Things to do in Aegina

You’ll see the remaining “Kolona” (column) of the ancient temple of Apollo from the boat as you come into the main port but it is well worth exploring the site itself as well as the small museum next to it. This area was home to settlements from the Bronze Age and the museum has artifacts from many different historical periods.

If you want to see an ancient temple that’s still (mostly) standing but avoid the crowds of the Acropolis, then this is a great idea. This temple is the only one known in the Greek world dedicated to the cult of the goddess Aphaia and forms a perfect triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Salamina. The views are also breathtaking.

Perfect for exploring the greener side of Aegina, Paliachora is a medieval settlement where islanders took refuge during pirate sieges. There are still some churches that have survived that you can visit and multiple hiking routes that’ll take you past the remaining stone structures.

Aegina has its own diving centre, Aegina Divers, that will allow you to get up close and personal with the local marine life. There is even a shipwreck to explore for the more adventurous types!

One for nature lovers - Moni is a small, uninhabited island just across the way from Aegina that boasts some of the best beaches and hikes in the area. You might see peacocks, deer, or kri kri goats if you take a walk. Small boats leave daily at fixed times from both Aegina town and Perdika, but make sure you bring your own food and water, as you won’t find any there!

If you’re staying in Aegina town, this is the island that you’ll be able to see across the water. Aegina’s quieter cousin, it’s still got lots of charm and there are boats that leave from the main port every day to get there.

As well as being an award-winning dairy and creamery, Orini Aegina is part of the emerging agritourism sector. You can tour the farm and meet the animals, learn how to make the Greek dessert rizogalo, milk the goats, and have a cheese tasting. Kids under 3 also go free!

Even for the non-religious, this is a quiet, spiritual place nestled in the Aegina hills. The church itself was modelled on the famous Agia Sofia in Istanbul and is dedicated to the patron saint of the island. It is a pilgrimage site for many in the Orthodox world and is at the bottom of the Paliachora site so worth a visit if you are hiking there. Please note that it is a working monastery so you may be asked to cover your shoulders.

As Aegina is an island, fresh fish is plentiful and eaten regularly by the islanders. There are some great spots in Aegina Town (we recommend Pelaisos or N.O.A., which is run by the local sailing association), but if you have a car, the most authentic places are found in the fishing villages of Perdika and Portes.