Our Favorite Aegina Hotels
• Luxury: LaLiBay
• Boutique: Distinct Hotel
• Budget: Aegina
• Families: Danae
• Pool for couples: This resort
• Aegina, Greece has options like the Angelina, known for its pool facilities suitable for families. More details are available at this link: Angelina
• Honeymoon: LaLiBay
• ― Harbour vicinity: Aphrodite Art
• Beach: Vrachokipos
Aegina is a hidden gem in the Saronic Gulf, simply an hour’s ferry ride from Athens. Visitors can explore the picturesque port city and its harborside marketplace, visit one of Greece’s best-preserved temples, and hike through medieval hillside ruins and pistachio and olive groves. It’s a great place to get the Greek Island Experience without venturing too far from the mainland, complete with charming coastal towns, beautiful beaches, delightful tavernas, and a relaxed and local atmosphere that’s distinct from the commercialized vibes of popular destinations like Santorini or Mykonos.
1. Danae • 2. Rastoni • 3. Aegina • 4. Aphrodite Art Hotel • 5. Vrachokipos • 6. LaLiBay • 7. Angelina
Staying on Aegina
Aegina’s busy port town (also called Aegina) serves as the hub of industrial and cultural life on the island, and represents the best place to stay for visiting vacationers. The picturesque harbor houses fishing boats, personal yachts, and floating vegetable markets, while narrow alleyways leading back from the shoreline are lined with shops, restaurants, and small hotels. There’s a small, sandy beach location at the town’s edge, adjacent to a Bronze-age archaeological site. Located on the island’s west coast, Aegina Town glows at sunset and comes alive in the evenings, when its main thoroughfare is closed to traffic and acts as a waterfront pedestrian plaza.
Around 5 miles south of Aegina Town is the small fishing village of Perdika. Tourists generally visit Perdika for its handful of excellent seafood restaurants and for its tidy port providing day-trip ferries to the nearby island of Moni. There is a small sandy beach here and a few good hotels, but not much else in the way of shops and other attractions.
On Aegina’s eastern coast, the town of Agia Marina features the island’s longest sandy beach and another less utilized ferry port. Agia Marina used to play a major part in international tourism, but the financial crisis and closure of tour companies both heavily impacted the town, exhausting much of its previously robust infrastructure. That said, there are still a few quality hotels and waterfront tavernas to be found here, as well as the best traditional beach on Aegina, and Agia Marina continues to draw in its share of local tourists.
In addition to the three main towns, there are a few smaller coastal villages featuring pleasant waterfront (or water view) hotels, namely Vagia and Souvala on Aegina’s north coast. Among these smaller areas, the best place to stay is Vrachokipos in Souvala: an excellent choice for a relaxing beach holiday with little disturbance.
Aegina History & Attractions
Ancient Aegina was a powerful Mediterranean power from the Neolithic to the Classical era, rising to peak prominence in the 5th century BCE. The island’s top archaeological attraction is the impressively well-preserved Temple of Aphaia (circa 500 BCE), which pre-dates the Parthenon in Athens and is one of the most complete temples in Greece.
Adjacent to Aegina Town and an easy stroll from the port, excavations at the ancient town of Kolonna have uncovered layers of settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. A striking singular column remains from Kolonna’s hilltop Temple to Apollo, and its adjacent ancient harbor is now the location of a lovely town swimming beach. The Temple of Aphaia and Kolonna archaeological sites both have small museums that feature artifacts from site excavations.
Paleochora, a 9th-century settlement that once served as the island`s capital and provided refuge from pirates. Today, it remains a captivating spot for hiking and sightseeing. Well-worn paths lead past deserted Byzantine churches (around 40 now remain of the original 365) to the ruins of its hilltop Venetian fortifications – offering panoramic views over the island and the sea.
Roughly a kilometer from the ancient village of Paleochora is the notable Monastery and Church of Agios Nektarios, among the largest Orthodox religious sites in the Balkans. Even though still under development, this modern sacred place honors the island`s patron saint, Agios Nektarios, who passed on in 1920 after carrying out two miracles. The monastery is a significant Orthodox pilgrimage destination, while the church is notable for its remarkable architecture and ongoing artwork by local craftspeople.
Many visitors to Aegina like to take a boat to the nearby pine-forested island of Moni, which is unoccupied. This island has a beautiful crystalline rocky cove that is excellent for swimming, and a solitary beach bar offering cocktails, drinks, and snacks. However, Moni is most renowned as a wild animal sanctuary, as herds of kri-kri (wild deer), goats, and peacocks roam freely across the land, quite accustomed to human contact and willing to eat from one`s hand. Boats depart regularly to Moni from Aegina Town (€12 round-trip) and Perdika (€6).
