My favourite island in Greece: where to eat, drink and sail
- Setting the scene
- Where to sail
- Where to dine
- Where to drink
- Where to have breakfast
- What to see
- Where to stay and how to get there
- Location map
Setting the scene
A historic naval stronghold, one of the first places in Greece to mint coins and a brief stint as the Capital of Modern Greece, Aegina has a vibrant history. Rocky and sandy beaches scattered along the coastline; well preserved Temples and a delectable culinary scene are what I think of today. Tucked in between the Attica peninsular and the Peloponnese coast, this Saronic Island is one of my favourite places in Greece. It’s a must-see for cruisers in the area or can be accessed via a short ferry ride from Athens.
In 2024 I visited Aegina almost exclusively as a flotilla first mate for Seafarer Sailing and Cruising Holidays. One of my more important roles was to provide our guests with good recommendations so they could enjoy the sole night we would spend in town or on the island. During the peripheries of the season I also had the pleasure of staying on the island whilst Nathan undertook training courses with Aegean Sailing School, based in Aegina Town.
Check out this Instagram reel to see some of the places mentioned below.
Where to sail
Naturally, most of my trips to the island have been via sailing yacht. The island has a variety of options for cruisers with my recommendations being Aegina Town and Perdika in the low season and Agia Marina as an alternative for the busier months. All harbours are classic med-mooring style, although you might get away with alongside mooring in Perdika in very quiet months. In high season, Perdika is notorious for crossed anchors due to the configuration of the harbour. Nearby anchorages for a pit-stop are abundant, with the sandy beach at Metopi, and the beautiful islands of Moni and Agistri. Power and water are both available in principle at Aegina Port and Perdika, depending on whether the pillars work and a member of staff is available to activate them.
Agia Marina, on the north-east side of the island, has recently expanded with a long quay providing plenty of room even in high-season. However, the thru-holes in the dock can provide some uncomfortable swell, so tuck in to the corner as much as you can. A clear sandy bottom promises a satisfying anchor drop, and the nearby anchorage a perfect alternative if needed. No power or water here yet, although it promises to arrive one day. It’s also the perfect location for a short but steep hike up to the Temple of Aphaia (taxis and buses available as alternatives). The town is small but has everything you need; supermarket, pharmacy, gyros, tavernas and gift shops.
Seafarer Sailing and Cruising Holidays feature the island on their Saronic flotilla route (the one Nathan and I used to run) and Aegean Sailing School/ Portokali also operate from the island main town – Aegina Town. Bareboat charters from Athens are a great launching point to explore the island and the rest of the Saronic.
Where to dine
Renowned as Greece’s key pistachio producer, you won’t find a greater range of nutty produce anywhere else. From pistachio praline and cream to honey soaked pistachios or simply roasted and salted, not only are they delicious but make fantastic gifts. Stroll down the walking street, waterfront or back streets and you’ll be spoilt for choice.
For the evening, if you’d like to feel the sand between your toes and a killer sunset view all whilst dining in style, head to Babis. A classic menu with all your favourite Greek dishes and wonderful seafood, it’s a crowd-pleaser. For the fish lovers, it’s got to be Mandraki. Go all in and follow your server to the back and pick your own fish. Usually served with a lemon and olive oil dressing, pair it with some classic starters and you won’t be disappointed.
My personal favourite is Εδεσματοπωλείο ΠΕΤΡΑ – translating to Petra Delicatessen. One evening, after abandoning two different tavernas who seemed to be out of stock of almost everything on their very large menus, Nathan and I literally sniffed this place out. Aromatic, spicy, delicious. Mosaic tables and dainty chairs nestled amongst the water-front streets, it’s an intimate and delightful spot. Expect Greek with a twist – the slow cooked pork shank is worth the wait. We also sampled the spicy kebabs and Cretan apaki and it remains one of the best meals I’ve eaten in Greece.
