So you finally made it to Athens, congrats on making it to your bucket list destination! Now that you’re in Greece, visiting an Island is a must. Yet if you find yourself in a predicament like we did and don’t have much time to venture off on some island-hopping adventure. That’s when we introduce you to… aegina, Greece!
Aegina is the closest island to Athens only being a quick 40min-1hr ferry ride away. If you love pistachios, hiking, and beautiful water this island is for you!
Let’s start with the Port of Aegina
What you will find:
The Port of Aegina is going to be your first stop and where they will drop you off from the ferry. You will be greeted with the clearest water, colorful boats, and buildings, PLUS anything pistachio you can think of!
This is also the main town on the island and where you will find all the shops if you want to snag something to take home. They have two main streets here. The first runs along the water, and the second runs right behind it a street up. The latter is where you will find all the cute boutiques, handy crafts, and souvenir-type goodies.
If you want some of the best food stay along the water. The street is lined with restaurants all with a variety of dishes to try. By far our favorite place we ate was Nisos Cafe Bar! They have THE BEST cappuccinos and salmon bagels!
Along with the shopping and eating you can’t forget to snag yourself a bag of pistachios! Walking along the water you will see multiple stands overflowing with anything pistachio you can think of. Ice cream, butter, and candy are only a sampling of the pistachio goodness you can find here! Any vendor will let you try just about anything they sell, it really is one of the top things to do in Aegina, Greece!
Where to Stay
While staying in Aegina your options for accommodation most likely will be hotels or Airbnbs. Pro tip: make sure you really look at where you are staying. While the island is beautiful, there are a couple of places where there isn’t much to do and are quite far away from the action.
There are many hotels for cheap right on the water. We stayed at Hotel Mistral Aegina. It was beautiful and right on the water. Owned by a mother-daughter duo, it was cute and met our needs. However, what we didn’t realize was how far out from any main town it was. We ended up spending any money we saved on taxis just to get places.
You can easily find adorable Airbnb in the height of the busy season for only $ 40-$50 USD! If I were to return this would be the route I take and make sure I am in a town with more to offer someone who knows no one.
How to spend your time in Aegina, Greece
What activities can you find here?
If you are someone who enjoys the outdoors Aegina has a lot in store for you! The island has trails running all throughout the middle and along the coast. We ended up walking right out of our hotel and up the nearest mountain we saw. Before we knew it we were ten miles in and had hiked up and down multiple mountains! The good news, is if you ever get lost just head to the coast and you’ll find people to help:)
Aegina does have an actual historical trail if Greek history is your jam. It runs throughout the middle of the island and provides stunning views paired with cultural learning. It also runs through a pistachio orchard and many small villages. I would highly recommend it!
After the hiking, you will want to take advantage of the Mediterranean water! There are plenty of beaches along the coast or connected through different hotels. Grab your towel, a good book, some pistachio ice cream, and get ready to unwind!
How’s the nightlife?
If you are one who likes the busy nightlife scene Aegina might not be for you. However, if you like strolling down the beach or docks, watching stunning sunsets, with a quiet village feel, I have good news for you! Aegina can feel like a sleepy European village at night, you’ll find a bit more activity along the port but not much. This is perfect for families or couples looking for a quiet getaway to refresh and recharge!
The main strip by the port will light up at night making for perfect romantic strolls or the best place to reflect/journal after a long day exploring. Almost all the restaurants offer outdoor seating, so grab a glass of wine, sit back, and enjoy the peace!
How long do you need on Aegina and what should you pack?
One full day of exploring would allow you to see most of the sights and soak up some sun! We got to the island early in the morning, stayed one night, and then left later afternoon the next day. I found that to be the perfect amount of time to explore all Aegina had to offer.
If you are looking to have a full beach day and truly unwind, two days would serve you well.
What should you pack?
Here are some suggestions of basics I always use!
- Traveling with a filtered water bottle was a game-changer for me! It saves me time and money every time! This is the one I use.
- Along with the water bottle, I always bring liquid I.V. with me on every single trip. They have saved me more than once!
- You are in Greece so we can’t forget swimsuits! Here are a few of my favorites. If you are a bikini girlie check out this cute flower one! If you are more of a modest queen who likes a one-piece this one is for you!
To Sum it up
If you are short on time but want a Greek island adventure Aegina is the way to go. With amazing food culture, great outdoor activities, and all wrapped in a small island feel you want to miss this! Even if it is just for the day Aegina, Greece holds adventures for everyone of all ages. Plus you can’t beat the price of the ferry tickets compared to all the other islands!
I hope this article introducing you to Aegina will convince you to check it out next time you are in the neighborhood. Happy travels!
Until Next Time, Olivia Grace
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