The beaches of Aegina offer easy, relaxed swimming in calm, shallow Saronic water just under an hour from Athens. While the island is famous for its ancient temple and its pistachios, it also has a lovely, varied coastline: the long sandy resort beach of Agia Marina, family-friendly Marathonas near the town, quiet coves like Aeginitissa and Vagia, the spring-fed shores of Souvala. The crystal-clear water reached by boat from the fishing village of Perdika. Because the sea here is gentle, clean and warm, Aegina’s beaches are especially safe and welcoming for families and casual swimmers, making a beach day one of the simplest and most enjoyable pleasures of the island for visitors of all ages.
This guide covers the best beaches in Aegina. From the organised sands of the east coast to hidden coves and the swimming paradise of Moni islet. You can choose the right spot for your day by the sea. Most of the sandy beaches lie on the gentler eastern and northern coasts, all within an easy drive or bus ride of Aegina Town. Below we cover Agia Marina, Marathonas, Aeginitissa, Souvala, Vagia, the coves around Perdika and Moni, the town beaches near Kolona, the island’s quieter hidden beaches, which beaches suit families best. The facilities and watersports on offer, the best time to visit.
Practical tips for enjoying them, so that whatever kind of beach day you are after you can find the perfect spot.
What are the best beaches in Aegina?
The best beaches in Aegina are sandy Agia Marina, the island’s main resort beach, family-friendly Marathonas near the town, the quiet coves of Aeginitissa and Vagia, the spring-fed shores of Souvala, and the crystal-clear water off Perdika and the islet.
For its size, Aegina has a good and varied choice of beaches, most of them on the gentler eastern and northern coasts. The star is undoubtedly Agia Marina, the island’s main sandy resort beach and its longest stretch of sand. There is far more besides for those willing to explore a little: the family sands of Marathonas close to the town. The sheltered coves of Aeginitissa and Vagia, the spa village beaches of Souvala, and the beautiful swimming reached by boat from the southern fishing village of Perdika, including the famously crystal-clear water of the little island of Moni.
What unites them all is the character of the Saronic sea here, which is calm, clean, shallow and warm, sheltered from the open Aegean. This makes Aegina’s beaches especially safe and easy for children and less confident swimmers, and means there is rarely a big swell. None of the beaches is far from a taverna or cafe. Most are only a short drive or bus ride from the capital, so a swim is easy to combine with sightseeing.
The choice ranges from fully organised beaches with sunbeds, tavernas and watersports to quiet, natural coves where you can escape the crowds. Whether you want a lively resort beach for a full day out, a calm cove for a peaceful swim, or a boat trip to pristine water, the beaches of Aegina have something to suit. All within easy reach and part of what makes the island such a rewarding and easy escape from Athens, combining beautiful, safe swimming with authentic island life and world-class sights all within a short ferry ride of the capital.
What is Agia Marina beach like?
Agia Marina is the main and most popular beach in Aegina, a long stretch of golden sand on the east coast below the hill of the Temple of Aphaia.
Agia Marina is the flagship of the Aegina beaches and the natural choice for a full beach day. Set on the east coast in a sheltered bay below the pine hill of the Temple of Aphaia. It boasts the island’s longest sandy shore, a broad golden beach that shelves gently into clear, shallow water. It holds a Blue Flag for its cleanliness and quality. It is fully organised. With rows of sunbeds and umbrellas and a resort village of hotels, tavernas, cafes and shops right behind the sand.
The calm, shallow water makes Agia Marina especially good for families with children. Who can paddle and swim safely, while the range of facilities means you can spend a whole day here in comfort. There are watersports on offer in season, from paddle-boarding to other activities, and places to eat and drink along the seafront, so nobody need go hungry or thirsty.
