Agistri, this small island of the Argosaronic Gulf, is waiting for you to discover its beauties. The fact that it is very close to Attica, combined with the cheap ferry ticket, make it a very popular destination for residents of nearby areas, who often visit it for short or even one-day getaways.

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People of all ages visit Agistri, mingling on the beaches and on island’s alleys. This does not interfere with the relaxed pace in which Agistri moves, with beaches catering to all preferences. Whether you want to enjoy the beach lying on comfy sun loungers or sunbathe on a rock, away from the crowded sandy beaches, there is a beach for you in Agistri, where you can enjoy your swim in clear, turquoise waters.

If you’re worried about transportation, Agistri is so small that wherever you choose to stay, getting around will be extremely easy and you can even get around on foot. However, if that prospect doesn’t excite you and you prefer a means of transport, then you can rent a car, bike, or scooter.

Visit Skala, the second largest village on the island, which has the most restaurants, cafés, and bars, where the heart of the nightlife beats, and enjoy a drink with a view of the sea. In Skala, there are also many hotels, rooms to let, mini markets for the essentials, and a small beach, which, due to its easy access, does get crowded.

Tour the villages, try hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, day cruises and taste the local cuisine. Whichever way you choose to spend your time on the island, don’t forget to take a photo on the beautiful “Odo ton Erotevmenon” (Lovers’ Street), to always remember how strongly you fell in love with this small island of the Argosaronic Gulf.

Where to swim

Halikiada: To reach this small bay, you must follow the path that passes through the woodland surrounding the beach. The descent is not very easy, so be sure to visit the beach while there is still light, wear sturdy shoes, and travel light.

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The green waters of the island/Photo: Shutterstock
Dragonera/Photo: Shutterstock

Dragonera: The area has two beaches, the small and the large Dragonera, which are surrounded by a pine forest and are considered among the most beautiful on the island. The two beaches are about one kilometre apart, while the large one is serviced with umbrellas and beach bars.

Aponisos: It is a small private island with a tavern and the famous beach. A bridge connects Agistri with Aponisos and you can enjoy swimming in clear, green, shallow waters, suitable for families with children. This exotic beach is surrounded by a dense pine forest, and there are umbrellas and sunbeds available. Aponisos, is open to visitors from June 1 to October 15.

Mariza: Mariza is a rocky beach with no pebbles or sand. Basically, it’s a platform, perfect for diving off into the water, but if that’s not your style, you can enter the water via the ladder at the dock. So lush and clear that you can see the sea bottom. It is not serviced, and we don’t recommended it to families with children or older visitors.

What to do

Visit Zoodocho Pigi: the island’s cathedral, located in Megalochori. It was built in 1885 with local limestone and is decorated with Renaissance-style paintings.

Visit the villages: There are four settlements in Agistri, each one adding its own unique touch to the island. Visit Skala, Megalochori, Limenaria and the small village of Metochi, that is famous for its magnificent views.

Odos ton Erotevmenon: Wander around the village Skliri and look for its famous street, called “Odos ton Erotevmenon” (lovers’ street). The steps are painted in white and blue and it’s hidden among other alleys, but the photo of the “Cycladic colours” you’ll take will make up for your effort.

Water sports: As in any other place with clear waters, you can do various water sports in Agistri. Try rowing either on your own or under the guidance of an instructor (https://gokayakgreece.com). Explore the island’s seabed by going diving and take a close look of the shipwrecks. (www.interdive.gr).

Daily cruises: Either privately, by renting a boat, or in a group with the help of a crew, you can take day trips to nearby destinations such as Hydra, Poros, Moni, Aegina, Methana, Metopi and Ancient Epidaurus and explore places you may not have visited before. (www.agistriwatertaxi.com).