Aegina is renowned for growing pistachios (fistiki in Greek), a scarce variety called koilarati considered among the finest globally. Recently designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage element by UNESCO, the tasty nuts can be found for purchase throughout the island in specialized shops and roadside stalls – especially on Aegina’s western side, where most of the pistachio groves are situated. Aegina pistachios also feature prominently on local tavern and bakery menus, and are highlighted annually in early September during the arts-focused Fistiki Festival.
Getting To and Around Aegina
Aegina is handily accessible from Athens via ferry from Piraeus to Aegina Town. The voyage takes around an hour, and there are multiple departures daily. During high season, affordable daily ferries also connect Piraeus and the petite north coast port of Souvala. The harbor at Agia Marina, on the island’s eastern coast, hosts daily ferries to the other Saronic islands of Hydra, Spetses, and Poros. There is no airport on Aegina.
Taxi cabs wait at a designated area on the main road directly off the Aegina port, to the left as travelers disembark from the ferry. There is a kiosk there displaying signs and maps with standard costs shown for all attractions across the island, beaches, and towns. Prices vary from €8 to €20 depending on the distance covered.
Just beyond the taxi stand on the opposite side of the street is the small Aegina bus station, a small ticket booth with a canopy for shade. Aegina Town is the primary bus hub for the island, with all routes starting and ending there. Buses from Aegina Town routinely operate to and depart from Agia Marina, Souvala/Vagia, Perdika, and Agios Nektarios monastery. Buses run a handful of times daily, with the last trip around 5pm; departure schedules can be found on the kiosk at this link. The bus drivers and staff are helpful, and fares are affordable.
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Best Aegina Tours
- Kiki Rebel Tours
Fun and enlightening outings, driven by fervent and well-considered nearby guides. The 4-hour Aegina Discovery Tour is your best option, and will take you to all of the island’s best spots. Aegina Town walking excursions, pistachio orchard visits, pottery classes, and vegan mezze visits are likewise offered. Entrance charges and transportation in a agreeable, air-conditioned van are given.
Table of Contents
Best Places To Stay On Aegina
- Best Luxury and Boutique Hotels on Aegina
Top Hotels Near Tower Bridge:The LaLit London The Tower A Guoman HotelHilton London Tower BridgeShangri-La Hotel at The Shard
- Best Hotels on Aegina for Families
Danae Hotel • Vrachokipos • Apollo Resort • Angelina Boutique Escape - Best Hotels on Aegina for Couples
Nikolaou Residence • LaLiBay Resort & Spa • Rastoni Hotel - Best Aegina Beach Hotels
LaLiBay Resort & Spa • Apollo Resort - Best Budget/Midrange Hotels on Aegina
Aphrodite Art Hotel • Danae Hotel • Hotel Aegina • Erato - Best Hotels near Aegina Port
Daily 9am-5pm; until 7pm Memorial Day to Labor Day. Entry by scheduled ticket exclusively March to December; self-guided tours January and February. Free tickets accessible at the Rangers Deck at Independence Visitor Center from 8:30 a.m. or ahead of time for a small fee online or by phone at 1-877-444-6777.
3 Best Areas on Aegina for Tourists
1. Aegina Town
Aegina Town, often simply referred to as Aegina, is the island’s main village and port. Its coastline is lined with pistachio stalls, floating produce markets, boutique shops, and lively cafes and tavernas which despite their popularity retain a relaxed, easygoing vibe. It’s a great place to enjoy local seafood and watch the comings and goings of ferries, fishing boats, and yachts. Neoclassical buildings, narrow alleyways, and small traditional houses spread inland from the harbor, giving the town a colorful, authentic Greek island atmosphere.
The town`s handful of attractions comprise the small but fascinating Folklore and Heritage Museum, and one dedicated to the works of local sculptor Christos Capralos. At the edge of town, ruins of the ancient bronze-age settlement of Kolonna and the Apollo Temple provide a glimpse into Aegina’s prominent yesteryear; a small archaeological museum here displays local artifacts. Adjacent to the archaeological site is a well-maintained swimming shore that is, if not precisely magazine-cover-worthy, an agreeable spot for a dip in the sea.
Visiting Aegina Town makes for a wonderful day trip from Athens, but an overnight stay is recommended to fully experience it. The harborfront buildings glowing in the sunset on west-facing summer evenings precede a celebratory atmosphere as the main street transforms into a wide pedestrian avenue. Families and couples stroll hand in hand alongside horse-drawn carts and kids zipping by on rented scooters, with pistachio ice cream aplenty for all.
