Where to stay in Aegina: Chora, Agia Marina, Perdika and Souvala

Aegina is only forty minutes from Piraeus by flying dolphin, yet the question of where to stay in Aegina is by no means trivial. The island has two sides: neoclassical Chora with its fishing boats and pistachio groves, and the seaside resorts on the east side which fill up with families. Depending on which you choose, your holiday experience will be completely different.

Below, we analyse the five accommodation areas, suggest eleven vetted properties, and add practical details: ferry schedules, the need for a car, and which beaches are truly worth visiting.

Aegina at a glance: what you need to know before booking

Aegina is the largest island in the Saronic Gulf, with an area of 87 square kilometres and a permanent population of around 13,000 residents. It is just 17 nautical miles from Piraeus: the hydrofoil takes 40 minutes and the conventional ferry about an hour and ten minutes, with services almost every hour in summer. This is its great strength — you can leave Athens after work and have dinner at the port.

Its history is disproportionately grand for its size. In the 7th century BC, Aegina was a naval power and minted Europe's first coin, the 'tortoise'. The Temple of Aphaia, in the northeast, dates back to around 500 BC and is considered one of the best-preserved Doric monuments in Greece — along with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, it forms the so-called 'sacred triangle'. In 1828, Aegina became the first capital of the newly established Greek state under Kapodistrias, and the neoclassical buildings of Chora, such as the Governor's House and the Orphanage, date from that period.

Aegina pistachio is a PDO product and essentially the island's identity. Pistachio trees cover a large part of the interior, and the harvest takes place in September, when the Fistiki Fest is also organised at the port. In the shops, you'll find roasted pistachios, paste, butter, sweets, and liqueurs. Beyond this, the cuisine is seafood-focused: fresh fish in Perdika, octopus, prawns, and the famous sea urchin. A fish meal for two usually costs 45-60 euros.

A second major attraction is Agios Nektarios, the monastery halfway to Agia Marina, one of Greece's most important pilgrimage sites. Next to it, Palaiochora — the island's medieval capital, an abandoned city with more than thirty surviving churches on a hillside — is one of the most underrated sights of the Saronic Gulf.

Aegina's beaches are not Cycladic, but there are good options. Agia Marina has the largest sandy beach with shallow waters, ideal for children. Marathonas and Aeginitissa, south of Chora, are quieter with pine trees reaching the sea. Vagia in the north has fine sand and tavernas, while Klima and Perdika offer dives from rocks into clear waters. Many also take the day trip by caique to Moni, the uninhabited islet opposite Perdika.

Practically, Aegina operates all year round and is ideal even for a November weekend. A car helps but is not essential: there is a decent local bus from Chora to Agia Marina, Perdika, Souvala, and Agios Nektarios, as well as taxis at the port. Many visitors rent scooters or bicycles — distances are short, with the longest journey not exceeding 15 km.

Which area of Aegina suits you

Chora (Aegina Town): the most convenient option

The port with its neoclassical buildings, fish market, waterside cafes, and year-round life. It’s the best base if you're coming without a car, as all buses start from here. Nearby beaches are average, but Marathonas is only five minutes away.

Agia Marina: for holidays with children

On the east side, 13 kilometres from Chora, it has the island's largest organised beach with shallow waters, sun loungers, mini markets, and beachfront hotels. It’s the classic family choice, with the downside that it empties out completely outside of the season.

Perdika: fishing village for couples

Nine kilometres south, this picturesque harbour with its line of fish tavernas and sunset views over Moni is Aegina’s most romantic spot. It doesn't have a large beach, but it offers atmosphere and excellent food.

Souvala and Vagia: quiet, in the north

Souvala is a traditional resort with therapeutic springs and many rental accommodations, while Vagia next door has the most beautiful sandy beach on the north side. Both offer lower prices and a more relaxed pace, requiring transport for getting around.

Inland and pistachio groves: for tranquility in a villa

In the interior, around Mesagros and Kypseli, you'll find stone houses and villas nestled among pistachio trees, offering views and a swimming pool. Ideal for groups or families with a car who desire seclusion.

