Aegina Island St Nektarios & Temple of Athina Aphaia Private Tour

Explore Aegina Island with Ease and Insight

This private tour offers a well-organized full day visiting Aegina, a beautiful island close to Athens. For $431.84 per person, travelers enjoy hotel pickup, private transportation, and ferry tickets—all arranged to minimize hassle. The tour is particularly appealing for those who want to experience Aegina’s highlights without worrying about transport logistics or planning.

The tour includes visits to the Temple of Aphaia, Perdika village, and Agios Nektarios Monastery. Optional activities like swimming off Moni Island are available but require pre-arrangement. With 16 reviews and a perfect 5.0/5 rating, this tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and flexible itinerary. Its average booking time of 99 days in advance indicates strong popularity among travelers seeking a curated, stress-free experience.

Key Points

• All-inclusive transportation from Athens to Piraeus and around Aegina
• Visit iconic sites such as Temple of Aphaia and Agios Nektarios Monastery
• Optional Moni Island boat ride for swimming and relaxation
• Private tour for groups of 1-8, with brand-new vehicles from 2021-25
• Ferry tickets at own expense (approximately €24 per person)
• Guides praised for their knowledge and helpfulness

Convenient Pickup and Private Transport to Piraeus

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Athens at 8:00 am, ensuring a smooth start. A private driver transports your group to Piraeus port, eliminating the need to manage your own transfer arrangements. Once at the port, a ferry ride takes you directly to Aegina, making the journey quick and comfortable.

On the island, a private vehicle whisks you to each stop, allowing for a personalized pace. The modern, non-smoking vehicles ensure a comfortable ride, with bottled water provided during transfers. The flexibility of a private tour is ideal for customizing the experience, whether you want more time at specific sites or to enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Visiting the Aegina Waterfront and Seaside Villages

The first stop is Aegina Waterfront, a lively area popular among Athenians for weekend trips. Here, visitors can enjoy views of relaxing beaches like Agia Marina, Souvala, and Marathon, as well as the charming seaside village of Perdika. Perdika is known for its straw-and-white square houses and narrow streets, creating a classic Aegean scene.

While in Perdika, you can explore the village at your own pace or take a short boat ride to Moni Island for a swim. This optional activity lasts about an hour and a half, with drinks and relaxation in the crystal-clear waters. The beach experience is perfect for those wishing to unwind before or after sightseeing.

Discovering the Temple of Aphaia on the Hilltop

The Temple of Aphaia is a major highlight, built on a hill 160 meters above sea level. Surrounded by pine trees, the temple’s ancient structure dates back to the 6th century BC, and it has been a site of worship since prehistoric times (around 1300 B.C.).

Though the entrance fee of €10 is paid separately, the view from the hilltop and the energy of the site leave a lasting impression. The temple’s ruins showcase the grandeur of ancient Greek architecture and offer a glimpse into Aegina’s historical significance. The site’s elevated position provides panoramic views of the island, making it a photographer’s dream.

Visiting the Iconic Agios Nektarios Monastery

A must-see on the tour is the Church of Agios Nektarios, one of the most visited sites on Aegina. Known as a miracle worker and healer, Agios Nektarios is also celebrated as a theologian, poet, and mystic. The monastery complex is a peaceful place to reflect and admire the religious architecture.

The tour allocates about an hour for this visit, which is free of charge. The monastery’s serene atmosphere and storied history make it a meaningful stop, especially for those interested in spiritual sites. Visitors appreciate the knowledgeable commentary from guides about the monastery’s significance.

Relaxing at Moni Island Beach (Optional)

For those seeking a beachside escape, the tour offers the option to take a short boat ride to Moni Island. The island’s crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming, relaxing, or enjoying drinks by the beach. This activity lasts about an hour and provides a refreshing break from sightseeing.