Aegina Town, the transportation hub of the island, is compact and relatively flat, allowing visitors to easily explore the entire area on foot. It also provides simple access to other villages, beaches, and attractions. A good assortment of small, traditional lodging and a couple luxury options are located here, making it generally the best area on Aegina for travelers unless seeking a remote beach getaway. .
- Top Luxury & Boutique Hotels in Aegina Town
Rastoni Hotel • The contact phone number for this hotel is +30 2297 027039
Nikolaou Residence Studios – Hotel contact number: +30 6981 870416 - Best Budget/Midrange Hotels
Aphrodite Art Hotel • Hotel phone: +30 2297 029000
Danae Hotel • Hotel contact number: +30 2297 022424
Hotel Aegina • Hotel phone: +30 2297 028501
The Aeginitikon Arhontikon can be contacted by phone at +30 2297 024968 Hotel Klonos – Hotel phone: +30 2297 022640
2. Perdika
Roughly 5 miles south of Aegina Town is the quaint fishing and harbor community of Perdika. There is a small sandy beach located here next to a nice seaside cafe. Most visitors to Perdika arrive to dine at the string of superb seafood restaurants and bars overlooking the port, or to take the water taxi over to the nearby island of Moni. Only a few minutes from Perdika by boat, Moni is a beautiful small island with a crystal clear beach (featuring a snack bar and rentable sun loungers) and many wild deer and peacocks roaming freely. Boats to and from Moni run hourly from around 10am until 7pm, costing €6.
There are a few quality hotels in Perdika (especially the upscale, adults-only LaLiBay Resort), which can be a nice area for those seeking a tranquil, quiet place to unwind. However, many visitors may be put off by Perdika’s lack of shops and attractions, and distance from the action in Aegina Town).
- Best Luxury & Boutique Hotel in Perdika
Take a look at the LaLiBay Resort & Spa with a contact number of +30 2297 061146 - Best Budget/Midrange Hotels
Angelina Boutique Escape – Hotel phone number: +30 2297 061446 Perdika Mare Guesthouse – Hotel contact number: +30 2297 061449
3. Agia Marina
Aegina`s coastal town of Agia Marina was once the island`s popular tourist area, but has experienced the consequences of economic challenges and a shifting travel landscape. At first look, closed businesses and buildings can give the location a somewhat depressed feel, but those who journey to this part of Aegina are rewarded with pockets of untouched charm: inviting waterside tavernas, welcoming places to stay, and arguably the island`s finest traditional beach. While the international crowds may have decreased, Agia Marina still holds a unique place in the hearts of domestic travelers, ensuring its roads and shores remain pleasantly busy.
The widely recognized Agia Marina Beach, certified by the Blue Flag distinction, is situated just south of the harbor and includes shallow, crystal clear waters – perfect for families with younger children. Its rows of shaded beach loungers (available to rent from May through September) are served by friendly beach bars and water sports rental agencies. The coastline north of the port has numerous small sandy bays, with flat rocks extending into the sea offering ideal spots for sunbathing. Climbing uphill from the waterfront, streets are lined with tourist shops and eateries. Since the beach serves as the major attraction, lodging in Agia Marina is only advised for visitors who don`t plan to explore further from it.
- Luxurious & Boutique Hotel Suggested in Agia Marina
Apollo Resort – Hotel contact number: +30 2297 032271 - Best Budget/Midrange Hotels
Erato • Hotel contact number: +30 2297 032468
Angela – Hotel phone: +30 2297 032556
12 Best Hotels on Aegina
1. LaLiBay Resort & Spa – Perdika
Hotel phone: +30 2297 061146
5-star, adults-only enclave just outside of Perdika. Accommodations and suites are lavish and contemporary, with private balconies or terraces; many featuring ocean perspectives. A wellness spa, outdoor conditioning center, gorgeous swimming pool, and basketball and tennis courts are on site, and guests are served top-notch fare at their fine-dining restaurant and shoreline bar. Beautifully-landscaped grounds lead to a secluded sandy shoreline, lined with sun loungers.
• Accommodation website • Check prices for LaLiBay Resort
2. Rastoni Hotel – Aegina Town
Hotel phone: +30 2297 027039
This lovely Aegina Town hotel features a rustic elegant atmosphere and is set amid lush greenery. It provides a variety of rooms, suites, bungalows, and maisonettes to suit travelers of different types ranging from individual visitors to families of four. Areas of outdoor seating within lavish landscaping and pistachio trees give a tranquil oasis within the city feel, though the hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the busy port. The breakfast is also excellent.
