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Aegina Ferries

Everything you need to know about ferries to and from Aegina — the Aegina Town port, routes from Piraeus and across the Saronic Gulf, and how to plan a day trip or short break to the closest island to Athens.

The port: Aegina Town

Aegina Town's waterfront is one of the most atmospheric ferry arrivals in Greece. The port opens onto a horseshoe harbour lined with pistachio stalls, fish tavernas and neoclassical townhouses. A small chapel sits on a single-column islet at the harbour entrance. The town behind has a proper local market, good restaurants and a cathedral, and is less touristy than many island capitals.

Ferries dock at the main quay in the centre of town, within easy walking distance of everything. Smaller high-speed hydrofoils use a separate berth nearby.

Routes from Aegina

Aegina is the closest of the Saronic islands to Athens, and ferries from Piraeus run frequently throughout the day:

  • High-speed (Flying Dolphin / catamaran) — around 40 minutes, passengers only.
  • Conventional car ferry — about 1 hour 10 minutes, carries cars and motorbikes, cheaper.

There are also connections to the other Saronic islands — Poros, Hydra and Spetses — making Aegina a useful hub for a multi-island Saronic itinerary. Connections run from the small port of Agia Marina on the east coast as well.

The island

Aegina is famous across Greece for two things: pistachios and the Temple of Aphaia. The pistachios — grown on the island's hillsides and sold in bags at every port and shop — are considered among the best in the world. The Temple of Aphaia, a remarkably well-preserved Doric temple on a pine-covered hilltop in the east of the island, dates from around 500 BC and offers views of both Athens and the Peloponnese on a clear day. The village of Perdika on the southern tip is a quiet fishing settlement popular for lunch.

Planning tips

Aegina makes an excellent day trip from Athens — the early fast ferry from Piraeus allows several hours on the island with a comfortable return the same evening. For longer stays, book accommodation ahead in summer weekends, when Athenians flood the island. If you plan to hire a car or scooter to visit the Temple of Aphaia and the rest of the island, arrange it in advance in July and August. The conventional ferry is the better choice if you want to take a vehicle or prefer a steadier crossing.

Ports & terminals

Ferry routes from here

Frequently asked questions

Which port do ferries use on Aegina?
Aegina Town harbour, on the north-west coast. The port is right in front of the main town — its waterfront is lined with fish tavernas and pistachio stalls.
How long is the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Aegina?
Hellenic Seaways high-speed Flying Dolphin or catamaran takes around 40 minutes; the conventional car ferry takes about 1 hour 10 minutes and is cheaper.
Is Aegina a good day trip from Athens?
Yes — it is one of the most popular day trips from Athens. The short crossing, the waterfront town, the Temple of Aphaia and the famous Aegina pistachios make it an easy and rewarding excursion.