Visit Aegina Greece from Athens: An Island of Monasteries, Churches, and Temples
Last Updated on: 14th August 2022, 09:48 pm
Just off the coast of mainland Greece in the Sardonic Gulf, Aegina Greece is a quaint and beautiful island oasis just a quick ferry ride from Athens. More than beautiful sea views, seafood, and cool Mediterranean breeze, Aegina island offers some of Greece’s best religious sites! Any traveler to Greece and Athens should seriously consider adding Aegina to the itinerary – for at least a day or, in my opinion, at least two!
This guide will cover why Aegina Greece is a wonderful choice for travelers interested in religion and culture, and comprehensive information on getting to Aegina Greece, Aegina hotels, wonderful food in Aegina and (most importantly!) how to get to the best spiritual sites on the island independently!
Aegina Island, Greece: Underrated Beauty
Almost every traveler I’ve met who is planning a trip to Greece includes these three stops: Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. I can’t comment on the last two, since I’ve never been, but I’m always surprised that when Greece has hundreds of Islands, each with their own unique character, that you almost never hear of people visiting islands other than Santorini and Mykonos – which are also known to be quite crowded in the Summer months.
The Sardonic Islands lie between Attica and the Peloponnese and offer a greener alternative right near Athens, or if not an alternative (for you can certainly visit Aegina and Santorini and Mykonos if you wish!), a peaceful change of pace.
Aegina is not a party island, nor does it have the characteristic Cycladic white houses with blue-domed roofs (though it does have the sweetest little white-domed church in the harbor – more on that later!).
Aegina does have one of the most beautiful working monasteries in Greece, an absolutely lovely harborfront with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and souvenir shops (and a fish market!), beaches, and extremely friendly locals. Aegina is also known for its pistachios, and you’ll pass pistachio trees all over the island. These are a different variety than we usually get in the USA and they are delicious!
Aegina is a favorite excursion for Athenians seeking a weekend getaway — and once you’ve spent 5 minutes there, you’ll understand why. Aegina Greece is a world away from Athens. Even for someone who mainly travels for churches like me, I was enchanted away from naves and icons and alters to just sit by the water and watch the ferries go to and fro in the harbor for hours on end.
Holy Sites for a Pilgrimage to Aegina
When I was planning my (admittedly last minute!) trip to Greece in the summer months, I asked some friends for recommendations of the best religious sites in Greece that I had to visit. While I got recommendations for Mt. Olympus monasteries frequently – unfortunately women are not allowed to visit under any circumstances, and so I knew that wasn’t an option. One recommendation I wasn’t expecting was a little island off the coast of Athens: Aegina.
It turns out that Aegina has some incredible religious sites and serves as a popular pilgrimage site for Greeks from all over the mainland.
The most important religious site in Aegina is the Church of Agios Nektorios in the center of the island. This beautiful cathedral is one of the largest buildings on Aegina and is truly one of the most beautiful I’ve seen.
Just above the Church of Agios Nektorios, is the Monastery of Agia Triada – another beautiful holy site and place known for miracle healing. Many pilgrims visit each year to pray for healing and blessings.
Just behind the Monastery of Agia Triada on Aegina Island is another very special place where there are over 30 churches dotting a beautiful hillside you can hike. Originally there were said to be 365 churches, hidden in the center of the island to hide from pirates (a significant issue in Greece in the past!). These sweet little churches are inspiring and beautiful!
No wonder Aegina is considered such a holy island and a favorite Christian pilgrimage site of Athenians and others all over Greece. Aegina is an incredible place for a pilgrimage, but it’s also a wonderful and restful island for a city break in its own right.
Read on to find out more about getting to Aegina, how to visit these holy sites, and other things to do while you visit Aegina Island!
Getting to Aegina Island from Athens
It is very easy to get to Aegina, Greece from Athens. So easy that you can visit Aegina as a day trip from Athens, even. I don’t recommend it as a day trip, however, only becaause Aegina, Greece is just so beautiful you won’t want to leave! A night or two there will truly allow you to rest, enjoy the beauty of the sea, and fully take in Aegina’s holy sites.
