Best beaches in Aegina

aegina-beachesAegina may not boast the finest beaches in Greece but there’s enough going on down at the waterfront to keep most visitors happy. Whether you want a banana ride, barbecued octopus in a waterfront taverna or a boat trip to a Robinson Crusoe island you’ll find it all here.

The most frantic beachfront activity takes places on the east coast at the island’s major package holiday resort of Agia Marina. Here you can jet ski, water ski, go fishing in one of the local “caiques” or just lie back and enjoy your takeaway fish and chips on the crowded beach. Every imaginable sports and leisure facility is laid on here for the seasonal influx of (mainly British) tour groups.

Many of the hotels organise their own beach-based activities (beach barbecues, firework parties, boat trips etc) and some have in-house health spas with saunas, jacuzzis, steam rooms and an array of wrinkle-reducing therapies. At the luxurious Argo Hotel spa you can pay through the nose to be smothered in mud and health-giving Dead Sea minerals, take a Turkish bath or treat your muscles to an underwater massage.

The Aegina Scuba Diving Club, on Agia Marina’s main street, caters for complete beginners and experienced divers with a range of courses and accompanied dives. There are daily limited-depth beginners’ dives during high season and if you’re a qualified diver you can just rent the equipment or fill your air tanks and do your own thing. The club also offers excursions to explore the local underwater caves, walls and reefs.

kolona-beach-aegina The beaches of Kolona and Avra are the two main beaches where one can swim in the city of Aegina. One can get there very easily, even on foot since they are next to the main port of Aegina.

These two beaches are located on both sides of the temple of Apollo. The hill of Colona forms a large natural pier, where there are sandy beaches at its edges. Avra beach is located in front of the entrance to the Archaeological site of the Temple of Apollo. Depending on the season, it is also an organized beach.

Colonna is located on the back side of the temple. To get there, one continues the route on the small uphill that forms the road network. The beach entrance is a small stone entrance. It is not an organized beach and the sandy beach presents some peculiarities, due to the ancient fort located nearby.

If your time on the island is limited, these two beaches are a good opportunity to take a dip.

The beach is organized almost every summer, with many sunbeds and umbrellas. There is usually a canteen there as well. The route requires attention, since the uphill is particularly strenuous for cars and in the summer months there is also a small traffic jam. The transport runs until Perdika.

aegina-beachYou won’t find the same wealth of watersports and leisure activities elsewhere around the island but there are other sand and pebble beaches dotted around the coastline where you can spend a day sun soaking and swimming away from the package holiday hordes.

Marathonas, five kilometres south of Aegina Town, is the biggest beach on the west coast offering a few tavernas and rooms to rent in a much more peaceful environment than that of Agia Marina. The island’s prettiest beach is nine kilometres further south down the west coast at Perdika where a sprinkling of excellent fish tavernas line the attractive pedestrianised waterfront esplanade. This is a lovely place to enjoy a leisurely meal, watching the sun go down over the Peloponnese and the tiny uninhabited island of Moni.

You can visit Moni via a 10-minute caique ride from Perdika. There are some good hiking trails and a small sandy beach with wonderfully clear water for swimming. There’s a small snack bar but you’ll be better off taking your own picnic if you plan to stay a while. Make an arrangement with the boatman to pick you up (and don’t pay him till he does!). Much of the islet is fenced off to protect the wild birds and Kri-Kri (wild, curly-horned Cretan goats) that live here.

You can also take a boat ride over to the larger island of Angistri (15 minutes by catamaran from Aegina Town) where you’ll find better, less crowded beaches than on Aegina.

The kids will no doubt prefer to spend the day at the water park at Faros, south east down the coast from Aegina Town, where there’s a huge pool, water slides and enough entertainment to keep the whole family happy for hours.

Marathonas beach

marathonas-beach-aegina

The beach of Marathonas is located west of the island, very close to the port of Aegina. In Marathonas there are two organized successive beaches with sand and pebbles, shallow, with rich vegetation and eucalyptus, ideal for families with children with an impressive view.

The “First Beach of Marathonas” is one of the first organized beaches of the island. The natural beauty, the long coastline, the clean sandy bottom and the easy access have made it one of the most popular on the whole island. There are many catering shops for food, coffee or drink.

The “Second Beach of Marathonas” is one of the most beautiful and cosmopolitan beaches of Aegina, suitable for games and rackets, with umbrellas, sunbeds and a wooden canteen in the middle of the beach.

