Ancient ruins overlooking the sea during unforgettable Aegina holidays
Ancient ruins overlooking the sea during unforgettable Aegina holidays

Aegina Short Break

Aegina Holidays: 4 Days Walking on a Greek Island Near Athens

LEVEL
2
DISTANCE
18 km
DURATION
4 days | 3 nights
PERIOD
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
PRICE FROM
€ 342
  1. Greece
  2.  | 
  3. Self-Guided
  4.  | 
  5. Tourcode GRSW029

Discover Aegina holidays with a 4-day self-guided walking short break just an hour by ferry from Athens.

Follow quiet island trails between fishing villages, olive groves, monasteries, ancient sites and sea views across the Saronic Gulf.

This charming island in combines crystal-clear sea views, ancient history and a relaxed pace of life that makes it perfect for a short walking escape. Explore quiet footpaths linking fishing villages, olive groves, monasteries and archaeological sites, while enjoying panoramic views across the surrounding islands and the mountains of the Peloponnese.

Easy to combine with a stay in Athens, Aegina offers an authentic taste of Greece beyond the usual island-hopping routes.

Highlights

  • Follow ancient trails linking villages, monasteries and the hidden corners of Aegina.
  • Visit the spectacular Temple of Aphaia, one of the most remarkable sanctuaries of ancient Greece.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views across the Saronic Gulf and the mountains of the Peloponnese.
  • Discover an authentic Greek island just a short ferry ride from Athens

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Aegina

Arrival in Aegina

Upon arrival in Athens, make your way to the port of Piraeus and take the ferry to Aegina. Once on the island, your luggage will be collected at the port and transferred directly to your accommodation, allowing you to start your holiday unburdened. From the harbour, it is a short walk to your hotel in Aegina Town, where you can settle in and begin exploring the island at your own pace.
  
  
 

Day 2

From Perdika to Marathonas beach, 9,5 km

From Perdika to Marathonas beach, 9,5 km

Today's walk begins in the picturesque fishing village of Perdika, which can be reached by local bus or taxi. From here, the route climbs inland along old paths lined with chapels, traditional threshing floors and the remains of historic windmills.

Passing through the village of Sfendouri, you continue ascending across a striking limestone landscape that almost resembles a lunar scenery. Along the way, magnificent views open up over the islands of Agistri, Moni and Methana, with the mountains of the Peloponnese visible in the distance. If you wish, you can make a detour to the summit of Mount Ellanio (also known as Profitis Elias), at 532 metres the highest point on Aegina.

The small church at the top makes a perfect spot for a picnic while enjoying the panoramic views. The route then descends through open countryside towards the Eleonas, a plain dotted with ancient olive trees, some of which are more than 500 years old. The walk ends at the beach of Marathonas. Depending on the season, a local bus may be available for the return journey; otherwise, a short taxi ride will take you back to town.

Distance: 9,5 km

Altitude +475 / -495 m

Day 3

From Agios Nektarios to Agia Marina, 9 km

From Agios Nektarios to Agia Marina, 9 km

Today's walk is one of the highlights of the trip, taking you across the heart of Aegina from the Monastery of Agios Nektarios to the seaside village of Agia Marina.

Reach the starting point by local bus or taxi and take some time to visit the impressive monastery, dedicated to Saint Nektarios, one of Greece's most beloved modern saints. Thousands of pilgrims visit each year, drawn by his reputation as a miracle worker. A short walk leads to the hilltop settlement of Paleochora, once the island's medieval capital. Today, its narrow paths are dotted with the remains of 38 Byzantine churches, some beautifully preserved and others slowly reclaimed by time.

From here, the route follows a scenic ridge past the ruins of old windmills before reaching a beautiful viewpoint. The trail then descends through abandoned olive groves towards Mesargos and continues along quiet rural roads and dirt tracks through the island's countryside. Soon, one of Aegina's most remarkable landmarks comes into view: the Temple of Aphaia.

Perched high above the sea, this exceptionally well-preserved ancient sanctuary is considered one of the finest examples of Classical Greek architecture. After visiting the temple, a gentle descent along a wide track leads to the coastal village of Agia Marina. From here, you can return to Aegina Town by local bus or taxi.

Distance: 9 km

Altitude: +215 / -370 m

Day 4

Arrivederci, Aegina!

Arrivederci, Aegina!

After breakfast, take the ferry back to Piraeus. The crossing offers one last opportunity to enjoy the views of the Saronic Gulf before returning to the mainland. Your arrangements end upon arrival in Piraeus.

Details

Included


What is included

  • 3 nights accommodation on B&B basis in Aegina  
  • Transfer Athens airport to port of Piraeus and from Aegina port to Aegina hotel on day 1; Transfer Aegina hotel to Aegina port on day 4
  • Ferry ticket Piraeus-Aegina and Aegina-Piraeus
  • 24-hour telephone assistance, just a phone call away
  • Access to Travel app 

What is not included 

  • Flights, public transportation, ferry tickets 
  • Travel insurance
  • Admissions and entrance fees of any kind. 
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, phone calls, extra transfers etc.  
  • Accommodation tax will be charged per room per night. This is payable on the spot upon arrival by the traveller (EUR 2 for 1-2* Hotels, EUR 5 for 3* Hotels, EUR 7 for 4* Hotels, EUR 15 for 5* Hotels) 
    Everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services
These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

  • Transfer from Piraeus to Athens
  • Transfer from Piraeus to Athens airport
  • Additional night/s at any of the accommodations along the way or any other destination in Greece

Classic Hotels


For our trips, we always choose accommodation with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be provided, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation included in the trip you are interested in.  

