Marathonas Beach

Marathonas, the sunset beach looking out at Moni

Marathonas is on the west coast of Aegina, 7 km from the port in the direction of Perdika. It is one of the most visited beaches on the island for a very specific reason: it has fine sand (not common on this coast), decent facilities, the sun drops into the sea at the end of the day and, right opposite, the green outline of the island of Moni appears, reachable by water taxi in 15 minutes. It is the best packaged “beach plus excursion” plan on Aegina.

The setting in six lines

The beach is about 300 metres long, in an open bay that the summer meltemi draws with small but constant waves. The sand is golden and fine, slightly mixed with pebbles at the water’s edge. The bottom slopes very gently (20 metres out you can still stand), which again makes it a good plan for families.

There are two coves side by side: Marathonas I to the north (the bigger one, with sunloungers and a bar) and Marathonas II to the south (smaller, quieter, no loungers for hire). If you want facilities, take the first. If you want a towel to yourself, the second, 5 minutes away on foot along the coastal path.

Facilities and prices

• Sunlounger plus parasol: 10-15€ per set at Marathonas I, also available for half a day.
• Beach bar: only one option, but a very decent one, open from June to September. Drinks, salads, hot sandwiches and grilled octopus at weekends.
• Showers: one at the entrance, fresh water.
• Car park: free, right above the cove.
• Lifeguard: only in August, and not reliably.

The extra that sets it apart: crossing to Moni

What makes Marathonas unique is the connection with the island of Moni, a 2 km² islet declared a nature reserve in the 1960s. It is uninhabited apart from a colony of goats and peacocks wandering the woods. It has a single beach (Klima) with turquoise water, far more spectacular than anything on Aegina itself. Water taxis leave Marathonas every 30 to 45 minutes in summer for 6-8€ return, with the timetable chalked on a board next to the beach bar. The last one back is usually around 18:30.

For more detail on the trip, see the boat trip to Moni from Perdika, which is the “proper” version, though you can also go under your own steam from Marathonas with your own towel and cool box.

Pain points

• Shade: limited unless you hire a parasol. The odd tamarisk at the southern end.
• Wind: the west of Aegina takes the meltemi head on. On windy days the sand flies. Check the forecast before coming if you are bringing babies or cameras.
• Crowds: medium to high in August, pleasant in June and September.
• Sea: clean, sandy bottom. The occasional jellyfish after storms.
• Eating outside the bar: the Iliahtida taverna up on the headland, looking out at Moni, is one of the best known places for grilled fish. Book at weekends.
• Sunsets: they are particularly good here, better than at the port or at Avra, because you get Moni cut out against the light and the sun dropping cleanly over the horizon.

Getting there

• Bus line 3 from Aegina town (towards Perdika), 25 minutes, 2-3€, every 1 to 2 hours in season.
• Car or scooter: 7 km along the coast, straight and well signposted. Good parking.
• On foot from Perdika: 30 minutes along a flat coastal path. If you are staying in Perdika, it is perfectly walkable.

Marathonas is the best “middle ground” beach on Aegina if you want somewhere quieter than Agia Marina but with full facilities. And if you add the trip to Moni, half a day goes by without you noticing. For wilder beaches further from the bustle, the bet is still Portes.