Marathonas is what passes for a traditional Greek fishing village in these modern tourist days. Found about four kilometres south of Aegina Town it is almost half-way to the popular resort at Perdika.

The pretty village has just 250 or so permanent inhabitants with their homes climbing up on the steep hillside where a walk uphill reaps some spectacular views of the coast and leads to good hill trails and even mountain climbing.

Of the two small beaches only one is sandy while the road behind is lined with tavernas bidding to passing trade out of the main town. Nearby is the imposing monastery of Panagia Chrysoliodis, which dates from the 16th century.

marathonas-beach

Agia Marina beach

agia-marina-beachAgia Marina is the busiest and biggest beach resort on the island with a long, wide sandy beach that’s gently shelving, so it’s ideal for families with children, and with every sort of tourist facility including a bewildering array of watersports.

It’s popularity has left it’s mark with ranks of hotels behind the beach robbing the resort of any charm it might once have had while sun loungers cover every scrap of sand along the busy shoreline.

Resort life centres around the busy beach and the streets leading to it. Tavernas, bars, shops and cafes are plentiful and weekending Athenians will pack the marina out with boats.

Steep wooded slopes lead to the Temple of Aphiaia, one of Aegina’s major attractions while the charming village of Alones, nestling in a deep green valley nearby, has scores of excellent tavernas

Pony traps ferry romantic diners to and from Agia Marina while other tavernas are a favourite for ‘Greek Night’ excursions.

Also nearby is the mountain village of Mesagros, much boosted by its proximity to the Temple of Aphiaia, and known both for its wild flowers, some unique to the area, and for its fine ceramics.

Mesagros visitors often head for the house of Rodakis, a fine example of 1880s architecture and in very good condition.

agia-marina-beach

Avra beach

The popular beach of Avra is located west of the island and is the closest from the port of Aegina. It is located right in front of the Archaeological site of Kolona, while in the sea you can see remains of the ancient port of Aegina.

The beach is sand and pebbles. It is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, catering shops for coffee and food, ideal for families with a playground on the opposite side of the street. Every August the annual International Music Festival takes place on the beach of Avra.

avra-beach

Agios Vasilios beach

The beach of Agios Vasilios is located west of the island, with easy access. The beach is paved with sand and fine pebbles and wonderful blue and shallow waters. It is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, with shallow water, ideal for families with children.

Refreshments and restaurants – taverns for food are nearby. In the area there is the church of Agios Vasilios, from which the beach got its name, and a small port.

agios-vasilios-beach

Faros Waterpark   

aegina-water-parkThe coast road road south from Aegina Town is dotted with tavernas at every sandy cove and backed by pistachio groves and eucalyptus trees, notably at Aeginitissa and Profitis Ilias, before it reaches the resort of Faros.

Faros is most noted for its beautiful neoclassical buildings and a less than classical giant water park. It’s not the best in Greece, basically a big pool, a couple of decent water chutes and scores of sunbeds.

On the edge of Faros, past the petrol station is a dirt road leading down to Sarpa beach. Once a rather scruffy outpost, the beach here has been cleaned and upgraded and visitors will find plenty of sun loungers, a volleyball area and a small cantina.

Perdika beach

perdikaThe fishing village of Perdika has lately been invaded by hotels, though it manages to cling on to some original Greek charm with its picturesque flower-bedecked side-streets and pleasant fish tavernas that defy the barren surrounding countryside.

The resort perches on a promontory with a large marina below where luxury yachts share shelter with small colourful fishing boats. Shady tavernas sit above and behind on the high walls that line the utilitarian strip of battleship grey concrete that passes for a promenade.

Excursion boats leave here for the islet of Moni that lies just offshore and there are day trips to Angistri island which lies about four kilometres to the west.

Just before Perdika is a small beach called Klima, or Klidi, noted for beach parties that attract DJs from Athens. It’s well signposted off the main road to Perdika.

Portes beach

aegina_portes

Portes is a fishing village east of the island, with a small picturesque port for the fishing boats of the area. The few old houses are characterized by whitewashed courtyards and colorful flowers but also by the many holiday homes.

The picturesqueness and serenity of the landscape attract visitors who want a peaceful vacation, fresh fish from the local fishermen and swimming in its crystal clear waters. Portes has two quiet beaches that offer peace and quiet, away from the crowds and noise.