Its position directly below the Temple of Aphaia makes Agia Marina easy to combine with a visit to the island’s greatest ancient monument. It is well served by buses from Aegina Town as well as being a short drive away. Lively, well-equipped and beautiful, it is the busiest and most popular of all the beaches on the island. The obvious choice for those wanting an organised sandy beach with everything on hand. From morning coffee by the sea to a long lunch and a full afternoon of swimming and watersports.
What is Marathonas beach like?
Marathonas, or Marathon, is the closest good sandy beach to Aegina Town, a laid-back spot with calm, shallow water and tavernas at the water’s edge.
Just a short way south of Aegina Town lies Marathonas, the nearest proper sandy beach to the capital and one of the most convenient of all the Aegina beaches. Actually a pair of small sandy beaches, it has a relaxed, unpretentious character, with calm, shallow, clean water and a scattering of tavernas and cafes right by the shore where you can eat with your feet almost in the sand.
Easily reached on foot for the energetic or by a very short bus ride or drive, Marathonas is popular with locals and visitors alike for a quick, easy swim without the travel far. Its shallow, gentle water makes it another good family choice, and the low-key atmosphere is part of its charm.
Marathonas suits those who want a simple, pleasant beach close to their base rather than a big organised resort. Combine a swim here with a long lunch at one of the seafront tavernas. It makes a lovely. Low-effort half-day by the sea, perfect after a morning of sightseeing in the town or at the nearby Kolona site.
What is Aeginitissa beach like?
Aeginitissa is a small, sheltered cove on the south-west coast, backed by pine trees, with calm, shallow turquoise water.
For a quieter, prettier swim, Aeginitissa is one of the loveliest of the smaller Aegina beaches. Tucked into a sheltered cove on the road toward Perdika in the south-west of the island. It is a small sandy and pebbly beach backed by pine trees, with wonderfully calm, shallow, turquoise water. The sheltered setting keeps the sea settled and the atmosphere relaxed, a world away from the bustle of the main resort.
The cove has a taverna and sunbeds behind the beach, so you can be comfortable and fed while still enjoying a more natural, low-key setting. The pines give welcome shade and add to the beauty of the spot. The clear water is ideal for a gentle swim or a paddle for children in the shallows.
Aeginitissa is a favourite with those in the know for a peaceful day by the sea. Especially families and couples who prefer a small, scenic cove to a busy organised beach. Easy to reach on the way to or from Perdika, it makes a delightful stop and one of the prettiest swimming spots on this side of Aegina.
What beaches are there at Souvala?
Souvala is a low-key seaside village on the north coast with its own sandy and pebbly beaches and thermal springs long valued for their healing waters.
On the north coast of the island, the village of Souvala is the second port of Aegina and a relaxed seaside spot with its own beaches. The shore here is a mix of sand and pebbles, with calm, shallow water typical of the island. The village has a low-key. Local feel that appeals to those seeking a quieter base or day out away from the busier east-coast resorts.
Souvala is particularly known for its thermal springs, whose mineral-rich waters have long been valued for their reputed healing properties, giving the village a gentle spa character. Along the waterfront you will find tavernas and cafes serving fresh fish, making it a pleasant place to combine a swim with a leisurely meal by the sea.
But that is exactly its appeal for visitors, offering easy swimming and an authentic village atmosphere. It is easily reached by bus or car from Aegina Town along the north coast, and makes a rewarding alternative for those who want to explore beyond the main beaches.
What is Vagia beach like?
Vagia is a small, sandy beach on the north-east coast, often described as a hidden gem.
Vagia, on the north-eastern coast of the island beyond Agia Marina. Is one of the quieter and more charming of the Aegina beaches, often described by those who find it as a hidden gem. It is a small, sandy beach with clean, calm water, backed by pines and rocks, and it has a peaceful, natural feel despite being easy to reach.
A taverna near the beach means you can enjoy a meal or a drink without leaving, while the sheltered, shallow water is safe and inviting for swimming and for children. The setting, with its greenery and clear sea, is genuinely lovely, and the beach rarely feels as busy as the main resort at Agia Marina.
