A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Genoa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Aegina or Genoa?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Aegina or Genoa? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aegina

Aegina is a active, relaxing, and vibrant island. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Genoa

Genoa is a colorful, energetic, and historic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aegina and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Aegina or Genoa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Genoa. Although Aegina and Genoa are popular destinations, Genoa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Genoa is very popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Aegina attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, and small town charm. Aegina is famous for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Genoa is famous for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. It is also well known for The Via Garibaldi Palaces.

How is Aegina different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Genoa and Aegina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Genoa?

Aegina
Genoa

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Aegina or Genoa.

Aegina offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

Many visitors head to Genoa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.


Is the Food Better in Aegina or Genoa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aegina
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Genoa is an experience not to be missed. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aegina. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Is Aegina or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Genoa

Aegina is great for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Many people head to Aegina for the nightlife scene. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Aegina or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Genoa

Aegina is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

Aegina has a beach worth visiting. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.


Is Aegina or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Aegina
Genoa

Genoa is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Genoa offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Genoa?

Aegina
Genoa

Shopping is a popular activity in both Genoa and Aegina.

Many visitors go to Aegina to go shopping. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Genoa. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Aegina or Genoa Better for Families?

Aegina
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Genoa is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

Aegina offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.


Is Aegina or Genoa Better for Couples?

Aegina
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Genoa frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

Aegina is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Aegina or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Genoa is a very popular port city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

Aegina is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Is Aegina or Genoa Better for Students?

Aegina
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for students. However, Aegina is not popular with students.

Genoa is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Aegina is not popular with students.


Is Aegina or Genoa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aegina
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Genoa offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

While Aegina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

Is Aegina or Genoa a more walkable city?

Aegina
Genoa

Genoa is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Genoa is a very walkable destination. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

Aegina is somewhat walkable. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Aegina or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Genoa due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Aegina, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

Families should spend more time in Genoa than Aegina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Genoa, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Genoa than Aegina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Genoa that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Genoa than Aegina if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Genoa.


  • How many days in Aegina or Genoa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aegina 1-2 
    Genoa 2-4

One day in Aegina or Genoa?

In Aegina, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fun destination offers. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Genoa. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Aegina or Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aegina. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Genoa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Aegina or Genoa?

Aegina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Aegina. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Genoa. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Aegina or Genoa?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Aegina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the energetic destination of Genoa. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Genoa or Aegina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aegina is €92, while the average daily cost in Genoa is €150. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aegina and Genoa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Genoa 88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Genoa 176
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Genoa

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Genoa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aegina


Hotels in Genoa


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aegina Hotel Prices and Genoa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Genoa 8.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Genoa

Also for Genoa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Departure Private Transfer Genoa, Savona or Portofino to GOA Airport by Sedan: $44
  • From Genoa to Florence Hotels - Private Transfer: $145
  • From Genova: Portofino Return Transfer by Open-Top Bus: $63
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Genoa - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Genoa - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Milan - Arrival Private Transfer: $111
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Milan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $222
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Portofino hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
  • Genoa Airport Transfers : Genoa City to Genoa Airport GOA in Business Car: $65
  • Genoa Airport Transfers : Genoa City to Genoa Airport GOA in Minivan: $65
  • Genoa Airport to Savona Cruise Port Private Arrival Transfer: $59
  • Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Genoa?

Prices for flights to both Genoa and Aegina change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aegina 34
    Genoa 51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Genoa

For Genoa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Genoese cooking lesson in the garden with lunch: $68
  • Genoa Old town Food Tour: $74
  • Itinerant dinner in the old town: $75
  • Street Food Tour: $84
  • Do Eat Better Experience - Food Tours in Genoa: $86
  • Traditional Food Tour: $91
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Camogli: $93
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Savona: $93
  • Dining experience with cooking demo and wines in Rapallo: $93
  • Traditional Home Cooking Class in Genoa: $93
  • Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner: $93
  • Small-group Street food tour in Savona: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Genoa 20

Tours and Activities in Genoa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Genoa.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Genoa Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights Self-guided Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Lighthouse Entrance Ticket: $8.56
  • Finance and Nobility Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Finance and Nobility: Explore medieval Genoa on a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
  • Historic Guided Tour of Christopher Columbus' House: $11
  • The City of Children and Young Museum Entry Ticket: $13
  • Historic Shops in Tour Through Tradition and Flavours: $15
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Center: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Genoa 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Genoa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Genoa:

  • Guided Eco Hiking and Sea View Wine Tasting in Portofino Park: $75
  • 3 Hour Pesto Making and Wine Tasting Activity in Campetto Genoa: $105
  • CAMOGLI: PRIVATE Ligurian Wine Tasting Experience and walking on National Park: $125


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aegina and Genoa, we can see that Genoa is more expensive. And not only is Aegina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aegina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aegina and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Genoa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Genoa than you might in Aegina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aegina Expensive? and Is Genoa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Genoa, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Aegina or Genoa?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aegina or Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa and Aegina during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aegina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Genoa in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Aegina is a little warmer than Genoa in the summer. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Genoa fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Genoa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the summer, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Genoa. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in July than Genoa. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aegina 27°C (81°F) 
    Genoa 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Genoa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Genoa. Many visitors come to Aegina in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Aegina is around the same temperature as Genoa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aegina in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Genoa averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Genoa during autumn. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aegina usually receives less rain than Genoa. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aegina 19°C (67°F) 
    Genoa 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Genoa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Genoa. Most visitors come to Aegina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Genoa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Aegina is generally around the same temperature as Genoa. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 10°C (51°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Genoa. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in January than Genoa. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aegina 10°C (51°F) 
    Genoa 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Aegina because of the beaches and the small town charm. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

Aegina is around the same temperature as Genoa in the spring. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Genoa during spring. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aegina usually receives less rain than Genoa. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aegina 16°C (60°F) 
    Genoa 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Genoa and Aegina

Aegina Genoa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)