AGISTRI: THE HIDDEN PARADISE CLOSE TO ATHENS

Are you looking for a small island with wonderful waters very close to Athens? Agistri in the Saronic islands is the answer! I have been several times, and it has been great every single time!

ACCESS

Agistri has 2 ports: Skala and Megalochori(Myloi) . From Piraeus port, you have 2 options to reach it:

1. Ferry: The ferry to Skala port takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and can carry cars/motorcycles.
2. Flying Dolphin: This high-speed option takes about 55 minutes and goes to either Megalochori port (Myloi) or Skala.

You can check for tickets online on websites , if you want to support my site use below link: Ferryscanner.com

Angel’s tip: be careful and book your tickets few days in advance, especially if you want to visit the island for a weekend during summer season. Usually the last ferry & “dolphin” on Sundays becomes unavailable really fast!

TRANSPORTATION

The distances on the island are small, and there is 1 bus and 2 taxis available.

While Skala and Megalochori are within walking distance (about 1-1.5 km between them), visiting Limenaria, Metochi or the island’s main beaches requires a car or motorcycle. Many use bikes but it is not the easiest! During the hot summer months, even walking/biking 1 km can be challenging for most. In my opinion, renting a scooter is the best option for getting around easily and comfortably. Scooters/cars are available for rent on the island. Angel’s tip: If you don’t plan to have a car, stay in Skala.

BEACHES

• My favorite beach on Agistri Island is APONISOS beach. It’s a very small, organized, private islet connected to Agistri by a platform. The entrance fee is 6 euros per person. The waters are stunningly clear, and there are many spots to relax and dive from. Access is primarily via the platform or by diving into the sea, though there is a small sandy area as well. Angel’s tip: During summer season and on weekends, I would recommend to make a reservation for sunbeds & umbrellas, tel: +306974785367 / +302297091666.
• The view is stunning, the access a bit difficult and the waters great! Where else? CHALIKIADA beach, 10 minutes walk through the forest from “Skliri” area. Better not to have kids with you since you need to climb down some rocks. And be careful. Angel’s tip: Area is well known for free camping and the nudist beach, so be prepared that many around you may be without swimming suits.

• DRAGONERA beach: clystal clear waters and a great beach bar with sunbeds & umbrellas. Mainly with pebbles and rocks. Angel’s tip: be careful of the sea urchins!

• If you are looking for something easy and close to the ports and the villages go to SKALA & MEGALOCHORI beaches. There are the beaches between the 2 ports of the island and spots like Limanaki or Laza. “Sunrise Beach House” in Skala is the best there, with cocktails, snacks and nice sunbeds. And you can find sand below “Amaryllis hotel”.

• If you want to go for diving & jump in clear magnificent waters visit MARIZA beach in Limenaria village. The beach is relatively unspoiled, providing a serene atmosphere for sunbathing and swimming from a platform. Mariza Beach is accessible by a short walk from Limenaria village.
• SKLIRI beach: Situated near Skala, easily accessible with a few steps down and offers a more tranquil alternative to the busier main beaches. The beach is surrounded by pine trees and has clear turquoise waters.

ACCOMMODATION

Many hotels/rooms in the island and most of them are basis cute rooms with friendly owners. My favorite one that it is very premium and brand new is “Noima Casa Unico” in Megalochori, “Kekrifalia hotel” in Skliri with incredible seaview and “Mylos hotel” in Megalochori with great breakfast and swimming pool. Angel’s tip: If you want to work remotely or have kids/babies Mylos hotel (Yacht Club Jamaica) is a perfect option. Choose a room in the same level with the swimming pool for your kids. If you don’t have a car and you want to go out at night choose to stay in Skala where the more shops are… either for nightlife or restaurants and souvenir shops. Megalochori is more quiet.

The RESTAURANTS I recommend:

• “Kafenes To Mandraki” in Megalochori village especially for seafood. Ouzo, great Greek wine, fresh salads, delicious  tomato balls, shrimp pasta and fresh kalamari.
• Are you looking for souvlaki? Go the “Seilor” in Megalochori.
• “Alkyoni” : tasty food, good prices and a gorgeous view in Skliri! Go during sunset where the colors of the sky are amazing!  Mainly for seafood 🙂
• For delicious food and seaview in Skliri, visit Agistri Club and Rosy’s little village.
• Visit “Toxotis” in Skala, located in a central road with no seaview but cheap prices and good quality for meat.
• “Moschos Restaurant” and “Yialos” for seafood .
• “Aponisos” restaurant on the same beach for fresh fish.
• Local Greek taverns for meat: “Parnassos” restaurant in Metochi and “Tasos” in Limenaria. Angel’s tip: Both “Parnassos” and “Tasos” have a special dish with rooster,  but better make a call a few days in advance to preorder it and they will have it ready for you.

Breakfast/ brunch and sweets:

• “Copa Cabana” in Skala for incredible brunch, smoothies and sweets with pancakes.
• “Mylos hotel” (known as the Yacht club Jamaica Pool Bar) in Megalochori for snacks and breakfast.
• “Haka espresso gastro” in Megalochori.
• “Quattro RestoBar” for ice cream.
• “Melirriton cafe bar” for delicious crepes.
• “Kekrifalia hotel” in Skliri.
  

  Kekrifalia hotel where you can go for breakfast with great view.

Bars: not a big number of bars available but you can certainly enjoy a drink in several places on the island.

• Sunrise
• “A” bar
• Kastro bar
• Haka
• Taboo

EXPERIENCES

• You can rent a small boat in Skala and Limenaria ports in order to have a tour on your own in the golden spots of the island and enjoy the stunning waters! Agistri boat rentals: +306978312250 / +306972216763 / +306971787120
• Organized tours or possible on your own as well for excursions in other islands close by with “Aponisos private cruises” +306944562276
• You can have an organized tour for snorkelling with professional divers and usually stop in Dorousa island. The scubadiving session is great, even if you have never tried it before. After the session is over, you can enjoy food/BBQ with traditional and fresh greek food (included in the price). Check for more info “Interdive Diving Club” in Megalochori village.

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