Aegina Car Hire

Guide of Aegina

Geography

Aegina is an island located in the heart of the Saronic Gulf. It’s one of the closest islands to Athens, just 16.5 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus. The island is fairly mountainous and rocky, with its highest peak reaching an altitude of 539 metres. There are natural harbours scattered around the island, though these are much smaller than the main harbour in Aegina Town.

Aegina is also renowned for its brilliant beaches and lush landscape, carpeted in pine trees and olive groves. It is also home to two tiny islets – Moni and Agistri – reachable by taxi boat.

Climate in Aegina

Aegina has a typically Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers. It has the driest climate in the Saronic archipelago, which makes it an excellent option for sun-seeking holidaymakers hoping to avoid the rain. The hottest months on the island are July and August when temperatures average 29°C.

Given its lush landscapes, many say that the best time to visit the island is during spring or early autumn. However, if you’re hoping to maximize your time on the beach and enjoy the many watersports on offer, summer is the best time to travel.

Culture

In Greek mythology, Aegina is named after the nymph Aegina, who was the mother of Aecus, the grandmother of the Trojan hero Achilles. Archaeological findings confirm human existence on the island dating back to 3,000 BC.

Aegina has historically been an important island with a strong economy and naval power. During ancient times, Greeks built impressive temples like the Temple of Aphaia in gratitude to the gods for its prosperity, parts of which are still standing today. The island played an important role in the Greek revolution in the nineteenth century and became the temporary capital of Greece from 1827 to 1829. Today, it is best known for its tourism offering and agricultural produce.

Things To Do in Aegina

Step back in time at ancient Greek temples

Agina is home to two blockbuster temples: the Temple of Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. Visit both. Aphaia stands impressively on a pine-covered hill and is decorated with splendid Trojan War sculptures. Apollo, northwest of the port, was once part of an ancient acropolis.

Beach hop

There are dozens of brilliant beaches to choose from in Aegina. Most are small and well-catered for, with sunbed rentals, toilets and lifeguards. Souvala and Agia Marina are two of the most popular beaches. If you’re looking for a more secluded swimming spot, Perdika is a charming pebbly beach with bathwater-warm, clear waters.

Explore remote hillside villages

Aegina is brimming with beautiful hilltop villages, but Paleohora is one of the most fascinating. It was originally the island’s capital since islanders could stay out of sight of pirates. Today, you can wander around the 38 crumbling chapels and enjoy postcard-perfect views over the wildflower-covered hills.

See works by one of Greece’s most famous sculptors

Christos Kapralos was one of Greece’s most celebrated sculptors and you can see many of his most famous works at his old studio, including the bronze portrait of his mother. Nearby, you can catch a glimpse of the former home of author Nikos Kazantzakis.

Take a horse-drawn carriage around the old town

It’s easy enough to explore Aegina’s charismatic capital on foot, but that would mean missing out on part of its charm. Horses and carriages still gallop up and down the waterfront and you can pay a driver to whisk you along the white-washed sidestreets to see the town’s most beloved sights, including the chapel of Agios Nikolaos.

Eating Out in Aegina

Aegina is renowned for its fertile landscape covered in pine trees and olive groves. It produces a wide range of agricultural products, including pistachios, figs, almonds, dates and olives. Fishing is one of the main industries on the island too. Unsurprisingly, islanders are fiercely proud of their products and most menus and traditional dishes showcase the best of their local ingredients.

You’ll find brilliant restaurants, tavernas, cafes and bars all across the island, though most are concentrated around Aegina Town, Agia Marina, Souvala, Marathon, Perdika and Vaggia. Many tavernas have their own gardens where they produce their own local products too. For the best seafood in town, try Skotadis. The lightly-whipped taramasalata is renowned. If you’re in Perdika, don’t miss Aegina Nontas, a local institution since 1936. And, for the best pistachio icecream on the island, try Aikeon, one of Aegina’s oldest and most famous pastry shops.

Transport

Airport

There is no airport on the island of Aegina. The closest airport to Aegina is Athens International Airport (ATH), which is served by most major international and domestic airlines. From the airport, you will need to travel to Piraeus port, where you can hop on a ferry.

Ferries depart regularly from Athens, almost every hour. The trip takes anywhere between 30 minutes and one hour, depending on the service you choose.

Getting Around Aegina

Getting around Aegina is relatively easy. There is a good bus network that connects most tourist sights and popular towns to the central station in Aegina Town. Water taxis operate in the summertime too. Unusually, horse carriages are also popular and regularly travel along the waterfront in Aegina Town.

However, if you’re looking for a little more flexibility and the chance to explore some of the island’s less-trodden sights, we recommend hiring a car.

Top Tips when hiring a car in Aegina

● A big number of users encountered rental cars in Aegina for less than £21 per day.

● Booking your rental car in Aegina in advance even if it's by at least 1 day before your trip ensures you'll get cheap car hire prices.

● There's no airport in Aegina island and the cheapest car rental location is the port and the area around the central part of the town.

● Compact hire car vehicles in Aegina are cheaper and the most popular options for when you wish to rent a car.

● If you don't have your own vehicle when you arrive in Aegina, it's recommended, depending on how big a group you're traveling with, to check for car or scooter availability as soon as you step foot on the island.

● You'll want the right car for the type of trip and group you have.

● If you're traveling to Aegina with family it's advisable to go with a minibus rental which is the most popular among family cars.

● When you reach the Aegina rent a car agency of your choice, you'll need your driving licence with you, and to go over the details of the agreement carefully, especially when it comes to pick up time and date, go over all the vehicle types available, whether they are automatic or manual transmission and of course make sure you're familiar with the speed limits.

● Once you begin exploring you must see the pristine beaches that are too remote to reach without a car. Driving along the coast is the most pleasant way to experience this island of Aegina. Then you should head for the traditional villages along the coast and visit monasteries along the road.