For visitors exploring the eastern side of the island, in combination with the Temple of Aphaia, Vagia makes a delightful and less crowded place to cool off. Its combination of sand, clear water, shade and quiet make it a firm favourite with those who prefer a more low-key beach experience on Aegina.
What are the beaches and swimming like around Perdika and Moni?
Around the southern fishing village of Perdika lie pretty coves and rocky swimming spots, and just offshore is the islet of Moni, a nature reserve reached by a short boat trip, with crystal-clear water and pine woods roamed by peacocks.
The far south of the island around the fishing village of Perdika offers some of the most beautiful swimming on Aegina. The village itself has small coves and rocky spots where you can slip into clear water. The real prize lies just across the narrow strait: the little uninhabited island of Moni. A protected nature reserve reached by a short and frequent boat trip from Perdika’s harbour.
Moni is a swimming paradise, with crystal-clear turquoise water, a small beach and rocky inlets set against a backdrop of pine forest. Part of the magic is the wildlife: the island is home to roaming peacocks. Deer and wild goats that wander among the trees and along the shore, making a visit feel like a mini-adventure as well as a beautiful swim. It is an easy and hugely rewarding half-day trip.
Basing a beach day around Perdika lets you combine a swim on Moni with a superb seafood lunch at one of the village’s celebrated waterfront tavernas. Watching the boats come and go. For clear water, natural beauty and a touch of adventure. The coves of Perdika and the islet of Moni are among the very best places to swim on the whole island. A highlight of the Aegina beaches.
Are there beaches near Aegina Town?
Yes, there are small beaches and swimming spots close to Aegina Town, including the sandy stretch by the Kolona archaeological site just north of the harbour and the nearby Marathonas beaches to the south, so you can swim within a.
You do not have to travel far from the capital to find a swim, as there are beaches and bathing spots close to Aegina Town itself. Just north of the harbour, below the Kolona archaeological site, lies a pleasant sandy beach where you can combine a swim with a visit to the ancient ruins and the museum. All within easy walking distance of the port and centre, which is especially handy for day-trippers.
A little to the south, the Marathonas beaches are the nearest proper sandy beaches to Aegina Town and are quickly reached on foot, by bus or by car, offering calm, shallow water and seafront tavernas. Between them, these spots mean you can enjoy the sea even on a short visit or a day trip. Without needing to organise transport to the far side of the island.
Swimming near the town is ideal for those staying in Aegina Town who want a quick dip, or for visitors arriving by ferry with only hours to spare. Combined with a stroll along the harbour and a meal by the water, an easy swim near the port rounds out a relaxed day in the capital and shows that the pleasures of the things to do on the island are never far away, even for those arriving on a short day trip from Athens with only hours to spare before the return ferry.
Which Aegina beaches are best for families?
The best Aegina beaches for families are the organised sands of Agia Marina, with its shallow water and full facilities, and the calm, close-to-town beaches of Marathonas.
Aegina is an excellent island for a family beach holiday, thanks above all to its calm, shallow, gently shelving sea. Its short and easy ferry crossing from Athens. The sheer number of safe, sandy beaches within a short journey of the town. The top choice for families is Agia Marina, whose long, sandy, Blue Flag beach and shallow water are ideal for children, while the resort’s sunbeds, tavernas and watersports keep everyone comfortable and entertained for a full day out by the sea.
Closer to the capital, the Marathonas beaches offer the same safe, shallow water in a smaller, more relaxed setting that suits families wanting an easy swim near the town. For a quieter day, the sheltered, pine-backed cove of Aeginitissa is calm and pretty, and children love paddling in its still, clear shallows away from any crowds.
The boat trip from Perdika across to the islet of Moni is a special treat for families. Combining safe swimming in crystal water with the fun of spotting the peacocks, deer and wild goats that roam the little island. Between the organised resort at Agia Marina, the easy town beaches and the adventure of Moni, families are wonderfully well served by the beaches of Aegina.
