Barely an hour's sail from the Athens charter bases, Aegina is the closest of the Saronic islands and one of the easiest first stops on any sailing holiday in Greece. A yacht charter to Aegina pairs a genuine island in the Saronic Gulf, with its ancient temple, pistachio groves and neoclassical harbour town, with the short, sheltered hops that make this cruising ground so relaxed.
Why Sail to Aegina
Aegina sits in the middle of the Saronic Gulf, close enough to Athens for a first-night arrival yet far enough to feel like a proper island escape. It is a favourite opening leg on a Saronic route and an easy day sail from the mainland bases.
- Short, sheltered crossing from the Athens bases, ideal for a first or last night aboard.
- A working harbour town with neoclassical houses, tavernas and provisioning right on the quay.
- The Doric Temple of Aphaia, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece.
- Calm Saronic sailing conditions with light-to-moderate summer breezes, friendly for less experienced crews.
- Famous Aegina pistachios, fresh fish and easygoing island life ashore.
A Short History of Aegina
Aegina has a long and prominent past. In the sixth century BC it was a major maritime power with a large merchant fleet, and its potters produced the famous Aegina vases. The arts, and sculpture in particular, flourished on the island, and its fleet played an important role in the Persian Wars.
The island was occupied by the Ottomans in 1718. After liberation in 1828, the first government of modern Greece was briefly established here in Aegina town, making the island a short-lived first capital of the new state.
What to See Around the Island
Aegina Town and the Harbour
The island's capital and port is an attractive town of colourful neoclassical houses. On the waterfront stands the picturesque church of Agios Nikolaos, and nearby the cathedral of Agios Dimitrios, where the first Greek government was sworn in. The Kyverneion, the government house of Kapodistrias, today houses an important library. Just beside the port, on the low hill of Kolona, a single standing Doric column is the last relic of the Temple of Apollo (6th century BC). The Archaeological Museum of Aegina holds significant finds from the area.
The Temple of Aphaia
About 13 km from town, on a pine-clad hill near Agia Marina, stands the most important ancient site on the island: the Temple of Aphaia, a local deity and protector of Aegina. This Doric peripteral temple preserves 24 of its original 34 columns, along with the restored frieze, two columns of the pronaos, remains of the Propylaia, an altar and priests' quarters. Aphaia, a little-known goddess, was later associated with Athena, and the sanctuary is often called the Temple of Athena Aphaia.
Monasteries and Paleochora
About 6 km north-east of Aegina town lies Paleochora, the island's medieval capital from the ninth to the nineteenth century, with a hilltop castle and a scatter of old churches. Close by is the monastery of Agios Nektarios, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Greece. In the heart of the island, the fortress-like Monastery of Panagia Chrysoleontissa, built around 1600, recalls the monasteries of Mount Athos. Near the capital you will also find the monastery of Panagia Faneromeni.
Villages, Beaches and Anchorages
The road along the north coast passes the coastal resorts of Plakakia, Souvala, with its thermal springs, and Vagia, before ending at Tourlos. Inland, the medieval village of Mesagros, about 9 km north-east of the capital and known for its ceramics, enjoys an enchanting view towards the Temple of Aphaia.
To the south lies Agia Marina, a pine-fringed holiday resort about 13 km from Aegina town. The southern coast road runs through Faros, Paliopyrgos, Marathonas, Aiginitissa and Profitis Ilias, ending at Perdika, a pretty fishing village looking across to the small, green islet of Moni, a lovely lunchtime anchorage.
Charter a yacht to Aegina
Tell us your dates, crew size and the kind of boat you have in mind, and our team will put together a tailor-made Saronic sailing holiday.
Saronic Islands Near Aegina
Aegina sits at the northern end of a compact cruising ground, so it pairs naturally with the other Saronic islands on a one- or two-week route.
Angistri
A small, green island only about four nautical miles from Aegina, with pine woods, fine beaches and clear water, a quiet anchorage just off the busier routes. See Angistri.
Poros
Separated from the Peloponnese coast at Galatas by a narrow strait, lush Poros has a sheltered channel and a pretty clock-tower town, a favourite overnight stop south of Aegina. See Poros.
Hydra
On the southern edge of the Saronic Gulf, car-free Hydra is defined by its stone mansions and cosmopolitan quayside, one of the most rewarding evening berths in the gulf. See Hydra.
Spetses
At the entrance to the Argolic Gulf, Spetses combines elegant town houses, pine woods and good beaches with a lively summer scene. See Spetses.
Aegina (Egina) Island, Greece
Barely an hour's sail from the Athens charter bases, Aegina is the closest of the Saronic islands…
Angistri Island, Greece
A short hop from Aegina and barely two hours from the Athens charter bases, Angistri is the little…
Poros Island, Greece
Lush, pine-covered and just a narrow strait from the Peloponnese, Poros is one of the easiest and…
Salamina (Salamis) Island, Greece
Just a short hop from the mainland and ringed by sheltered, history-soaked water, Salamina…
Spetses Island, Greece
Yacht charter in Spetses, the elegant edge of the Saronic Gulf A yacht charter to Spetses brings…
When to Sail to Aegina
The Saronic Gulf enjoys a long, reliable season. Winds here are lighter than in the Cyclades, which makes Aegina and its neighbours a comfortable choice for families and less experienced crews.
Warm, quiet and green, with light breezes and uncrowded anchorages. Excellent value before the summer peak.
Hot, sunny and busy. Steady summer breezes and lively harbours. Book early for the best boats.
Warm sea, softer light and calmer harbours. Many sailors' favourite time in the Saronic.
Sample Saronic sailing routes
Aegina Yacht Charter FAQ
Is Aegina a yacht charter base?
No. Aegina is a sailing destination rather than a charter base. The nearest boats leave from Nea Peramos Port, about 28 km (roughly 15 NM) from Aegina Port, and yachts also reach the island quickly from the main Athens bases in the Saronic Gulf.
How far is Aegina from Athens by boat?
Aegina is one of the closest islands to Athens. Depending on the base, it is a short sail of roughly two hours, which makes it a popular first or last night on a Saronic charter.
Is Aegina good for beginner sailors?
Yes. The Saronic Gulf has lighter winds and shorter, more sheltered crossings than the Cyclades, so Aegina and its neighbours suit families and less experienced crews well.
What is the best time to sail to Aegina?
May to October is the main season. July and August are hot and lively, while late May to June and September to October offer warm weather, calmer harbours and better value.
What should I see on Aegina?
Highlights include the well-preserved Doric Temple of Aphaia, the harbour town with its neoclassical houses and the Kolona hill, the monastery of Agios Nektarios, and the fishing village of Perdika opposite the islet of Moni.
Can I combine Aegina with other Saronic islands?
Yes. Aegina pairs naturally with Angistri, Poros, Hydra and Spetses on a one- or two-week route, with short, relaxed legs between each island.