We place great importance on the choice of accommodations and select hotels with care and attention. We understand how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We always prefer cozy and characteristic establishments, preferably family-run, that fully embody the spirit of the place and offer hospitality with courtesy and comfort.  

Where, due to the nature of the route, accommodation options are limited, we choose the one that best aligns with our standards.

Hotel Danae, Aegina

When to travel


During the winter months, it may occasionally be necessary to arrange alternative accommodation on Aegina if the standard hotel is not operating. Spring is a particularly beautiful time to visit: in April and the first half of May, the island is covered in colourful wildflowers and aromatic herbs. Autumn offers equally rewarding conditions, with crystal-clear skies, deep blue seas and pleasantly warm water temperatures. Summer days are typically hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C, although the characteristic Meltemi winds usually make walking comfortable.

Is this for me?


The trip is suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness. Most walks take place along dirt roads and stony footpaths, allowing you to experience the island's landscapes at a relaxed pace. There are also occasional short sections on quiet paved roads. No technical hiking skills are required, making this an enjoyable trip for regular walkers looking to combine nature, culture and coastal scenery.
 

What to bring


Clothing and other items
You will need your regular walking/cycling gear, including some sort of reflective garment. For the evenings, smart outdoor style trousers (or shorts) are invaluable, as are quick-dry t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town.

Take as little as possible to avoid potentially lugging a heavy suitcase up three flights of stairs at the end of the day. Please be aware that laundromats (“Laverie”) are not common in rural areas, so plan to do handwashing of small items.

Lightweight walking shoes/ trainers
For wearing around towns & villages. They can also be a back-up pair.

Socks & underwear
Take only good quality socks with quick-dry and insulating qualities. Road test them before you go on the trip. Take a suitable quantity of underwear as washing facilities are limited.

Warm jacket, hat, gloves
Bring a fleece, Polartec or warm layers for the evenings especially in spring or autumn; be sure it is totally suitable for your needs.
A fleece jacket which blocks the wind (Wind-stopper) is the most preferable. In the summer months a lightweight jacket is suitable for evenings.
If you are cycling/walking in mountainous or coastal areas, even in the height of summer, the weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly and you should be prepared for fog, mist, rain, snow or hail at any time. Always take an extra layer with you, as well as a warm hat and gloves.

Waterproof jacket & trousers
If you are caught in heavy rain, with good waterproof clothing you should remain dry. Remember that most garments will lose their properties over time. Few will remain waterproof for more than five years and many deteriorate in three years or less. We recommend a rain jacket with a good hood and collar and waterproof or thermal walking/cycling trousers or tights.

Dress code
In general, you should wear suitable clothing when entering a church (in many places, it is considered unacceptable to go inside wearing shorts or a tank-top). We suggest that women carry a shawl to cover up bear shoulders or low-cut tops. It also comes in handy when your shoulders get sunburned!

It is considered inappropriate for men to go without a shirt / T-shirt (other than at the beach).

Trekking poles (adjustable)
Highly recommended. A pair works best, depending on what you are comfortable with. If you suffer from back or knee pain this should be considered essential. Remember to practise walking with your pole(s) on different types of terrain in the months preceding your trip.

Walking boots
The importance of good footwear cannot be stressed enough. Your boots should be sturdy and of good enough quality to handle all types of terrain. Lightweight boots, (cordura/leather boots) which have Gore-Tex or sympatex water-proofing are most suitable for this trip. They should provide good ankle protection and be well broken in. Waxing leather boots regularly prolongs their life.

Walking tops & trousers
We recommend walking trousers and shorts and quick-dry wicking t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town. Wicking T-shirts are fast drying, keep moisture away from your skin and are available at outdoor stores. You should also bring one pair of loose-fitting trousers to wear in cities and for evenings out, etc. Shorts or zip-off trousers are useful in warmer weather.

Practical info

How to arrive


Closest airport: Athens

To reach Aegina, take a ferry from the port of Piraeus. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by ferry or 45 minutes by hydrofoil. Hydrofoil tickets can be booked at an additional cost.

We generally recommend travelling by ferry, as the crossing is part of the experience itself. Ferries offer outdoor decks where you can enjoy the sea views, as well as cafés serving drinks and snacks on board. Hydrofoils are faster but offer indoor seating only, and passengers must remain seated throughout the journey. They can also be less comfortable in windy conditions.

For your return journey, you may choose any ferry or hydrofoil service from Aegina back to Piraeus.

From Piraeus, you can reach Athens International Airport directly using the X96 Airport Express Bus, or travel to the centre of Athens via Metro Line 1.

Further information is available at: www.oasa.gr

Mobile App


GUIBO is the app that allows you to easily follow your daily walking routes, with maps, tracks and useful information always available on your smartphone.

Practical information
With the download you will have access to three main sections:

Tour itinerary: the complete map of your trip with day-by-day routes.
Things to know: useful information such as emergency numbers, travel programme, accommodations and points of interest.
Service: technical support, FAQs and assistance if needed.

What to bring with you

To use the app at its best, we recommend having:

A fully charged smartphone or tablet (iPhone, iPad or Android)
The GUIBO travel app installed
The credentials to unlock your trip
A fully charged power bank


Wanderlust Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2025
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Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
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S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
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Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486
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