One is a sandy beach and the other is a rocky beach with pebbles that has several pine trees on one side of it that reach the edge of the sea. A short distance from Portes beach you will find even more isolated coves with crystal clear waters such as Vlyhada.

There are taverns in the area, located on the sea. It is said that the name “Portes” comes from “Porto” (port), as it was called in the past, as its location facilitated trade.
Another version of the origin of the village’s name states that in order to protect the inhabitants from pirate raids, they only had doors and never windows in their houses. For the sake of history, let us mention that the port was built by the Venetians to load black stones bound for Crete.

The tiny sea port of Portes lies on the east coast of Aegina.

Reached along the coast road south of Agia Marina, Portes perches rather dramatically over the sea with a long beach of steeply banked stone and shingle.

A little way inland is the Ekpaz Wildlife Sanctuary which has around 5,000 animals and birds.

Entry is free and visitors get guided tours throughout the day. The sanctuary has a small souvenir shop where a donation can aid the excellent work going on there.

portes-beach

Vagia beach

vagia-beachVagia, is a small port located about four kilometres east of Souvala. It has a small sand and shingle beach and a couple of old-style traditional tavernas.

In the centre of the resort are more tavernas and a cafe.

Having missed out on the tourist explosion of the main Aegina resorts, Vayia has the relaxed air of a bygone age.

Eastwards, along a coastal path, are isolated coves while the neighbouring village of Agius, smothered in pines, is noted for its water jug pottery and for the church of the Apostle Crispus.

Souvala beach

souvalaSouvala was once a busier trading harbour than Aegina Town but the explosion in tourism left it trailing behind. Its workaday past is reflected in some drab industrial buildings and a general utilitarian air but Souvala still has some charm and a small, if unremarkable, beach of coarse sand and shingle.

Souvala is mainly a holiday village for Greeks and its crammed with flats and small houses, many of them second homes for rich Athenians – this being the nearest port to the mainland.

There’s a good range of tavernas around the harbour where the bright lights of Piraeus can be seen on a clear night. Souvala is also well known for a health spa that attracts sufferers of rheumatism and those with skin disorders.

Loutra Souvalas beach

loutra-souvalas The beach of Loutra Souvalas of Aegina is located in Souvala. It is a beach that in the past was known for its thermal waters. The area was also called Therma because of the sulphurous hot spring that made the water reach 25.4 degrees Celsius.

Loutra has a small sandy beach, but the surrounding area, although rocky, creates beautiful conditions for swimming. The beach is usually organized and has sunbeds and umbrellas. At the same time, in the last few years, many cafes have opened in the area and public transport reaches there. The name of the settlement came from the many small tanks (souvales), which the inhabitants built in the old days with stones, digging pits 5-6 meters into the ground, to collect water for their animals and themselves.

It has two beaches, the first next to the small port of Souvala and the second a short distance from the thermal springs. It has a small sandy beach, but the surrounding area, although rocky, creates beautiful conditions for swimming. It is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds and is ideal for families with children.

The area has a tourist infrastructure with several options of accommodation and restaurants for coffee and food. The beach owes its name to the natural source of thermal waters found mainly for rheumatic, dermatological and gynecological diseases. It was also called Therma because of the sulphurous hot spring that made the water reach 25.4 degrees Celsius. Behind the village there is a good road that leads to Paleochora, a medieval town and to the Monastery of Agios Nektarios.

Skala Karapanou beach

Skala of Karapanos is a beach that extends to the western part of the island at the edge of the Perivola area. The locals refer to the wider area as Agios Vasilis after the homonymous church that exists there.

It is a relatively long beach, but the best part of it is located between the concrete pier and the small church of Agios Vasilios. It has a gently shaped, sandy bottom, with sea cucumbers offshore. During the summer months there is an organized beach with very neat bathing facilities and a refreshment stand.

The place is also ideal for an early morning coffee and a late afternoon cocktail. It is also excellent for chilling out on the days when the moon bathes the bay. In the area before the concrete jetty, the bottom is sandy and muddy and is ideal for some types of fishing.

skala-beach

Aeginitisa Beach

Aeginitissa beach of Aegina is a sandy beach in the middle of the Marathon-Perdika route. It is essentially a large creek, with beautiful waters and countless eucalyptus trees.

Eucalyptus trees are located along the beach, offering shade to the entire area and of course a special smell.

