Welcome to Aegina, a picturesque island located in the heart of the Saronic Gulf! With its almost triangular shape and a coastline of 57 km, Aegina boasts mainly volcanic terrain and flat expanses, with the highest elevation reaching 532 meters. The island lacks rivers and running water, but it’s a haven for travelers seeking beautiful beaches and a quick getaway from Athens.
Aegina is a popular destination for visitors from the mainland, especially from Athens, looking for a nearby destination for their vacations or a weekend escape.
The island offers a wide range of activities, from fishing and spearfishing to agrotourism and water sports. Discover the best areas to stay in Aegina and book your perfect accommodation to make the most of your stay in this charming island getaway.
1. Aegina Town, best area to stay in Aegina
The capital of the island is called Aegina and it is located at the northwest tip. It is also where the port is situated, one of the most important ports with significant commercial and passenger traffic. The city stretches around the port, dominated by the statue of Kapodistrias.
Along the coastal road, you will find all the shops, dining establishments (cafes, restaurants, bars), and accommodations. This is also where the most vibrant nightlife is, with some bars hosting DJ parties.
Things to do in Aegina Town
The town of Aegina is known for its traditional village-like charm and picturesque scenery that you will immediately appreciate as you explore its streets. Some of the town’s attractions include the Orphanage, founded by Kapodistrias to care for the orphaned children of the Greek Revolution, and the hill of “Kolona,” which is the remaining column from the Temple of Apollo.
Moreover, at the site of Kolona, you will also find the Archaeological Museum of Aegina, which houses significant exhibits, including the marble Sphinx.
The town of Aegina offers the most interest and boasts two organized beaches. One is a sandy, fully equipped beach located 200 meters to the right of the harbor, in front of the Archaeological site.
The other is a sandy beach with shallow waters, located 400 meters on the left side of the harbor. Both beaches have taverns and cafes nearby. In the town, you will find the largest selection of accommodations on the island, including hotels, rental rooms, apartments, and villas.
Best Hotels in Aegina Town
2. Agia Marina, best place in Aegina for the beaches
Agia Marina is located on the northeastern coast of Aegina, approximately 12.5 km away from the island’s capital. It is the second largest tourist center after Aegina town, offering exceptional tourist facilities.
Things to do in Agia Marina
You can visit the Archaeological Site of Aphaia, a temple dedicated to Athena dating back to the 5th century BCE, the Archaeological Museum of Aphaia which houses artifacts from the archaeological site, the Monastery of Agios Minas, and the Church of Agia Marina.
There is a large sandy beach, well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports, and you can also find restaurants, tavernas, and snack bars nearby. The area offers a variety of hotels and rented rooms or apartments, mainly along the waterfront.
Best Hotels in Agia Marina, Aegina
- (€€€) Apollo Resort
- (€) Anna Studios
- (€) Angela Hotel
- (€) Poseidon
3. Perdika, a cool place to stay in Aegina
Less than 10 kilometers south of the town of Aegina, you will find Perdika, a quaint settlement that was once a fishing village but now serves as a tourist destination with its picturesque harbor welcoming leisure boats. The settlement consists of small houses with open courtyards, each standing independently.
There are two beaches in the area. One is located at the entrance of the harbor, and the other is on the other side of the peninsula, near the Church of Agios Sostis. The waters at both beaches are crystal clear.
Klima Beach, also known as ‘Kleidi‘, is a hidden jewel tucked near Perdika that even Aegina’s most seasoned locals rank in their top five must-visit beaches. It’s a well-guarded secret that’s worth every bit of effort to reach.
Ready for an adventure? Here’s how to reach this haven. Navigate towards Perdika. Just before you reach the charming fishing village, take a left towards Sfentouri at the junction. After a while, make a right turn. Continue with patience and after a short drive, you’ll find yourself staring at a stunning bay that seasoned boatmen favour for anchoring and diving into the inviting, clear waters. It’s a journey worth taking, every time.
Things to do in Perdika
One side of Perdika is like a paved balcony overlooking the sea, where you can find taverns, restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. Take a stroll along the promenade with its palm trees and benches to enjoy the sunset.
In this area, you will mainly find rental rooms and apartments, as well as 2-3 hotels. It is a beautiful place to stay, as you will be very close to the town while staying right by the sea.
Best Hotels in Perdika, Aegina
- (€€€) LaLiBay Resort & Spa
- (€€) Angelina Boutique Escape
- (€) Hotel Hippocampus
- (€) Alvi Studios
4. Vathi & Souvala, best area to stay for nightlife
Vathi is a settlement located 7 kilometers away from the town of Aegina. It is situated in the northern part of the island, at an altitude of 80 meters. Although not a coastal village, it is one of the largest on the island.
Following the road towards the sea, you will reach Souvala, the second port of Aegina. It is a beautiful traditional fishing village that features a beach, taverns, bars, cafes, hotels, and rental rooms. It is a great choice for a summer vacation spot that comes alive with activity during the summer months.
What to do in Vathi & Souvala
In Souvala, there is a beach with thermal hot springs known as “Therma“. Its waters are ideal for the treatment of various rheumatic and dermatological conditions.
Wherever you choose to stay, in Vathi or Souvala, you will enjoy your stay and have pleasant days and nights. If you desire a more vibrant nightlife, the town is nearby.
Best Hotels in Vathi & Souvala
- (€€€) Vrachokipos
- (€€) Aethrio Guesthouse
- (€) Mandalena’s
- (€) Attica Hotel Ephie
5. Vagia, best place to stay in Aegina for families
Vagia (or Vaia) is a settlement located on the northern side of Aegina, just 12 kilometers away from the island’s capital and only 5 kilometers from Vathi. It’s a charming fishing village that is ideal for relaxing vacations, especially if you are traveling with children and family.
The location of Vagia is convenient for those who wish to visit the historical and archaeological sites of Aegina, such as the Archaeological Site of Paleochora and the Holy Monastery of Agios Nektarios, which are just a 10-minute drive away.
What to do in Vagia
There is a picturesque little harbor that has a beach on both ends. The beach on the left is large and sandy, while the one on the right is smaller. On the large beach, you will find two taverns that offer free sunbeds and umbrellas.
In Vagia, you will find only one traditional hotel, as well as rooms and apartments for rent. The area is famous for its traditional taverns and fresh fish that they serve.
2 Responses
We are in souvala. We don’t like it. Where nearby are nicer beaches please?
Angelika
Hey Angelica, sad to hear this. Maybe try Aeginitissa beach to the west or Klidi/Klima Beach to the south. These two are my fav beaches in Aegina.