name is Alina Mustata and I'm Romanian. I'm 32 years old, and I've been up to 15 countries. In the summer of 2006 I went to Greece and the island of Aegina.
  I arrived on the island by car. The trip was very good.
  The reason I visited this particular island is because it was recommended by friends.
  I visited the island just for praying to St.Nektarios. Everything was all right.
  The area was really good and the landscapes great. It is covered in trees and the beaches were nice with crystal clear waters. Also the transportationsystem was very good and give you the opportunity to see everything on the island.
  A point of interest was the church of St. Nektarios. The island is very authentic, with nice people and I’d definitely recommend it to others.
  
• Jeff_F 05 Jun 2007
  It met my expectations

  Hello, I'm British and I'm 46 years old. I've been to many countries.
  I arrived on the island by boat with the Saron Cat from Piraeus to Aegina. The trip was pretty good.
  I had previously visited Aegina Town (from Agistri) and wanted to see the whole island of Aegina, because I really liked it the first time.
  Before I arrived on the island I knew little about Aegina Town and about archeological sites.
  The island certainly met my expectations. It was a really quiet place and I really enjoyed being there. The beaches were very good and clean, the villages were nice, and the food was something that impressed me. About the nightlife I couldn’t form an opinion, as I wasn’t searching for that on my vacation.
  I really liked the historical sites. I find them very interesting. The only thing I would recommend to future visitors is to make sure to visit historical sites it well worth the effort.
• Audrey_V 07 Dec 2006
  Impressive archaeological sites

  Nationality: British
  
  Age: 50
  
  The trip: I arrived on the island by plane from London to Athens, bus from Athens to Piraeus and by Saron Cat ferry to Agia Marina
  
  Reasons for going to Aegina: I have only visited Aegina Town before and wanted to see the rest of the island
  
  Idea of the island/area before arriving: Knew very little about the island, only Aegina Town
  
  Did it meet your expectations: Yes, very nice island with good archeological sites. Very nice, quiet and not spoilt by tourism
  
  - Island: 8/10
  
  - Beaches: 9/10
  
  - Villages: 7/10
  
  - Food: 9/10
  
  - Nightlife: 8/10
  
  - Accommodation: 6/10 Needs refurbishing
  
  Favorite thing about Aegina: Archaeological sites well looked after
  
  Negative opinion about the island: No
  
  Recommendations: Visit the temple of Aphaia Athena
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• mail 17 Oct 2006
  A second stay in Aegina

  They always say 'never go back', but in the case of Aegina, we just couldn't resist. Although this island is very small, and doesn't have the best beaches, there is something about the atmosphere and the friendliness of the people that make it irresistible. We stay in the Senia Studios in Aghia Marina - the family who run the aprtments are so nice - which is set just far enough back from the main road to be quiet, but is still near enough to the restaurants and beach.
  
  Our favourite places (apart from Aghia Marina)- Aegina Town, Perdika, the beach between Perdika and Marathonas....and Athens, of course, which is an easy day trip.
  
  Best way to spend the day - get up early and walk up to the temple of Aphaia before anyone else (and before it gets too hot!). Walk back down for breakfast at the hotel Possidon. Gather up your beach stuff, and go down to the Barracuda bar sunbeds. Order an iced coffee, and lie back in the sun listening to Bob Marley. If you're energetic, have a game of volleyball over the net in the sea - if not, just watch other people playing it.
  
  Stroll along the boardwalk to Taverna Paul and eat lunch with your toes in the sand. Wash it down with chilled white wine. Snooze it off on your sunbed, perhaps after another iced coffee. Go back to Taverna Paul at about 5.30 for an ice cold Alfa beer.
  
  Back to the cool of your air-conditioned apartment to wash and change and pehaps sit on the veranda soaking up the last rays of the sun, then out to one of the many, many restaurants (we haven't had a bad meal yet!), followed by cocktails at B52 or Obsession.
  
  The following day have an active one - off on a scooter tour of the island, or a day trip to Athens, perhaps. I love Aegina!
  
  Still have yet to visit the monastery or the water park, or the wildlife hospital, so I still have reasons to return!
• Anna_Varthalis 14 Sep 2006
  A haven for quick getaways

  Nationality: Greek-Australian
  
  Age: 37
  
  Countries visited: > 5-10
  
  The trip: The trip was very good got to Aegina on a boat called Phoivos.
  
  Reasons for going to Aegina: I had been there last year as well and I enjoyed my stay so I took more friends along this year.
  
  Idea of the island/area before arriving: Because I had spent a weekend in Aegina last year I pretty much knew what to expect. I stayed in Ag. Marina on both occasions, the village is very pretty, the food is really good value for money. The people are incredibly friendly and the weather, well what can I say, I was there during a heat wave!!!!!!!!!!!!! The nightlife is great as well.
  
  Best Beaches: Ag. Marina
  
  Best Villages: Ag. Marina. The others seemed really quiet.
  
  Best Bar/Pub/Club: They were all great
  
  Best Restaurant: I can?t remember the name but the one in Ag. Marina on the hill and the port is below it. Great seafood. Very very busy.
  
  Anything negative about the island or needs improvement: We had booked a room at Aegina Hotel and when we got there he had given it to someone else. He didn't apologize and we spent 3 hours trying to find a vacancy it was peak season.
  