Ferries leave from the port of Piraeus to Aegina Island multiple times a day — and vice versa from Aegina to Athens.
It is important to leave plenty of time to get to Piraeus from Athens – I recommend an hour at least. Although the metro only takes around 20-30 minutes from the center of Athens, depending on where your accommodation is you may have to make a change to get on the Green Line and there’s about a 10-15 minute walk to the actual ferry docks, as well as time needed to find your ferry!
You can search for a ferry that fits your timeline and budget on ferryhopper.com. There are a few types of ferries that stop at Aegina: the car ferries take about 1.5 hours to get to Aegina + a little more time for boarding. The fast ferries, or flying dolphins, get to Aegina in merely 40-45 minutes – these do not have accommodation for cars, bikes, or motorbikes and aren’t “open air”. The flying dolphin I took was more like the inside of an airplane with a little window to look out.
I took a flying dolphin to Aegina and a larger, slower car ferry back to Athens. Ultimately, I enjoyed the car ferry experience just a little bit more. I got a snack in the dining area, enjoyed walking along the deck and watching seagulls dive in and out, and had a nice view of Aegina sailing out and of Piraeus sailing in. It was loud though – if you are sensitive to noise or traveling with a child who is sensitive, keep that in mind – the engine was loud and a little smelly the whole ride. The car ferries cost around 9 Euros, and the Flying Dolphin cost 14 in the high season.
Things to know: When I visited in July 2021, travel to Greek Islands required either proof of vaccination or a Covid test. Once you buy your ticket, you’ll be instructed to fill out a health form. I showed the QR code for the completed form on my phone and was prepared to show my Vaccine card if asked. Don’t forget to fill out this form before you get to Piraeus!
When you get your ticket, you’ll be able to see which “Gate” your Ferry will leave from. This is important because Piraeus port is very big! If you get a little confused (like I did!) just ask around and most people will help you find your ferry!
It’s also possible to take a day-trip to Aegina and other islands near Athens through a tour company. While you likely won’t get to see the Church of Agios Nektorios this way, if you are short on time, this is a great option!
Arriving on Aegina Island, Greece: The Harbor Church
All ferries arrive in Aegina Town on Aegina Island, Greece. This is important to note – because accommodation is spread out throughout Aegina Island and you need to check carefully where your accommodation is located! I almost booked a hotel on the opposite side of the island without realizing it! See below for my recommendations for places to stay in Aegina town (right off the ferry!), in quieter Perdika, a fishing village, or Aegina Marina, known for its beach (on the opposite side of the island from the ferry).
When you get off the ferry, one of the first things you’ll notice is the big dome of Aegina Town’s largest church: Isodia Theotika.
You’ll also notice a beautiful white-domed church right in the middle of the harbor. I recommend heading there right away!
The White Church of Aegina Harbor & A Stroll In the Harbor
The habor church in Aegina is called the Chapel of St. Nicholas. It’s a beautiful little domed Greek Orthodox Church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors (and merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, and students…he covers a lot of bases!). Take a few moments to go inside and enjoy the beautiful iconography covering the church from floor to ceiling.
When you’ve finished seeing the Chapel of St. Nicholas on Aegina Island, Greece — take your time to find your hotel and get settled in. Almost all the hotels on the island, included my recommended hotel of Plaza or Ulrika (Plaza’s budget sister hotel where I stayed) the first things to do is take a walk along Aegina Town harbor.
Strolling along you’ll see both fishing boats and sail boats docked in the harbor. You’ll pass lots of ice cream and coffee shops too!
Nisos Cafe Bar is one of the best places for coffee in Aegina town – stop in and get a Cappuchino Fredo to go (iced espresso with cold foam on top – delicious!).
After passing the fish market, you’ll come to the Church of Isodia Theotika. It’s another lovely example of a Greek Orthodox Church, with a particularly beautiful painted doorway. The view of the habor from its porch is peaceful and beautiful!
