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

Should you visit Aegina or Lake Garda?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Lake Garda? 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 vibrant, fun, and active island. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a fun, energetic, and scenic lake. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Aegina and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Aegina or Lake Garda?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lake Garda. Although Aegina and Lake Garda are both popular with visitors, Lake Garda has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lake Garda is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Aegina is known for its museums and small town charm. Aegina is popular for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Lake Garda is popular for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. It is also home to Sirmione.

How is Aegina different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

Aegina
Lake Garda

Aegina is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.


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

Aegina
Lake Garda

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

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 Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Lake Garda

It's hard to distinguish whether Aegina or Lake Garda has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Aegina know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife in Lake Garda has something for everybody. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

Is Aegina or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a great destination for the beach. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Lake Garda is considered a top beach destination. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Many people head to Aegina to enjoy the beach. 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.


Is Aegina or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Aegina
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Aegina is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lake Garda. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Aegina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Lake Garda?

Aegina
Lake Garda

Shopping is a popular activity in both Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Is Aegina or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Aegina
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is an amazing lake to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Lake Garda is a very family-friendly destination. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

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 Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Aegina
Lake Garda

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

Couples visit Lake Garda frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

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 Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Lake Garda

Aegina and Lake Garda are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aegina. 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.

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

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

Aegina
Lake Garda

Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

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 Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Aegina
Lake Garda

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

Lake Garda is a very walkable destination. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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 Lake Garda Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Aegina or Lake Garda. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda.


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

One day in Aegina or Lake Garda?

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant island of Aegina, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aegina, one day is sufficent for most.

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

A weekend in Aegina or Lake Garda?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Aegina, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

Aegina, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Garda. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Lake Garda?

Aegina is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun destination of Lake Garda. This lake offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda is €166. 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 Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Lake Garda 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Lake Garda 168
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Lake Garda

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Lake Garda? 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 Lake Garda


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Lake Garda 66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda

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

  • Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109
  • Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Lake Garda?

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda 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
    Lake Garda 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda

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

  • 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
  • Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
  • Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Lake Garda 30

Tours and Activities in Lake Garda

For Lake Garda, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium: Open Date Entry Ticket: $9.62
  • Lake Garda Mini Cruise: Sirmione Peninsula: $13
  • Hotel Villa Cariola Pool Entry Ticket: $20
  • From San Felice del Benaco: Islands Boat Tour: $27
  • Sunset Tour in Sirmione : $27
  • Tour in the Winery and tasting: $32
  • Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
  • Lazise: Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience: $42
  • Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
  • Winery Tour and Tasting of Garda Wines in Lazise: $44
  • Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione from Garda/Bardolino: $48
  • From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Lake Garda 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda

Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
  • Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
  • Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
  • Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
  • Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
  • Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
  • E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
  • E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
  • Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
  • Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aegina and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Aegina or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Lake Garda. The summer months attract visitors to Aegina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

In July, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 27°C (81°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lake Garda. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the summer, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in July than Lake Garda. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aegina 27°C (81°F) 
    Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

Both Lake Garda and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Aegina is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during autumn. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aegina usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aegina 19°C (67°F) 
    Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Aegina during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aegina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lake Garda can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Aegina is much warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aegina in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in January than Lake Garda. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aegina 10°C (51°F) 
    Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Lake Garda in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Lake Garda. Many visitors come to Aegina in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 16°C (60°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during spring. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aegina usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aegina 16°C (60°F) 
    Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Aegina

Aegina Lake Garda
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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