Participation in the boat trip needs to be pre-arranged with the tour organizer at the time of booking, as it is not included in the base price. The convenience of combining sightseeing with a beach experience makes this tour suitable for travelers who want a mix of history and relaxation.

All the Sites and Their Unique Charm

The Aegina Waterfront offers a lively introduction to the island’s seaside charm and local culture. The Temple of Aphaia, with its historic significance and breathtaking setting, provides a glimpse into ancient Greece. The village of Perdika embodies traditional Aegean architecture, and Agios Nektarios Monastery adds a spiritual dimension.

Each stop is designed to showcase different aspects of Aegina’s history, culture, and natural beauty. The private nature of the tour means you can enjoy each site at your own pace, with plenty of time to explore or relax.

Logistics and Practical Tips

The tour duration of approximately 9 hours balances sightseeing with relaxation. The pickup and drop-off service in Athens simplifies logistics, and the private vehicle ensures a comfortable, stress-free experience.

Note that ferry tickets cost around €24 per person, paid separately, and entrance fees for sites like the Temple of Aphaia are €10 each. The lunch cost is estimated around €30 per person, with the tour leader recommending tavernas for a local dining experience.

Physical demands are minimal, but the Hilltop Temple of Aphaia involves walking uphill, and the monastery may require some walking around the complex. Accessibility details are not specified but should be considered by travelers with mobility concerns.

The Value of a Private, Guided Day on Aegina

This tour offers a comprehensive, personalized experience of Aegina in just one day. The private guide enhances the experience with local insights and flexibility that group tours often lack. The modern vehicles and organized transfers ensure smooth transitions between sites.

While the ferry tickets are paid separately, the overall package justifies the cost for those seeking a hassle-free and informative day trip. The high praise from past participants underscores the quality of guides and the thoughtfully curated itinerary.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This private tour is ideal for culture and history enthusiasts who want to explore Aegina’s key sites comfortably. It suits those who prefer flexible pacing and personalized attention. The optional swim at Moni Island makes it appealing for beach lovers and relaxation seekers.

Travelers who appreciate organized logistics, local insights, and timing flexibility will find this tour offers excellent value. It’s particularly recommended for visitors who want to maximize their time on the island without the stress of planning.

Aegina Island St Nektarios & Temple of Aphaia: An Honest Recap

This private tour combines history, culture, and leisure efficiently, giving a well-rounded glimpse of Aegina’s highlights. The private transport and ferry logistics are expertly handled, making the day seamless. The guide’s knowledge is frequently praised, adding depth to the experience.

The main limitations include the need to pay ferry and entrance fees separately and the optional boat trip to Moni Island, which requires pre-booking. For travelers seeking an organized, intimate experience with a focus on local sights, this tour offers excellent value. It’s particularly suited for those who want a balance of sightseeing and relaxation in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 8:00 am with a hotel pickup in Athens.

Are ferry tickets included?
No, the ferry tickets are paid separately at about €24 per person.

What sites are visited during the tour?
The main sites are Aegina Waterfront, Temple of Aphaia, Perdika village, and Agios Nektarios Monastery. An optional boat trip to Moni Island is available.

Is the tour suitable for all mobility levels?
Mobility details are not specified, but walking uphill to the Temple of Aphaia or around the monastery may require some physical effort.

Can I customize the itinerary?
As a private tour, some customization is possible, especially regarding timing at each site.

Is food included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included but is estimated at around €30 per person, with local taverns recommended by the guide.

What is the price for children or groups?
The per-person price is $431.84, with private transport for groups of 1-8.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 9 hours, from pickup in the morning to return in the evening.

What makes this tour stand out?
The organized transfers, private vehicle, and the knowledgeable guides who make the historical sites meaningful are key strengths.

Is gratuity expected?
Gratuities are optional and not included in the price.

This private day tour to Aegina offers an efficient, relaxed way to experience important historical sites and local charm in just one day. With a high rating and positive reviews, it remains a solid choice for those visiting Athens who want to extend their Greek island experience.