Usually every summer the beach is organized. There are a few eateries in the area, although Perdika is only 2 km away. The Ktel buses operates throughout the year.

The popular Aeginitissa beach is a large cove located to the west of the island, in a verdant location with countless eucalyptus trees reaching down to the sea. Eucalyptus trees are located along the beach, offering shade to the entire area and of course a special smell.

It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Aegina with sand and shallow blue-green waters. It is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, a beach bar and a special area for rackets and beach volleyball.

There are a few eateries in the area, although Perdika is only 2 km away. Aeginitissa was formerly the property of the Monastery of Panagia Chrysoleontissa.

aeginitisa-beach

Sarpa beach

sarpa-beach Sarpa beach is one of the most difficult but also beautiful beaches of Aegina. Access to the beach of Sarpas is a strange route.

After reaching Perdika and passing the gas station located there, you will come across an open basketball court. Turning left on the road, it has a small alley, which after a small downhill you will reach the beach of Sarpas.

The beach is famous for its calmness, as well as for its crystal clear waters. The beach is organized according to the season and has a canteen. Sarpas beach is definitely one of the best places to see on the island during the summer months. The Ktel bus operates a route up to Perdika.

sarpa-beach

The beach of the island of Moni

moni-beach The island of Moni Aegina, is an islet directly across from Perdika. Access to the island is relatively easy. By road to Perdika and from there by boat , which leaves from the port, you reach the Monastery.

There is also the case that a boat leaves from the central port of Aegina. Of course, the travel time from Perdika is 10 minutes, while from the center of the island about 30 minutes. But it is a special experience in both cases.

The Monastery has no permanent residents except for a few wild animals, such as peacocks, deer, wild goats and squirrels. The pine forest that covers most of the island creates a special impression.

Nevertheless, it has a sandy beach and a beach bar. There are also a good number of sunbeds and umbrellas. It is worth feeding the animals that live on the island and taking a short hike. At the top of the island there is the old military observation post that operated during the 2nd World War.

Unfortunately, Monastery and camping do not go together because it is forbidden. Many times during the summer months, many boats moor off the beach since the area is ideal.

Kavouropetra beach

The deserted beach of Kavouropetra is located north of the island and is a choice for lovers of wild authentic beauty. It is located near Kypseli, the first large village after the port, known for its beautiful churches but also for its pistachio trees. The beach has sand and pebbles with trees for natural shade and a tavern nearby.

kavouropetra-beach

Klima beach

Klima beach is located south of the island, at the bottom of a picturesque cove, where several boats are moored. It is the most popular beach of the island and despite the quite a lot of people, the magic of the landscape gives you that feeling of the remote beach that you want to have when you bathe. The beach has sand and pebbles and crystal clear certified waters.

It never catches a wave and is ideal for families with children. It is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, a canteen, and a bar. The place will quickly compensate you with the natural beauty of the landscape as well as its underwater beauty. If you stay until the sun goes down, the sunset is breathtaking, which is why it is no coincidence that the large number of luxury residences have chosen this particular spot. These colors owe their presence to the surrounding rocks that have created a beach with white sand.

klima beach

Panagitsa beach

Panagitsa beach is one of the most famous and accessible beaches of Aegina. It is located west of the island, near the port and the homonymous church. It is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, but when the sun goes down, the sunbeds move away and are replaced by beautiful tables for romantic evenings with food on the sand.

The beach is sand and pebble and has a rare beauty because of the colors it gets when the sun sets. It is ideal for families with children. Famous local taverns and restaurants are close by.

panagitsa-beach

Plakakia beach

The sandy beach of Plakakia is located north of the island, immediately after the beautiful Plakakia Cape Lighthouse and relatively close to the port. On the way there you can visit the museum of the great Greek sculptor, Christos Kapralos with the statue of “Mother” welcoming you. North of the area is the house of Nikos Kazantzakis.

plakakia-beach

Prosinemo beach

The sandy beach of Prosinemo is located north of the island, following the road to Souvala, in one of the coves you will come across. The beach is organized, has a beach bar and is usually not crowded.

prosinemo-beach

There are taverns in the area, located on the sea. It is said that the name “Portes” comes from “Porto” (port), as it was called in the past, as its location facilitated trade.
Another version of the origin of the village’s name states that in order to protect the inhabitants from pirate raids, they only had doors and never windows in their houses. For the sake of history, let us mention that the port was built by the Venetians to load black stones bound for Crete.