Sea • History • Flavours • Summer getaways
Aegina in 3 Days: Our Guide to Beaches, Food & Things to See
Aegina is one of the easiest and most popular destinations for a short getaway from Athens. In just a little over an hour from Piraeus, you arrive on an island that combines beautiful beaches, history, gastronomy and an important religious destination.
A few days ago, we decided to spend a summer weekend in Aegina, and the experience exceeded our expectations. Below, we share the places we visited, the beaches we enjoyed, the flavours we discovered and the moments that stood out to us.
Aegina in 3 Days – At a Glance
- Departure: Piraeus
- Duration: 3 days
- Stay: Agia Marina
- Getting around: car
- Beaches we visited: Agia Marina, Marathonas and Aeginetissa
- Perdika: walk, food and swimming
- Places to see: Saint Nectarios and the archaeological site of Kolona
- Special experience: Aegina Jazz Festival
- Ferry cost: approximately €70 for two people and a car, return trip
The Journey from Piraeus
We left the port of Piraeus by ferry, paying approximately €70 in total for two people and a car (return trip). The journey took a little over an hour, and shortly after 10:00 in the morning we arrived on the island.
Our accommodation was in Agia Marina, which was our base for the three-day trip.
First Impressions of Aegina Town
Before heading to our accommodation, we started exploring Aegina Town. We walked through its narrow streets and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere around the harbour.
One of the first things that caught our attention was the island’s traditional fishing boats, which every morning turn into small floating produce stalls filled with fresh fruit and vegetables.
Of course, we picked up the famous Aegina pistachios and other local products while enjoying our coffee by the sea.
A Visit to Saint Nectarios
Our next stop was the Monastery of Saint Nectarios, one of Greece’s most important pilgrimage destinations. Visiting the saint’s tomb was a particularly moving experience, and we also tried the traditional loukoumi.
Exploring Marathonas and Perdika
The second day was dedicated to beaches and the southwestern part of the island.
A Small Beach Before Marathonas
On the way to Perdika, we made our first stop at a small beach just before Marathonas. Getting there requires climbing down a few rocks, but the scenery and crystal-clear blue waters make every step worthwhile.
Aeginetissa
Our next stop was Aeginetissa Beach Aeginetissa, one of the beaches we enjoyed most on our trip, with crystal-clear waters that were perfect for a refreshing swim.
Perdika: Walking, Food and Swimming
Our final destination of the day was picturesque Perdika. We wandered around its small harbour, enjoyed fresh food by the sea and, of course, took the opportunity for another swim in the beautiful waters of the area.
A Magical Evening at the Aegina Jazz Festival
After some rest at our accommodation, the evening brought us another wonderful experience.
We attended the Aegina Jazz Festival, held in a unique setting at the former prison of Aegina, inside a historic traditional building. The music, atmosphere and surroundings created the perfect finale to our Saturday evening.
Flavours of Aegina: An Authentic Food Experience
A trip to Aegina would not be complete without discovering some of the traditional flavours we tasted on the island.
During our visit to picturesque Perdika, we enjoyed a meal at a traditional fish taverna by the sea, where the beautiful setting was perfectly complemented by the local flavours.
We tried the traditional tiganosoupa, calamari and fresh octopus.
Each dish brought us closer to the island’s culinary tradition and Aegina’s connection with the sea. The authentic flavours, fresh ingredients and view of Perdika’s picturesque harbour created an experience we will remember.
Our Last Day in Aegina
Sunday came quickly. After packing our bags and checking out, we returned to Aegina Town for one last coffee by the harbour.
We visited the archaeological site of Kolona, and before boarding the ferry we still had time for one last enjoyable swim.
A little later, we began our journey home, filled with beautiful images, flavours and memories.
Is Three Days in Aegina Worth It?
For us, the answer is a definite yes.
In three days, we managed to combine walks around Aegina Town, a visit to Saint Nectarios, beaches, food in Perdika, a different kind of musical experience and one final visit to Kolona before heading home.
What we remember most about Aegina is not just the beaches. It is the small moments of the trip: coffee by the harbour, the fishing boats selling their produce, the food in Perdika and the atmosphere of a summer evening filled with music.
If you are looking for a nearby island destination that combines sea, history, flavours and relaxed summer moments, our experience shows that three days can be enough for a wonderful first taste of Aegina.