Visiting The Church of Agios Nektarios
If you are on a pilgrimage to Greece, or simply a traveler interested in religion and culture, or on a pilgrimate to Aegina, without a doubt the #1 thing to do on Aegina Island Greece is to visit the Church of Agios Nektarios and it’s Monastery.
The good news is that it’s very easy to get to the Church of Agios Nektorios without a car!
Getting to the Church of Agios Nektarios, Aegina Greece
The best way to travel from Aegina Town to the Church of Agios Nektarios is to take the bus! The bus leaves from a station right near Aegina Town’s harbor – near where you got off the Ferry. This website has detailed pictures and a timetable for the bus! The bus station is across from the harbor, just below the hillside Hotel Areti. There’s a few covered benches and a white little building where you’ll buy your ticket. You’ll want a ticket for the bus from Aegina to Ag. Nektorios / Ag. Marina, which leaves on weekdays at 7, 10:15, 12, 2:30, and 4:00. There are a lot more times on weekends!
Tickets to the Monastery are very inexpensive: 1 Euro 80 cents!
There’s covered bus stop right outside of the Church of Agios Nektarios, so you can wait there for the return bus right there.
I found the bus comfortable, the views beautiful from the window, and it was a quick and easy ride to see an amazing church! (A quick note: you cannot bring open food or open drinks on the bus, so plan accordingly!).
The Church of Agios Nektarios
Immediately when I stepped off the bus, I knew I was in for a treat with the Church of Agio Nektorios in Aegina! The pictures truly don’t do it justice!
The church is one of the largest Orthodox churches not just in Greece but in the whole of the Balkans!
It’s also one of the newer churches, founded between 1904 and 1910 by Bishop Nektorios (as you might gather from the name!). He is buried now in a chapel in the monastery on the hill above the church.
Agios (Saint) Nektorios was known as a miracle worker, and many go on a pilgrimage to Aegina and the monastery and church of Agios Nektorios to seek healing.
As with all Greek Orthodox churches, it’s important to dress modestly. Women are advised to wear a long skirt and to fully cover your arms and shoulders. Skirts are available to borrow at the entrance if needed. I always advise bringing a light, wide scarf that can double as a shawl when traveling in Greece. It can be tied around your waist if needed or around your shoulders.
The church is still undergoing construction, though unlike the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the construction is mostly done. There was scaffolding in the largest central dome when I was there, but I could enjoy each of the beautiful circular chapels.
The best part of the Church of Agios Nektorios is the view from the hillside as you climb the steps from the monastery.
Visiting the Monastery of Agia Triada
Once you’ve taken time to walk through the Church of Agios Nektorios, you’ll find a remarkable set of tiered stairs on the hillside behind it that lead to the Monastery of Agia Triada.
The Monastery was founded by Agio Nektorios himself in 1904, at the request of some Nuns, as a women’s monastery – although he lived there until the end of his life, serving as their priest.
Currently, there are 14 nuns still living in the monastery. You’ll see them guiding guests, offering some refreshment in a side room behind the monastery church (a small, but extremely richly decorated church at the top of the stairs), or offering blessings.
The stairs look more intimidating than they are – but I’m afraid to say as far as I know there is no accessible way to visit the monastery without climbing them. For this reason, and the general heat in Greece in summers, I advise visiting quite early in the morning, and even going FIRST to the monastery up the stairs before visiting the church if you are trying to “beat the heat!”.
As you climb the stairs, there are beautiful landings and lots of plants to look out on. When I was there the bougainvillea was in bloom and absolutely lovely!
After visitinng the Church of Agios Nektorios and the Monastery of Agia Triada in Aegina, Greece – I can honestly say I think this is one of the most charming and beautiful Pilgrimage sites in all of Europe! It’s absolutely worth a visit and the beauty and calm of Aegina, Island makes the whole experience even better!