• Lodging Details • View Rates at Rastoni Hotel
3. Nikolaou Residence – Aegina Town
Hotel phone: +30 6981 870416
In the 1960s, the home of artist Nikos Nikolaou was frequented by intellectuals and art lovers. Now, 5 luxurious guest houses reside on the grounds near the painter`s studio, providing a serene and rarefied stay. The newly renovated apartments are warm and charming, featuring bespoke art and furnishings along with well-supplied kitchenettes. Some offer private terraces with ocean views. Situated across from the sea, close to beaches, and a brief 15-20 minute walk to shops and restaurants in town.
• Hotel website • Check prices for Nikolaou Residence
4. Hotel Danae – Aegina Town
Hotel phone: +30 2297 022424
Great 3-star Aegina Town lodging with open air pool. Visitor rooms are agreeable and cutting edge, offered as single, double, and triple arrangements. All have cutting edge enriching and great restrooms. The lovely pool terrace is served by a pool bar offering snacks and drinks, and a fantastic breakfast buffet is served daily. Situated on the shoreline street, close to sea shores and around a 15-minute stroll to town.
• Lodging facility website • Review pricing for Hotel Danae
5. Apollo Resort – Agia Marina
Hotel phone: +30 2297 032271
The finest hotel in Agia Marina, a 4-star Apollo Resort has a superb pool and dining area overlooking the sea, and private rocky platforms with stair access to the water. Rooms accommodate 2-3 and are done in a crisp, seaside fashion. An on-site restaurant serves Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Beautifully situated with unblocked perspectives over the sea, a 10 to 15-minute walk into town.
• Accommodation website • Check rates for Apollo Resort
6. Hotel Aegina – Aegina Town
Hotel phone: +30 2297 028501
Excellent small family-run lodging in a quiet neighborhood that’s an easy walk to the harbor, shops, and restaurants of Aegina Town. 19 clean, well-maintained, and cozy guest rooms are offered in single, double, and triple configurations. Some have balconies. Excellent breakfast and good value for the price.
• Hotel website • Inquire about pricing for Hotel Aegina
7. Aeginitikon Arhontikon – Aegina Town
Hotel phone: +30 2297 024968
Charming boutique hotel with a vintage feel in the center of Aegina Town. Rooms are on the smaller side, but feature period components and balconies, and open to lovely outdoor seating areas filled with plants and flowers. Excellent location between beautiful St. Nicholas Church and the notable Tower of Markellos, an easy 5-minute walk to the port.
• Hotel site • Check prices at this hotel on Booking.com
8. Aphrodite Art Hotel – Aegina Town
Hotel phone: +30 2297 029000
A great-value and well-maintained hotel, and the best option close to the port. Rooms are cozy and clean, and decorated in simple, charming design. Unlimited fresh, cold water is supplied to all guests, and daily breakfast buffet is served on the shaded front patio. Located near everything in a quiet pocket of town, an easy, flat, 3-minute walk to the ferry.
• Hotel website – Check prices for Aphrodite Art Hotel
9. Erato Hotel – Agia Marina
Hotel phone: +30 2297 032468
Friendly hotel with outdoor pool, walkable to Agia Marina Beach. Spacious, clean rooms are well-furnished and feature balconies overlooking the pool or surrounding mountains. A small gym is on site, and a good breakfast is served daily to the welcoming lobby or shaded terrace. Excellent location at the edge of town, an easy walk to restaurants and the beach.
• Hotel website • View rates for Erato Hotel
10. Hotel Angela – Agia Marina
Hotel phone: +30 2297 032556
Excellent family-run affordable lodging with swimming facilities. Neat and luminous suites sleep two to three persons; one two-bedroom apartment quarters four. All include balconies plus access to the hotel`s quaint garden grounds, sumptuous breakfasts, and an exceptional swimming pool and snack station a brief walk distant. Centrally positioned on Agia Marina’s main avenue, proximate to the beachfront, eateries, shops, and transport.
• Accommodation details • See pricing for Hotel Angela
11. Angelina Boutique Escape – Perdika
Hotel phone: +30 2297 061446
Excellent family hotel located on the edge of Perdika village. Guest rooms and a villa that sleep 2 to 4 people are all clean, modern and have balconies or terraces. The sunny pool area is surrounded by loungers and served by a small bar. There is no restaurant, but a delicious Greek breakfast is provided on site and it`s an easy walk to Perdika`s bakeries, cafes, and seafood restaurants.
• The Hotel website and a link to check prices for Angelina Boutique Escape
12. Perdika Mare Guesthouse – Perdika
Hotel phone: +30 2297 061449
This quiet hotel by the coast in Perdika offers twin, double, and triple bedrooms along with a family room for four. Sun loungers near the water are freely accessible, and a rocky shore lies just before the lodging. Perdika’s beach, eateries, and boat to Moni are within simple walking distance of around five minutes.
• The site • See prices for Perdika Mare