What quieter or hidden beaches are there in Aegina?
Beyond the main resorts, Aegina hides quieter beaches such as remote Portes on the south-east coast, the turquoise cove of Klima near Perdika, and small sandy Sarpa, all offering clear water and a peaceful escape from the busier east-coast sands.
For those who like to escape the crowds, Aegina rewards a little exploration with several quieter and more secluded beaches. On the remote south-eastern coast lies the small fishing hamlet and beach of Portes, a peaceful spot with clear water and a scattering of tavernas. Far from the busy resorts and worth the drive for its away-from-it-all feel and authentic character.
Near the southern village of Perdika, the little cove of Klima is prized for its sweeping turquoise water and quiet setting. A beautiful place to swim for those seeking somewhere more natural, while other small sandy spots such as Sarpa dot the coast for anyone happy to seek them out. These lesser-known beaches reward the effort with clearer water, a greater sense of seclusion and far fewer people. Giving a taste of the wilder, more natural and secluded side of the island’s coastline that the busy resort beaches simply cannot match.
Reaching these quieter beaches is easiest with your own transport, as bus services to the more remote corners are limited, so hiring a car or scooter opens them up. For visitors who want to find a patch of coast to themselves, away from the sunbeds and beach bars. Aegina’s hidden beaches offer a peaceful, scenic alternative and a real sense of discovery.
What facilities and watersports are there on Aegina’s beaches?
Aegina’s main beaches, above all Agia Marina, offer full facilities: sunbeds, umbrellas, tavernas, cafes and watersports such as paddle-boarding, while smaller coves have tavernas and sunbeds. The quieter and hidden beaches are more natural, so bring your own supplies.
The level of organisation varies from beach to beach on Aegina. The main resort beach of Agia Marina is the most fully equipped, with long rows of sunbeds and umbrellas to hire, a village of tavernas, cafes. Bars and shops behind the sand. Watersports available in season, from paddle-boarding to other activities, so you can spend a comfortable full day there with everything on hand.
The other popular beaches, such as Marathonas, Aeginitissa, Vagia and the Souvala shore. Typically have a taverna or cafe nearby and often sunbeds and umbrellas, giving a good balance of comfort and a more relaxed atmosphere. You can eat and drink well without straying far from the water, but the scale is smaller and quieter than at Agia Marina.
The quieter and more remote beaches and coves, including Portes, Klima and the swimming spots on Moni. Are more natural and less developed, sometimes with little or nothing in the way of facilities. For these it is wise to bring water, snacks, sun protection and anything else you need. Knowing what to expect helps you choose the right beach for the kind of day you want, whether fully catered or wild and simple.
When is the best time to visit Aegina’s beaches?
The best time for Aegina’s beaches is from late spring to early autumn, roughly May to October, when the sea is warm and the weather settled.
Aegina’s beaches are at their best across the warm half of the year, from late spring to early autumn. The sea warms up from around May and stays pleasant for swimming into October, and the settled, sunny weather of these months makes for reliable beach days. This is when the beach tavernas, sunbeds and boat trips to Moni are all in full swing.
The peak of summer, in July and August, brings the warmest sea and the liveliest atmosphere. Also the biggest crowds, as Athenians and other visitors flock to the island, especially at weekends and at the main beach of Agia Marina. For a better balance of warm water and space, the shoulder months of May, June and September are ideal, offering lovely swimming with a more relaxed feel.
Within the day, the mornings are usually the quietest and the sea the calmest. Arriving early rewards you with more space and the freshest conditions, particularly at the popular beaches. Timing a beach day for the shoulder season or the early part of the day lets you enjoy the beaches of Aegina at their peaceful best, with the clearest. Calmest water and the most space. Helps you avoid both the heaviest crowds and the strongest midday heat, so you return relaxed rather than frazzled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best beach in Aegina?
