The 10 things to do in Egine • Wanderlix

A great rival in Athens during Antiquity, Égine is now almost considered a suburb of the Greek capital: historical heritage, beaches and proximity, here are three pillars that make this island so attractive. For a day or a week, what to do in Égine during your visit?

Egine holds a special place among the Greek islands : great ancient city, rivalling with the power of classical Athens, the island will then be the first capital of a Greece seeking its independence, around 1829. Its proximity to the Wrapped the great Athenian port makes it particularly accessible to escape from the stifling city and its intense circulation: a Alban for the Athenians as for the holidaymakers, who can offer a trip to the Greek islands without leaving far.

Visiting Égine is so much for the weekend, or even the day since Athens only for a whole week, to enjoy the island atmosphere. In addition to several sites to be discovered, the activities to be done in Égine are much around the beach and the sea. Take the time to taste the pleasure of sitting at the tavern, by the water, to taste grilled octopus, fried calamars, tarama and other products of the sea in the Greek way, letting time go or sipping an ouzo. Translation: You will not have the time to get bored at Egine, only to enjoy.

In the summer as during the weekends to the beautiful days, Égine easily fills up Greek and foreign visitors, and the atmosphere is at the rendezvous. To visit Egine in a quieter day, prefer the beginning of spring, or the back-season, for a beautiful route to discover the must-sees of the island.

1. The temple of Aphaaia

For lovers of archaeological sites, difficult to visit Egina without passing through the temple of Aphaaia, essential: it is part of a trio of exceptional antique buildings with the temple of Poseidon of the Cap Sounion , and the Parthenon dedicated to Athena on the Acropolis of Athens, and testifies to the greatness of the island.

In addition to its historical interest, the site offers a magnificent setting for visitors, so everyone finds its account.

2. Chora, the port of Egine

Chora, the capital of the island, is also its main port, where the ships of the Piraeus accostent. Take the time to stop you in this very pleasant and lively little seaside town, early in the morning or evening, either on the side of the tavern terraces to eat a piece, or to walk in the colorful streets of the historical heart.

If there’s only one thing to do in Égine, it’s good to enjoy Chora!

3. The beach of Agia Marina

In the east of Égine, Agia Marina is a pleasant seaside resort, very popular by the Athenians, which offers its lot of taverns and cafés, as well as a large sandy beach very popular.

It is also a popular drop point to explore and visit Egine and its main sites, including the nearby Temple of Aphaaia.

4. The village of Paleohora

In the land, Paleohora is a visit to Egine to plunge you into the still recent past of the island: in this abandoned village, once one of the most important of the island, more than a dozen old chapels, as well as the remains of a ruined fortress.

A marked path allows you to walk around the site.

5. A trip to Moni Island

To be done in Égine, a trip to the uninhabited little island of Moni, nearby: from Perdika or Chora, jump in a taxiboat for a day in the sun in the crystal clear waters of Moni, which even has its small beach bar.

Don’t hesitate to walk away to explore the rest of this charming island.

6. The Tower of Markellos

Among the prestigious buildings in Chora, the Tower of Markellos is one of the sites to be visited in Égine because of its historical importance, as a political basis for the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Ottoman Empire, which will lead the country to independence a decade later.

Greek or philhellen revolutionaries, many great names have passed through the turn of Markellos...

7. Perdika and its beaches (Sarpa and Klima paralia)

The beach remains one of the main occupations when visiting Égine, so why deprive yourself?

In Perdika, known for its fish taverns, as in the surroundings, do not miss the seaside atmosphere and the beaches of Sarpa and Klima, in the south, among the coolest of Egina.

8. The archaeological site of Kolona and the Archaeological Museum of Egina

From a stone, two strokes: take the time to visit at Égine (Chora) another important archaeological site, Kolona, whose situation over the Aegean still impresses more than its remains, as well as the adjacent archaeological museum, for a complete panorama of the rich ancient history of the island: Égine was hitting its own currency, and had the culot to compete the great Athens on the continent!

9. The monastery of Agios Nektarios

In the heart of the island stands an impressive monastery, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Agios Nektarios: this saint "modern", died in 1920, is a particularly popular figure in Egina as in the Orthodox world in general, known (and canonized) for its miracles and multiple healings.

10. The beach of Marathonas

When you are told that one of the activities to be done in Égine is the beach!

The Marathonas, halfway between Chora and Perdika, is another example, easy to access, comfortable with its sunbeds and parasols, with of course its lot of beach bars and taverns to cool down and eat a piece: a classic!

How to get to Egine?

Égine is certainly the most accessible island since Athens: at first you will have to find a flight to Athens ( Skyscanner helps you to find the best prices ), first stage of the trip. Then, the boat from the port of Piraeus (the islands of the Gulf of Saronique, of which Egina is part, are served from the Gate E8), and several choices offer you:

The flying dolphins

The flying dolphins are boats profiled for speed and therefore very fast, reserved for passengers on foot, which connect the Pirae to Egine in only 40 minutes. It is therefore quite possible to get a ride to Égine during the day. Just the time to catch the sea evil, because it shakes when the sea is formed, and you can’t go out!

Rotations are regular all day, every day in season, operated by the companies Aegean Flying Dolphins and Blue Star Ferries . This is the most expensive option, count around 15€ the crossing.

Ferries

Another solution, more economical (round 9€-11€) but slower, the classic ferries, with the Anes Ferries or Saronic Ferries companies, for a crossing in about 1h15 from the Square, more contemplative and quiet. You can perfectly mix each other to go and return, according to your timing.

Note that ferries are able to take on board vehicles, if you want to join Egine with a car or scooter for example.

How to move on site?

You can easily find in Chora as in the main stations of Égine des car rentals or scooters: a two-wheel is sufficient to explore the entire island, of modest dimensions. It is also possible to opt for the taxi.

Some public bus lines ( KTEL ) serve Agia Marina, Perdika, Vagia, and Agios Nektarios since Chora in season, at regular intervals.

Where to stay in Egine?

Égine we said, is both very popular and very close to Athens: we are not surprised to find many possibilities of accommodation! One. Compare hotels So will not be too much to help you make your choice, that you choose to stay directly in Chora, at the nearest port, in the resorts of Agia Marina or Perdika, or on the north coast (Vathi, Vagia...), it also well provided.

Égine has a wide range of 2 or 3-star hotels, as well as many rooms, studios and apartments for rent, offering the most important for a comfortable stay, especially thanks to the platform Airbnb . Attention to the full season (July, and especially August), book in advance is best to ensure the room of your choice.