Marathonas is one of the most popular beaches on Aegina, a pair of sandy. Shallow coves on the west coast just kilometres south of Aegina Town on the road to Perdika. Made up of two adjacent beaches, Marathonas A and Marathonas B, it offers soft sand, calm. Clear and shallow water that is ideal for families with children. Easy access close to the capital. Both beaches are organised, with sunbeds, umbrellas and tavernas nearby, and backed by greenery of eucalyptus and tamarisk trees. Convenient, safe and pretty, Marathonas is a favourite for a relaxed swim within easy reach of town, and one of the classic beach spots of the island.
This guide covers everything about Marathonas beach on Aegina: where it is, what the two beaches are like, why they suit families. The facilities and tavernas on hand, how to get there from Aegina Town. The best time to enjoy this convenient stretch of the island’s west coast.
Where is Marathonas beach on Aegina?
Marathonas beach is on the west coast of Aegina, about four kilometres south of Aegina Town on the road towards Perdika.
Marathonas lies on the western shore of Aegina, only around four kilometres south of the main town, along the coastal road that leads down to the fishing village of Perdika. This makes it one of the closest proper sandy beaches to Aegina Town. Therefore one of the handiest for a swim. Whether you are staying in the capital or visiting for the day.
The beach is set on an attractive stretch of coast, and because it sits partway along the popular west-coast road, it is easy to combine with a drive down to Perdika for a seafood lunch. Its convenient location, close to town yet properly out on the coast, is a big part of why Marathonas is such a well-loved and busy beach in summer.
What is Marathonas beach like?
Marathonas is made up of two adjacent sandy beaches, known as Marathonas A and Marathonas B. Both have soft sand and shallow, calm, clear water, backed by eucalyptus and tamarisk trees.
Marathonas is not a single beach but two neighbouring ones, usually called Marathonas A and Marathonas B, lying side by side along the coast. Both are sandy and pretty, with soft sand sloping into shallow, clear and calm water. They are backed by greenery. Including eucalyptus, tamarisk and reeds, which gives some natural shade and an appealing, leafy setting.
The two beaches are similar in character, gentle, sandy and welcoming, and together they provide a good stretch of coast for sunbathing and swimming. The calm, shallow water and soft sand make them comfortable and safe for all ages. Their organised facilities mean you can settle in for an easy day by the sea. For an overview of how they compare with the island’s other sands, see our guide to the best beaches on Aegina.
Is Marathonas beach good for families?
Yes, Marathonas is excellent for families.
Marathonas is one of the most family-friendly beaches on Aegina. The soft sand is comfortable for children to play on. The shallow, calm water lets them paddle and swim safely close to shore. With a gentle, gradual entry and no sharp rocks, which reassures parents and makes it ideal for little ones.
The organised facilities add to the appeal for families: sunbeds and umbrellas provide shade and comfort. Tavernas and cafes close by mean drinks. Snacks and meals are always within easy reach. Combined with its short distance from Aegina Town, this makes Marathonas an easy, low-stress choice for a family beach day on the island.
What facilities are at Marathonas beach?
Marathonas is an organised beach, with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire and tavernas and cafes nearby.
Organised beach, Marathonas is well equipped for a comfortable day out. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available to rent along the sand. The natural shade from the eucalyptus and tamarisk trees behind the beach offers a cooler retreat from the midday sun. A welcome feature on hot summer days.
Refreshments are close at hand, with tavernas, cafes and snack options near the beach for drinks, coffee, snacks and meals through the day. Being one of the most visited beaches on Aegina, Marathonas gets busy in summer. Especially at weekends. Arriving earlier in the day is a good idea if you want a prime spot near the water.
Are there tavernas and food near Marathonas beach?
Yes, there are tavernas and cafes near Marathonas beach serving food and drinks, including fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes.
Marathonas is well served for food, with tavernas and cafes near the beach where you can enjoy a meal or a drink without straying far from your sunbed. These serve the usual Greek beachside fare, from fresh fish and seafood to salads. Grilled dishes and cold drinks, making it easy to spend a full, lazy day by the water.
The beach also lies on the road to Perdika, the island’s most famous village for seafood. Only a little further south. It is simple to combine a swim at Marathonas with a seafood lunch on the Perdika waterfront. Between the two, the west coast offers some of the most enjoyable eating on Aegina, all within a short drive of the town.