Hiking: Agistri is covered in pine trees and is ideal for hiking. In spring and summer, the Hard Sun races are held on the island’s trails. If you have experience in hiking and running on mountain trails, you can follow the long 27-kilometre-long route at an altitude of 936 metres. More information: https://hardsunrace.com

Culinary identity

In Agistri, you’ll have your heart’s fill of fresh fish, green ‘throumbes’ olives in various versions in brine or olive oil, an excellent fragrant pine honey produced at the large pine forest that covers the island, unique in the Eastern Mediterranean. You’ll also enjoy local wines, mostly of the Roditis variety, including retsina, and strong tsipouro (traditional pomace raki) that is made in the traditional raki cauldron.

Other local products include the extra virgin olive oil (manaki variety), the capers and the herbs that grow in abundance on the island.

The local cuisine has strong Arvanite influences apparent in some dishes like the mousenta or mousounta (a thin, crispy spinach pie made without filo) and the courgette pie also known as laklori. Some pizzerias serve Greek pizzas using local potatoes and garlic, prepared in a wood-burning oven.

The sweet side of local gastronomy is expressed in the “votsalaki” (traditional almond sweet), the loukoumades (fried dough balls served with honey), tiganites (a kind of fried pancakes) and the spoon sweets (traditional preserves).

Where to eat

Aponisos: Famous tavern, the only one on the homonymous island with the crystal clear waters, very close to Skala. Order fresh fish, octopus, shellfish and lobster pasta. They grill and fry the food masterly. (Limenaria, Agistri, tel.: 030 2297091359)

Toxotis: It’s been in operation since 1981 and it serves meze, tasty casserole dishes and a variety of meat dishes. We recommend the charcoal-grilled souvlaki. (Skala, Agistri, tel.: 0030, 2297 091283)

Ligo krasi, ligo thalassa: Αn ouzeri tavern attracting younger crowds, serving a wide variety of meze, Mediterranean dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options. The vinegar marinated octopus is a must. (Skala, Agistri, tel.:00 2297 091691)

Kafenes to Mantraki: A small tavern with an elevated veranda and a great view of the sunset. We recommend the cuttlefish cooked in its ink served with rice, the meatballs in tomato sauce, and all the fried fish. The charcoal-grilled octopus is also a must. (Megalohori, Agistri, tel.: 0030 2297 091357)

Quadrant: Right next to the sea with an amazing view of the sunset. Serving a Mediterranean menu with a risotto and a salmon filet dish that stand out. Their salads are interesting. (Megalohori, Agistri, tel.: 0030 693 098 1622)

Agistri: Traditional fish tavern right next to the sea, offering also sunbeds. It serves fresh octopus, various seafood, casserole dishes and homemade meze. (Ioannou Metaxa str. Skala, Agistri, tel.: 0030 2297 091531)

Moshos: Open since 1936, Moshos tavern serves fresh fish and casserole dishes. They grow their own vegetables, source their olive oil from Sparta, only use free range chicken, and serve homemade tsipouro made with local grapes. (Skala, Agistri, tel.: 0030 2297 091644)

Where to Stay

Aktaion Beach Boutique Hotel: Located in Skala, this hotel has rooms and suites with sea views. It has a restaurant, a spa, a gym, and a swimming pool, as well as a private beach with sunbeds and umbrellas. (Skala, tel.: 0030 2297 091222, www.aktaionbeach.com)

Oasis Beach Hotel: Oasis has rooms, suites, and maisonettes with sea views. The hotel is located on the beach of Skala, but it also has a swimming pool, and breakfast is served at the swimming pool area. It offers spa services, bioenergy massage, aromatherapy, etc. (Skala, tel.: 0030 2297 091085, www.agistrihotels.com)

Saronis Hotel: This hotel is located near the sea, in Skala. It has double and triple rooms fully equipped with a view of the sea or the surrounding area. (Skala, tel.: 0030 2297 091394, www.saronis.com).

Alexandra: This hotel is located on the beach of Skala. It has a swimming pool, a jacuzzi and a restaurant serving Greek specialties and fresh fish. (Skala, tel.:0030 2297 091251, https://alexandrahotel.gr).

Read also:

Agistri: Escape to the pine-covered island of the Argosaronic Gulf

7 Best Places to Eat in Aegina

Aegina: The most famous of the islands close to Athens