The best and most popular beach in Aegina is Agia Marina, on the east coast below the hill of the Temple of Aphaia. It is the island’s longest sandy beach, a Blue Flag stretch of golden sand with shallow, gently shelving water that is ideal for families. It is fully organised with sunbeds. Umbrellas, tavernas, cafes and watersports, so you can spend a whole comfortable day there. Its beauty, facilities and easy access, well served by buses from Aegina Town, make it the natural first choice for a beach day. That said, the best beach for you depends on what you want: for a quieter, prettier cove try Aeginitissa or Vagia.
For a swim near the town head to Marathonas. For the clearest water and a touch of adventure take the boat from Perdika across to the islet of Moni. Between them, the Aegina beaches offer something for every taste, from lively organised sands to secluded coves and pristine island swimming.
Are the beaches in Aegina sandy or pebbly?
Aegina has a mix of beaches, but many of the most popular ones are sandy, which is part of the island’s appeal, especially for families. The main beach, Agia Marina, is a long stretch of golden sand. Marathonas near the town and Vagia on the north-east coast are also sandy, as are the beaches at Souvala on the north coast, which mix sand and pebbles. Some of the smaller coves and swimming spots, such as those around Perdika and parts of the island’s rockier stretches. Are pebbly or rocky, offering clear water for swimming and snorkelling off the rocks. Overall, though, Aegina is better supplied with easy sandy beaches than many Greek islands. Its calm, shallow.
Gently shelving water makes these sands especially safe and comfortable for swimming, which is why the island is such a popular and family-friendly beach destination close to Athens.
How do you get to the beaches in Aegina?
The beaches of Aegina are easy to reach from Aegina Town by local bus, car, scooter or taxi, with most only a short journey away on this compact island. Regular buses run from the main square by the port to Agia Marina on the east coast. To Perdika in the south and to Souvala on the north coast. Even car-free visitors can reach the main beaches, though services are less frequent out of season. Hiring a car, scooter or quad from the harbour gives the most freedom to reach the quieter coves such as Aeginitissa and Vagia at your own pace.
The beaches near the town, including the sandy stretch by Kolona and the Marathonas beaches, are close enough to walk to or reach in minutes. To swim at the islet of Moni, take the short and frequent boat from the harbour of the fishing village of Perdika.
Can you swim at Moni island near Aegina?
Yes, swimming at the little island of Moni is one of the highlights of a beach day on Aegina. It offers some of the clearest and most beautiful water anywhere around the island. Moni is a small, uninhabited nature reserve lying just across a narrow strait from the fishing village of Perdika. Reached by a short and frequent boat trip from Perdika’s harbour in the summer season. On the island you will find crystal-clear turquoise water, a small beach and rocky swimming spots set against a backdrop of pine forest. Part of the charm is the wildlife: peacocks. Deer and wild goats roam freely among the trees and along the shore.
It makes a notable and easy half-day trip, especially for families. Is best combined with a seafood lunch at one of the famous waterfront tavernas in Perdika before or after your swim. Watching the boats come and go across the strait. Bring water and supplies, as facilities on Moni are limited, and wear something on your feet for the rocky sections of shore.
Is Aegina good for a beach holiday?
Yes, Aegina is a good and easy destination for a beach holiday, especially for families and for those based in or visiting Athens. Thanks to its calm, shallow, gently shelving sea and its variety of beaches. The island’s main beach, Agia Marina, is a long, sandy, Blue Flag resort beach with full facilities, while Marathonas near the town. The quiet coves of Aeginitissa and Vagia, the spring village of Souvala and the crystal water of Moni offer plenty of choice for different tastes. The short ferry crossing from Piraeus makes it simple to reach for a beach day or a longer stay. The beaches are easy to combine with the island’s ancient sites, pistachio tasting and seafood dining.
Its safe, sandy, easy beaches and authentic island atmosphere make it a rewarding and relaxed choice for a beach holiday close to the capital.