How do you get to Marathonas beach?
You can get to Marathonas beach easily from Aegina Town by local bus, car, taxi or rented scooter, following the coastal road south towards Perdika for about four kilometres.
Reaching Marathonas is straightforward. From Aegina Town it is only about four kilometres south along the west-coast road, so it is a short and easy journey by any means. Renting a car, scooter or bicycle in town gives you the freedom to stop at the beach and continue on to Perdika, while a taxi is another simple option.
For those without their own transport, the local bus that runs from Aegina Town down to Perdika passes Marathonas. You can reach the beach cheaply and easily by public transport. Getting off at the stop for the beach. This good access, so close to the capital and served by the bus, is one of the reasons Marathonas is such a popular and convenient choice for a swim.
When is the best time to visit Marathonas beach, and is it worth it?
The best time to visit Marathonas is from late spring to early autumn, when the sea is warm, arriving early on summer days to secure a spot.
Like the rest of Aegina’s beaches, Marathonas is at its best from late spring through to early autumn, when the weather is warm and the sea is pleasant for swimming. In the height of summer it is a lovely, lively spot, though also a busy one. Arriving earlier in the day helps you find a good place on the sand and enjoy the calm morning water before the crowds build.
Marathonas is a deservedly popular beach, especially for families and for anyone wanting an easy swim close to Aegina Town. With its soft sand, safe shallow water, organised facilities, shady trees and nearby tavernas, all just kilometres from the capital, it offers a relaxed and convenient beach day and ranks among the most enjoyable of the island’s many things to do. Its blend of easy access, safe swimming and simple comforts means it appeals equally to families, couples and solo visitors. It slots neatly into a wider day of exploring the villages.
Quiet coves and seafood tavernas strung out all along the scenic and green western coast of the island of Aegina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marathonas beach on Aegina sandy?
Yes, Marathonas is one of the sandy beaches of Aegina, which is part of what makes it so popular, since much of the island’s coast is pebbly or rocky. It is actually made up of two adjacent sandy beaches, known as Marathonas A and Marathonas B, both with soft sand sloping gently into shallow, clear and calm water. This combination of soft sand and gentle, shallow sea makes them comfortable and safe, especially for families with young children who can paddle and play close to the shore. The beaches are backed by greenery, including eucalyptus and tamarisk trees, which provides natural shade, and they are organised with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire.
Lying only about four kilometres south of Aegina Town on the road to Perdika, Marathonas is one of the closest sandy beaches to the capital. Easy to reach by bus, car or scooter, which together with its family-friendly character explains why it is among the most visited beaches on the island.
What is the difference between Marathonas A and Marathonas B?
Marathonas A and Marathonas B are the two adjacent beaches that together make up Marathonas, lying side by side along the west coast of Aegina just south of the town. In practice they are quite similar in character: both are sandy, picturesque and family-friendly, with soft sand and shallow, calm. Clear water. Both are organised with sunbeds, umbrellas and tavernas or cafes nearby, backed by the eucalyptus and tamarisk trees typical of this stretch of coast. The two beaches sit close together, so visitors often treat them as a single destination, simply choosing whichever has a free spot or a taverna they like the look of.
Together they provide a generous run of sandy coast for swimming and sunbathing. The choice between them usually comes down to which is quieter or more convenient on the day rather than any major difference in scenery or facilities. Both are easy to reach from Aegina Town and both are well suited to a relaxed family beach day.
Which is better, Marathonas or Agia Marina beach?
Both Marathonas and Agia Marina are excellent sandy, family-friendly beaches on Aegina, and which is better depends on where you are based and what you want. Agia Marina, on the east coast, is the island’s largest and main resort beach, with the longest stretch of sand. A full range of facilities and water sports. A lively resort of hotels, tavernas and shops behind it, plus the advantage of being right beside the Temple of Aphaia. Marathonas, on the west coast, is smaller and quieter but very conveniently placed, only about four kilometres from Aegina Town on the road to Perdika.
Making it especially easy to reach for a swim close to the capital and simple to combine with a seafood lunch in Perdika. If you want a big organised resort beach with lots going on and are happy to travel across the island, Agia Marina is the classic choice, whereas if you prefer somewhere sandy, safe and close to town for an easy day by the sea, Marathonas is ideal. Both have soft sand and shallow, calm water well suited to families, so either makes a rewarding beach day on Aegina.