Aegina island from Pireaus Port

[24butterfly]

Anybody done something like this? We dock (that's IF we get to Pireaus..) at 7 am and leave at 6pm. Thinking of taking a hydrofoil to and from Pireaus, then maybe hiring a cab or just walking around Aegina town when we get there. Head back at 3:30 (hydrofoil). Anybody done something like this? We've been to Athens about 4 times....

[Hlitner]

We actually did exactly that about 5 years ago. From the cruise port you need to circle around the port (keep the water on your left) until you come to the ferry piers (about a 15 min walk) which are easy to identify by the signs. You can either look for signs or ask where to go to the boats to Aegina (you could pull the schedule up on lone). Once on Aegina you dock at a smallish town where there are a few cafes, restaurants, etc. We actually had a very nice lunch in a cafe that is right on the water (near the ferry pier). The island is famous for Pistachio nuts and they are sold everywhere. There is also a small sandy beach within walking distance of the pier. We did not explore much of the island since we only walked about 1 mile out of town and never used any local transportation.

 

Hank

[stjohnbeachlover]

We are staying in Greece for a few days before our cruise out of Venice in May. We are staying in Athens for 2 days and then on Aegina Island for 3 days. Do we need to make reservations for the ferries or can you just buy the tickets at the dock?

[Hlitner]

When we went to Aegina we just walked up to the ferry ticket office a few minutes before the departure time and bought tickets. It was a relatively small boat (I recall it was a very fast hydrofoil) which was not very crowded. My suggestion would be to raise the issue with your hotel concierge as soon as you get into Athens and follow their advice. Keep in mind that Aegina is close to Pireaus (40 - 60 min) and there are plenty of ferries. Here is a link we found which has a schedule:

http://www.holiday-in-athens.com/greek-islands/pireaus-aegina/

 

Hank

 

P.S. Take a swimsuit since the island does have some nice beaches.