When to visit Agios Nektorios: Agios Nektorios Day on November 9th
One of the best times to visit the church and monastery of Agios Nektorios on Aegina is around November 9th. While it will be busy at that time with many pilgrims visiting Aegina, it’s a wonderful celebration with special services in the church of Agios Nektorios to celebrate his Saint Day. The morning of November 9th there is a procession through Aegina Town (the town right off the ferry!) where the Saint’s bones are carried through the town to bless it and the pilgrims gathered there.
The Hill of 365 Churches: A Beautiful Hike on Aegina
As if a beautiful church and monastery weren’t enough – Aegina Island has yet one of the most unique religious sites in all of Europe. And it’s right behind the Monastery of Agia Triada!
Head towards the back of the monastery, past a little refreshment room for pilgrims (feel free to stop in for some cool water and a small snack), towards the parking lot behind the monastery. You’ll usually see a few vendors in the parking lot. I purchased some very tasty pistachios from one of them at a much (much!) better price than in the town.
Walk through the parking lot onto the little road leading away from the monastery – but be careful of oncoming traffic. From here, look up onto the hill: on the hill behind the monastery there are dozens of tiny churches. Once there were 365 – one for every day of the year. The reason? Some say to ward off or have places to hide from pirates. Others say it was simply a way for the people of Aegina to show their devotion to God.
It’s possible to hike to these churches – though I recommend a lot of sunscreen and strong hiking boots as the paths aren’t well kept. There are a few quite easy to get to from the road, and it’s worth your time to peek into them.
Some of the churches are locked, but a few are unlocked. Inside you’ll find a typical Greek Orthodox church – in miniature, with icons and candles for people to light and pray by. The churches are complete with an altar screen and a high altar in the back of the main worship area.
It doesn’t take long to visit one or two of these little churches before making your way back through the Monastery of Agia Triada, down the staircase, and to the bus stop in front of Agios Nektorios to head back to Aegina Town.
What and Where to Eat on Aegina
Aegina is a great island for food! Unsurprisingly: especially seafood! One of the nicest things to do in Aegina is head to the fish market in Aegina town – an easy walk from the port – and eat at one of the fish restaurants near there. There are also some great restaurants beach-front where you can watch the boats and even go for a dip between courses.
My favorite meal on Aegina was at Taverna Kavourina – sitting right on the beach! I wore my bathing suit under my clothes and after eating my fill of grilled octopus, greek salad, and fried local fish, I took a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean!
Where to Stay in Aegina: Aegina Hotels
Aegina Town has many comfortable hotels, most right on the harbor-front or water. Of course, staying a block or two away from the water will save you some money – which is what I did.
Budget Hotel Pick: Hotel Ulrika is the budget hotel owned by the Plaza Hotel below, and is where I stayed. It was a super quick walk from the beach in Aegina town (under 3 minutes!) and since you check in and out at the Plaza Hotel right at the harbor front, easy to find. I found it perfectly comfortable – if not luxurious! If you plan on spending a lot of time in your hotel, or want a balcony to sit and enjoy the views – I advise the Plaza below, but if you plan to mostly sit on the beach, people watch at Cafés, and be out sightseeing, then Ulrika is a great choice!
Mid-Range Hotel: The Plaza Hotel is right across from the water in Aegina Town and has rooms with beautiful balconies to watch the sunset from. This locally owned hotel has incredibly friendly staff, helping me find the Bus to Agios Nektorios above and giving me lots of tips for their favorite restaurants and coffee – and I can attest that all their recommendations were indeed top-notch! This is a favorite hotel in Aegina for many people, and it’s easy to see why!
Don’t Miss Aegina Island, Greece
While many travelers to Greece head out to the Cyclades, Aegina Island is a wonderful closeby alternative that offers sun, sea, amazing food, and some of the most beautiful religious sites in Greece! It makes for a wonderful pilgrimage from Athens and really shouldn’t be missed. I hope this has inspired you to add Aegina to your Greece vacation itinerary!
