A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Paros vs. Aegina for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Paros or Aegina?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Paros and Aegina. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Paros

Paros is a striking, historical, and diverse island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Aegina

Aegina is a vibrant, fun, and active island. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Paros and Aegina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paros or Aegina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paros. Although Paros and Aegina are both popular with visitors, Paros has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Paros is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Aegina is known for its small town charm. Paros is popular for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages. It is also home to The Byzantine Monastery of Ekatontapyliani. Aegina is popular for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens.

How is Paros different from Aegina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Paros and Aegina.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Paros. There are many interesting archeological sights and museums around the island. Some interesting places to visit are the Venetian Castle in the old port of Naoussa, the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani near Parikia, and the beautiful church of Agios Ioannis (Saint John) Detis, which dates back to the 17th century. There's also the Archeological Museum of Paros, which is found in the capital of Parikia.

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.

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

Paros is an amazing island to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Paros is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Cheese and wine are mainstays on the island and restaurants in general pride themselves on using locally-sourced, high quality ingredients. Many of the traditional recipes can be found in restaurants, but they're also still prepared in the homes of the residents as well. Seafood, vegetables, and grains are all common ingredients.

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 Paros or Aegina Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Paros and Aegina.

Paros has a large number of nightlife venues. It doesn't have the hard core party scene that you find on some Greek islands, but it does have plenty of dance clubs, bars, and music venues. There's a wide diversity of options on the island, from quiet local bars to beach clubs that host wild parties, and everything in between.

Aegina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Paros or Aegina Better for Resorts?

Paros is a great destination for its resorts. However, Aegina is not a resort destination.

Paros is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The island is relatively large and you'll find everything from local hotels and guesthouses to large resorts and backpacker hostels. Many resorts have pools and great views.

Aegina is not a resort destination.

Is Paros or Aegina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paros is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aegina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Paros. The island is filled with caves and interesting rock formations that make for excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. There are a number of tours available that take you to the island's best dive and snorkeling spots. There are also private and group courses available for those who are learning to scuba dive.

Aegina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or Aegina Better for Beaches?

Paros is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Paros. The beaches are clean, diverse, and relatively easy to access. There are a range of options, from quiet hidden gems to beaches with clubs and bars nearby. Favorite beaches on the island include Kolymbithres Beach, Chrissi Akti Beach, and Santa Maria Beach.

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 Paros or Aegina Better for Hiking?

Paros is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Aegina is not a hiking destination.

Paros is a good destination for hiking. The island has about 35 kilometers of hiking trails that pass by small cottages, stone farm homes, and around the beautiful landscapes. You'll find tucked away windmills and watermills as well as breathtaking views and hidden coves.

Aegina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Aegina?

Paros is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Paros. You'll find some of the best shopping in Kastro, which is the old quarter of Parikia. There are shops selling clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and other unique souvenirs. Many shops stay open late into the night, so you'll have plenty of time to browse.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Aegina. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Is Paros or Aegina Better for Families?

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

Paros is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will appreciate the beautiful beaches, great swimming opportunities, abundance of water sport activities, and child-friendly food options. There's also a folklore museum and several great archeological museums.

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 Paros or Aegina Better for Couples?

Paros is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Paros makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The island makes a perfect honeymoon destination with its stunning beaches and picturesque villages. There are also many great local hotels and wonderful dining opportunities. If you're looking for an idyllic setting, then this is it.

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 Paros or Aegina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Paros is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find some nice hostels and apartments on the island. There's also a decent nightlife scene and the island is more affordable than many Greek islands.

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

Paros 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.

Paros offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a reliable bus system on the island that has some routes making a loop around the outside of the island and routes traveling inland to the smaller villages.

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 Paros or Aegina a more walkable city?

Paros and Aegina are good when it comes to walkability.

Paros is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but it's a large island that requires some form of transportation to explore it in depth.

Aegina is a somewhat walkable island. 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 Paros Worth Visiting? and Is Aegina Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aegina or Paros?

How long in Paros or Aegina?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paros or Aegina to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paros than Aegina because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paros, and 1-2 days is enough time in Aegina.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paros 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 Paros.

One day in Paros or Aegina?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Paros. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Aegina, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing 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.

A weekend in Paros or Aegina?

Paros is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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.

Five days in Paros or Aegina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paros. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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.

A week in Paros or Aegina?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse destination of Paros. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxing 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Greece, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Greece.

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

Which is Bigger, Paros or Aegina?

Aegina has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Paros. When comparing the sizes of Paros and Aegina, 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.