What island is the one hour ferry from Athens?

Getting to Aegina from Athens

Ferries depart from Piraeus year-round and serve three ports on the island: Aegina Town, Agia Marina, and Souvala. Multiple operators run the route, including Aegina Ferries, Aegean Flying Dolphins, Hellenic Seaways, Magic Sea Ferries, Remezzo Maritime, and Saronic. Journey times range from around 30 minutes on the high-speed catamarans to approximately 75 minutes on conventional ferries. Ferry ticket prices start from €9.

During the high season, departures run with impressive frequency, more than 40 crossings per day, making it practical to visit the island for a property viewing and return to Athens the same day. Services operate throughout the year, though frequency reduces outside peak summer months.

What makes Aegina attractive for property buyers?

Aegina's appeal goes beyond its ferry connections. The island has a layered history that is still visible today. From 1827 to 1829, Aegina Town served as the temporary capital of the newly founded Greek state, and Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias commissioned impressive neoclassical mansions during that period, many of which still stand. The ancient Temple of Aphaia and the island's well-preserved architecture give it a cultural depth that purely resort-focused islands often lack.

The island is also known for its pistachio groves, Aegina pistachios are among the most recognised products in Greece, and for its traditional pottery. These local characteristics contribute to an authentic island identity that attracts visitors and longer-term residents, not just summer tourists.

For property buyers based in Athens, Aegina offers the rare combination of island living with easy access to the capital's airport, business district, and services.

Legal considerations for buying property on Aegina

Buying property on Aegina follows the same legal framework as the rest of Greece. Essential steps include title verification, building permit checks, and engagement of a qualified lawyer and engineer before any deposit is paid or a preliminary agreement is signed. Island properties sometimes involve more complex title histories, particularly for older buildings or properties that have passed through multiple generations. Thorough due diligence is especially important in these cases. A certified engineer must also prepare the Electronic Building Identity before any transfer can proceed.

All property buyers need a Greek tax number (AFM), and a transfer tax of 3.09*% of the purchase price or the government-determined objective value, whichever is higher, applies to all purchases. Buyers should budget approximately 10% of the purchase price to cover all one-off transaction costs. Aegina's property market includes a range of traditional and modern property types. For buyers interested in the Golden Visa programme, Aegina falls outside the high-demand zones, meaning the minimum qualifying investment is €400,000.

*Important update: The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has announced that the property transfer tax for purchases by non-EU citizens is set to rise to 15%, with the change expected to apply from 1 January 2027. The implementing legislation has not yet been published, so the final scope, including how it may treat plots of land and commercial property, is not yet confirmed.

How does Aegina compare to other Saronic islands?

The Saronic Gulf islands, Aegina, Hydra, Poros, and Spetses, each have a distinct character. Hydra is car-free and known for its premium property market and artistic community. Spetses has a strong domestic following and elegant architecture. Poros is quieter and less developed. Aegina stands apart through its accessibility and infrastructure. It has the shortest crossing time from Piraeus, the most frequent ferry service, and the most developed year-round amenities of the four islands. For buyers who want island character without sacrificing convenience, it is the most practical choice in the Saronic group.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. For matters specific to your situation, we recommend consulting a lawyer, accountant, or notary as appropriate.