Agistri brings to mind three things: crystal clear waters, dense fragrant pine tree forests that reach the water, and total relaxation. This little island of the Argosaronic Gulf is very close to Piraeus and is ideal for short breaks and escapes.
The island will charm you with its natural beauty as it combines mountain and sea, making it ideal for a mountain hike, but also for water activities. You must visit these three villages: Skala, Megalochori and Limenaria. You can also go up to Metochi, a small village between Skala and Megalochori that is famous for its view.
Agistri’s pride are its beaches and waters. Skala and Megalochori have nice sandy beaches, Aponisos is really exotic, Mariza offers water sports, and Mikri and Megali Dragonera are also worth visiting.
How to get there
You can reach Agistri by boat. There are boats from Piraeus and Aegina throughout the year. From Piraeus the regular ferry takes an hour and a half to reach Agistri, and the flying dolphin around 55 minutes. In the summer there are connections with smaller boats between the islands of the Argosaronic Gulf. Agistri is connected with Poros, Methana, Spetses and Hydra.
Where to stay
Aktaion Beach Boutique Hotel: It’s a luminous hotel where bamboo and wood are the dominant materials and white the dominant colour. Its breakfast is exceptional, and the staff is very polite and helpful. This hotel offers a restful stay, as apart from its decoration, the regulars praise its comfortable beds. The rooms of Aktaion Beach Boutique Hotel are airy and bright, have electric blinds, and unique lighting. The balconies have a nice view of the sea and the beach that is right below the hotel, while the hotel also has a pool. Its restaurant is also quite exceptional. (Skala, 2297091222, https://www.aktaionbeach.com)
Oasis Beach Hotel: This hotel is known for its romantic décor and its view of the sea. It’s right above the beach but also has a pool where you will enjoy your breakfast in the morning and where you can also relax having a drink in the evening. Oasis Spa offers bio-energy massage, aromatherapy and other treatments and therapies. Oasis Beach Hotel is at a great location and is known for its polite staff, and also for an adorable Jack Russel that will surprise you as it walks between your feet. (Skala, 2297091085, https://www.agistrihotels.com)
Saronis Hotel: If you like colour and are looking for lodging with character, then Saronis Hotel is for you. Mrs Kalliope, the cheerful and hospitable hostess all guests talk about, will make you feel right at home. The breakfast is prepared with great care and includes homemade pies and sweets, while it also includes vegetarian, vegan, kosher and gluten free choices. The rooms of Saronis Hotel are very bright and beautifully decorated. This colourful hotel is right by the sea. (Skala, 2297091394, https://www.saronis.com)
Hotel Alexandra: One more hotel with unique decoration and nice light that is right on the beach. Hotel Alexandra will help you relax by its pool or in its wonderful jacuzzi. It’s known for its traditional restaurant offering Greek specialties and in particular for its fresh fish that attracts customers outside the hotel (Skala, 2297091251, https://alexandrashotel.gr/online/)
Where to eat
Copa Cabana: You’ve never had brunch this good. Sweet? Savoury? Light? Filling? Whatever dish you can (or can’t) imagine for breakfast or brunch is available at Copa Cabana. Here you can enjoy a wide variety of flavours overlooking the sea and you can also get take away for later. And if what you’ve been dreaming of is a cocktail next to the sea, stay a little longer and you can have that too. (https://www.facebook.com/CopaCabanaCafeBar)
Quadrant: This restaurant combines a lovely space with a great menu. Try the salmon filet, the risotto, the unique appetizers and the special salads while enjoying a beautiful sunset by the sea. (https://www.facebook.com/quadrant.cafe.bar.restaurant/)
Ligo krasi, ligo thalassa: If you’re in a group and want to enjoy mezzes on the beach this ouzeri (traditional tavern serving mostly fish dishes and ouzo – a traditional dry anise-flavoured aperitif) in Skala is for you. It’s a youthful restaurant whose menu includes vegetarian and vegan dishes. Its Mediterranean flavours are lovely, and the portions are large. You must definitely try the octopus marinated in vinegar.
Aponisos: On the small private island of the same name that is just a few kilometres from Skala you’ll find one of the best taverns offering fresh fish, octopus, seashells, and fresh lobster spaghetti. When you go swimming at Aponisos you must visit its one and only fish tavern.
What to see
Agistri is a jewel on the crown of the Argosaronic Gulf, mainly due to its vegetation and its waters. It has many impressive beaches that combine peacefulness with beauty. Apart from its natural beauty the island is full of picturesque chapels and churches worth visiting.
At the church of Zoodochos Pigi, the island’s cathedral in Megalochori, you can admire great renaissance murals, while when you are in Skala you must visit the bright white Agioi Anargiri church with the blue dome. If you like hiking, choose to visit the church of Virgin Mary in Metochi that will reward you with its view. You can see the island’s archaeological findings on display at Megalochori’s Culture Centre.
Where to go swimming
Chalkiada: Take the path that goes through the little forest that surrounds this beach and you’ll get to its turquoise waters. You’ll need to be wearing proper shoes to get there safely – no flip-flops – but the lovely bay you’ll see when you reach Chalkiada is worth it. You can also camp in this pine forest. Make sure there’s still light when you’re on your way there, and don’t carry too much stuff.
Dragonera: Another beach that is surrounded by a lush pine forest. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and it’s basically two beaches, the small (mikri) and big (megali) Dragonera. They are about one kilometre away from each other, while the big one is serviced, with umbrellas and a small shop.
Aponisos beach: Apart from the homonymous tavern, another reason to visit this private island is its beach. Quite a few people consider this island the diamond of the Saronic Gulf. A small bridge unites Agistri with Aponisos and gives you the opportunity to enjoy a dip in magical jade waters. There is a ramp to help you get in the water while the shallow waters make it suitable for families with children. This exotic beach is surrounded by dense pine vegetation. Go for a swim and then go have lunch at the little tavern.
Mariza: It can hardly be considered a beach since there’s no sand or pebbles. This rocky coast is ideal for diving into the sea from the rocks and playing in the water. And if you don’t want to dive from a rock there’s a small ladder that allows you to get from the pier into the water. The sea here is bright green and so clear you can see the bottom even though it’s deep. This wonderful place that looks like a pool within the pines is not suitable for families with small children or older visitors as the waters are very deep.
What to do
Agistri is the ideal place for outdoors activities, mostly because it has both a mountain and the sea. If you like hiking then this is a great place as there are short and long mountainous trails to explore. If you prefer kayaking choose Go Kayak Greece to go on trips with British Kayak Academy instructors. You can explore the island’s jade waters with Agistri Scuba Diving, while if you’re interested in fishing you can go on the large caique that leaves from Megalochori. If you want to explore Agistri by boat there is a sea taxi leaving from Megalochori daily giving tours of the island.
Must
If you’re on the island in July or August you can catch Agistri Express to Epidaurus and see a play at the Ancient Epidaurus Theatre. Check out the Athens & Epidaurus Festival programme beforehand and combine your holidays with the events that interest you.
Useful numbers
Megalochori Community Clinic: 2297091215
Regional Health Centre: 2297091110
Port Authority: 2297091541
Police: 2297091201
Municipality of Agistri: 2297091260