11 accommodations in Aegina we've personally checked

1. Danae Hotel
A classic hotel in Chora with a garden and pool, just a few minutes’ walk from the port. One of the most reliable options on the island for accommodation without a car.

• Average cost: 125€ per night

2. Aegina Dream Suites
Modern suites in Chora with tasteful decor and a kitchenette. A good choice for couples seeking apartment comfort near the port.

• Average cost: 140€ per night

3. Rastoni Hotel
A small boutique hotel in a quiet part of Chora, set in a garden with pistachio trees and views of the Temple of Aphaia. One of the most elegant accommodations in the Saronic Gulf.

• Average cost: 165€ per night

4. Avra Hotel
Located on Chora’s waterfront, with rooms overlooking the port and fishing boats. Simple but with an unbeatable location and reasonable price.

• Average cost: 95€ per night

5. Ulrika Hotel
A small hotel offering personal hospitality and a quiet courtyard, a few steps from the centre. Good value for money all year round.

• Average cost: 100€ per night

6. Hotel Klonos - Kyriakos Klonos
A historic family hotel on Chora's waterfront, with a neoclassical character and affordable prices. An option for those seeking authenticity.

• Average cost: 80€ per night

7. Apollo Resort Hotel
A large hotel in Agia Marina with swimming pools, sea access, and family rooms. The classic choice for family holidays with children.

• Average cost: 135€ per night

8. Liliana Hotel
In Agia Marina, close to the sandy beach, with simple rooms and family management. An economical solution for summer accommodation by the sea.

• Average cost: 85€ per night

9. Phi Aegina
Modern apartments with minimalist aesthetics and a swimming pool, in a quiet location. Ideal for couples or small families with a car.

• Average cost: 155€ per night

10. Lalibay Resort & Spa
The island’s most luxurious complex, with private sea access, a spa, and a large swimming pool. An option for those wanting a resort experience close to Athens.

• Average cost: 210€ per night

11. Xanthippi Hotel Apartments
Apartments with a kitchen and garden, in a quiet area near Chora. A very good solution for a week-long stay on a budget.

• Average cost: 90€ per night

Practical tips for staying in Aegina

• Ferries: hydrofoils take 40 minutes but do not carry cars. If you want to bring a vehicle, you'll need the conventional ferry and a booking for weekends.
• Without a car: stay in Chora. The local bus starts from the port and covers Agia Marina, Perdika, Souvala, and Agios Nektarios.
• Weekends: due to its proximity to Athens, the island fills up even outside of summer. Book at least two weeks in advance.
• September: the best month — warm sea, pistachio harvest, and the Fistiki Fest at the port.
• Beaches: for shallow waters with children, choose Agia Marina and Vagia. For tranquility, Aeginitissa and Klima.

If you're planning other short getaways from Athens, check out our guides for Nafplio and accommodation in Arachova.

Also see all our articles for the destination on the Aegina page, or browse all destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Aegina?

Chora is the most convenient, especially without a car, offering restaurants, shops, and the bus starting point. For families with young children, Agia Marina has the best beach, while Perdika suits couples seeking a fishing village atmosphere and sunset views.

Do I need a car in Aegina?

Not necessarily. The local bus connects the main settlements, and taxis are available at the port. If you want flexibility for visiting smaller beaches, rent a scooter or a car locally.

How much does accommodation cost in Aegina?

A good double room with breakfast costs 80-120 euros in June and September. In August and on weekends, prices reach 130-180 euros, while resorts with spas exceed 200 euros.

How many days do I need in Aegina?

Two days are enough for Chora, the Temple of Aphaia, and a beach. Three to four days allow you to add Palaiochora, Perdika, and a boat trip to Moni.

Is Aegina worth visiting outside of summer?

Yes. It is one of the few islands that operate fully all year round, with open restaurants and hotels. Spring and autumn are ideal for exploring archaeological sites and pistachio groves.

How long does the ferry take from Piraeus to Aegina?

The hydrofoil takes approximately 40 minutes, and the conventional ferry around one hour and ten minutes. In summer, there are services almost every hour from early morning until late afternoon.