  Recommendations: Don't go to Aegina Hotel. Apart from that Aegina is a haven for quick getaways. Very close to Athens just hop on the boat and in a hour you are away from the city life and enjoying the island. We came across Pipinis travel and the lady was so helpful she managed to get us a room at Agia Marina. If it wasn't for her we would have slept in the car.
  
  Rate of the overall quality/organization/services of this island/area in comparison with other countries: 10/10.
  
  
• ashley_dr 13 Nov 2005
  Peace, quiet and sunshine just next to Athens

  Nationality: British
  
  Age: 58
  
  
  
  The trip: I arrived on Aegina in Greece by air travel and then by Flying Dolphin.
  
  Reasons for going to Aegina: Been there before and I really liked it.
  
  Idea before arriving: The first time that I came I thought that it would be nice and quiet. I had great time and that is the reason I am coming back.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations and that it is the reason it is my second time. It is a very nice island with very friendly people.
  
  Favorite thing about Aegina: The peace and quiet and plenty of sunshine. It is very close to Athens and have kept a greek authentic way of life. The tourists here are in majority greeks.
  
  Negative opinion: Could have a better choice of restaurants.
  
  Recommendations: Be prepared for long journey from the new airport to Piraeus. Could also have taxis at Piraeus.
  
  
  
  I will definitely get back there a third time.
• jansen 05 Oct 2005
  Relaxing Island and authentic

  Nationality: Norwegian
  
  Age: 51
  
  
  
  The trip: Boat from Piraeus to Agia Marina in Aegina.
  
  Reasons for going to Aegina: Wanted to find a relaxing place and I love the town of Aegina Island.
  
  Idea before arriving: I came here many times before.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met my expectations every time I visit the island. I like it much for its authenticity and major greek population even in summer.
  
  Favorite thing about Aegina: Travel arround the island.
  
  Negative opinion: There are not good boat services from/to Piraeus.
  
  Recommendations: Just feel the island!
  
  
  
  I will definitely get back there.
• zucca 29 Sep 2005
  Nice harbour

  Nationality: French
  
  Age: 40
  
  
  
  The trip: Flight to Athens, stay in Athens few days then Hellenic Seaways ferry to Aegina.
  
  Reasons for going to Aegina: Not far from Athens.
  
  Idea before arriving: According to our travelbook there was a nice church and Aphai's temple and also a lot of pistachos.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met our expectations. The church was really nice and there were also a lot of pistichos. The harbour of the island was really beautiful. Nice walks in the alleys.
  
  Favorite thing about Aegina: Walks in the steets.
  
  Negative opinion: I was disapointed by the beaches of the island.
  
  Recommendations: Do not go to Aegina if you only have time to visit one only island. Argina is a beautiful island but not complete.
  
  
  
  I would love to come back again.
• leclerc 29 Sep 2005
  Nice walks in the town

  Nationality: French
  
  Age: 26
  
  
  
  The trip: We took the Hellenic Seaways ferries from the port of Piraeus.
  
  Reasons for going to Aegina: We were on a trip to Athens Greece and went there a few days for its proximity to the capital.
  
  Idea before arriving: That it was the capital of Pistachos and that it would have beautiful churches.
  
  Expectations and opinions: It met our expectations. It is a beautiful island and the weather is great.
  
  Favorite thing about Aegina: Walking in the paved streets and swimming in the clear sea.
  
  Negative opinion: The size of the beaches and the stones.
  
  
  
  We spent nice time on the island and would love to come back. Or maybe go and discover other islands like the Cyclades
  
  
• georged 19 Jul 2005
  Aegina, a nice place for a couple of days

  I went to various greek islands and Aegina is not my favourite one; it is very nice for a day or two. There are not many beaches(in comparison with other islands). I like the nightlife there. There are not so many tourists on the island and went out in some places only with Greeks and it was a nice experience. The people there was very kind. The town is beautiful and the fish taverns are excellent and cheap ; this and its proximity to Athens are the reasons why the island attracts so many people during weekends.
• caraib004 09 Jul 2005
  Break in Aegina

  We were looking for a peaceful place for our holidays and we found Aegina. It is close to Athens ( one hour and a half by boat) and that is the reason why we have chose it.
  We felt in love with the pictoresque port and the welcoming town with its magnificent neoclassical constructions. We stayed in a lovely seaside village called Perdika where we relaxed, ate many good things and took night walks on the pedestrian waterfront esplanade of the village.
  Aegina also has an intersting archeological site called the Temple of Aphaia, which is surrounded by many pine trees.
  We were very happy of our stay and was a nice break from the busy Athens.
  Francine & Pierre
• the_dude 22 Jun 2005
  Cute place

  I was in a business trip and had the time to go to Aegina for a couple of days.
  I really enjoyed it. The town is lovely, the food is excellent (fresh fish and seefood?yummy ! ! !) and the island has some beautiful beaches with clear waters.
  I was a little disapointed by Agia Marina were everything has been built only to satisfy the needs of tourism. The capital of the island, the Town of Aegina, is superb, full of beautiful houses, lovely restaurants and narrow alleys. I gave my a taste of a Greek island and want to discover more now!