An honourable mention must also be given to Panagakis. If you’re weary of the taverna menu, hosting fussy eaters or children, this spot might be for you. The burgers here are nothing short of fantastic and there’s pastas, sandwiches and the like available, too. For breakfast, they do an eye-watering crepe menu. There’s even air-conditioned seating available upstairs for a relief from the mid-summer sun with a lovely view across the harbour. It might not be as traditional as some of the others, but it’s still a favourite. If you’re hunting for a great gyros then head to Gyros of Aeginas, next to the church.
Where to drink
Although Aegina is not necessarily famed for nightlife, it still serves the perfect sundowner or a holiday cocktail. South of the main town there’s the Inn on the Beach and there’s no better spot to watch the sun set over mainland Greece whilst the sea laps the shore around you.
Tortuga Art Cafe is, unsurprisingly, artsy, cute and stylish. Probably my favourite for a classic cocktail and a cosy, warm atmosphere. Perdikiotika is more spacious, with great decor, a leafy outside courtyard and occasional live music. If music is your thing, also consider heading to Avli for delicious nibbles, music and drinks under the veranda.
Where to have breakfast
In my opinion, unlike some European countries, Greece does not always nail it’s baked goods. The quality varies, and there’s nothing more disappointing than an average Spanakopita. Φούρνος ΑΦΑΙΑ – sort of translated to Oven Aphaia – is my absolute favourite. The croissants are sublime, the lunch baguettes a delight. It’s always busy and I’ve never been disappointed.
Aegina Town also provides a step above the familiar Mini Market. There’s a decent if slightly overcrowded ΚΡΗΤΙΚΟΣ super-market in the middle of town, and a big sister version just 10 minutes walk away. Avoid the street-side fruit stalls if you can. Nathan learnt this the hard way after a romantic gesture of buying me cherries; 14EUR punnet later and we’re still recovering financially.
What to see
If you’re not exploring the island via boat, then hiring cars or bikes can be a great option. With many places offering flexible hires and even guided cycling options there’s plenty of ways to see the island. Within Aegina Town there’s the Temple of Apollo and the old breakwaters submerged off the beach to the north of the town. Follow the coastline to the northwest edge and you’ll find the Bouza lighthouse – one of the oldest in Greece and a beautiful sunset spot if you prefer a natural setting. The other side of the island hosts the Temple of Aphaia and it’s a real highlight – either visit whilst moored in Agia Marina or drive to the north east side of the island to take in the monument. The temple is one third of the sacred triangle and so beautifully preserved; both the views and the site itself are well worth the visit. If you’d rather stretch your legs whilst taking in the sites, combine hiking and culture with the trails dedicated to exactly that.
Where to stay and how to get there
If you’re not sleeping onboard during your stay, there are plenty of options available onshore. AirBNB and booking.com are the go-to, with options for poolside villas, apartments and hotels. My personal favourite is a true Airbnb – Stenaki home. With four different apartments, from cosy studios to masionette ensconced in a pristine courtyard with shared outside space, I keep coming back. It remains effortlessly peaceful, nestled behind Aegina’s iconic Isodia Theotokou Church and only a few minutes walk to the harbour. The properties are managed by husband and wife Vangelis and Fenela and they could not be kinder or more accommodating. The properties embody what I really love about Airbnb – staying in lovey homes with wonderful hosts.
As mentioned, Seafarer Sailing and Cruising Holidays operate a Saronic flotilla in the area, and weather depending, visit the island. The Aegean Sailing School and Portokali also operate here with options for bareboat charter, tuition and flotilla. Alternatively, spend ~1 hour on the ferry from Piraeus (a short train from Athens airport or the city centre). Ferries also operate to/from Aegina and Agia Marina to Agistri, Poros and other spots in the Saronic.
Check out this Instagram reel and make sure to consider Aegina on your next Greek visit – it’s the ideal spot for a long weekend, day trip, or stopover.
Interactive map
Scroll and pan to see all my recommendations. Use the panel on the left to find the names mentioned above.
Alexandra hartley 
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