AGISTRI: THE HIDDEN PARADISE CLOSE TO ATHENS

Are you looking for a small island with crystal-clear waters just a breath away from Athens?
Agistri, part of the Saronic Islands, is the perfect answer! I’ve been several times, and every single visit has been amazing. Whether you’re into relaxing by turquoise beaches, cycling through pine-covered paths, or enjoying a laid-back island vibe, Agistri offers an easy escape that feels worlds away from the city.

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. Angel’s tip: I don’t recommend Aegean flying dolphins company as they have often issues.

Angel’s tip: During the busy summer season, especially on weekends, book your ferry tickets to and from Agistri several days in advance. The last ferry and the popular “Dolphin” boat on Sundays sell out very quickly! I once couldn’t find a ferry directly from Agistri to Athens, so I had to take a detour – going first to Aegina, spending a few hours there, then catching a boat from Aegina to Piraeus port. It’s a useful backup plan to keep in mind!

You can support my site and book your tickets in either of these 2 sites I use too: Ferryhopper and Ferryscanner.com

VILLAGES

ACCOMMODATION

Agistri offers plenty of accommodation options, most of them simple, charming rooms run by friendly local hosts. Whether you’re looking for peaceful vibes or a more central stay, you’ll find something that suits you.

Angel’s tip: My top recommendation if you’re looking for something more premium and brand new is Noima Casa Unico in Megalochori – it’s elegant, modern and beautifully done.

Other great options:

• Kekrifalia Hotel (in Skliri): A lovely boutique hotel with incredible sea views.

• Mylos Hotel (in Megalochori): Known for its amazing breakfast and swimming pool – a great choice for comfort and convenience. Angel’s tip: If you’re traveling with kids or working remotely, I highly recommend it. Choose a room on the same level as the pool for easy supervision of your little ones.

Where to Stay Based on Your Plans 

• Stay in Skala if you don’t have a car and want to be close to everything — it’s the busiest and most vibrant part of the island, full of restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. Ideal for nightlife and convenience.

• Choose Megalochori if you prefer a quieter and more relaxed vibe, with traditional charm and peaceful surroundings.

Angel’s tip: If you have a car or scooter, the distances on the island are so small that it really doesn’t matter where you stay — everything is within easy reach!

TRANSPORTATION

Agistri may be a small island, but not everything is walkable. There’s just one bus and only three taxis, so it’s important to plan ahead – especially in high season.

• Skala and Megalochori are just 1–1.5 km apart and can easily be reached on foot.

• But if you’re planning to explore villages like Limenaria and Metochi, or some of the island’s more remote beaches, you’ll definitely need a scooter, e-bike, bicycle, or car.

Angel’s tip: While cycling is possible, it’s not the easiest – especially during the hot summer months, when even short distances can feel exhausting.

 Water Taxis

Another great way to get around or explore beyond the island is by water taxi that you need to book in advance. They can take you to nearby beaches or even neighboring islands like Aegina and Moni – a scenic and flexible option for adventurous travelers.

Available companies:

• Agistri Water Taxi Jamaica. Tel: + 30 694 453 5659. Click here for more.

• Dream Blue Tours. Click here for more.

Angel’s tip: Renting a scooter or e-bike is the most convenient and fun way to get around Agistri. You’ll find rental spots in both Skala and Megalochori.

Angel’s tip: If you don’t plan on renting a vehicle and want to drink and be close to restaurants, beach bars and nightlife, stay in Skala.

BEACHES

• One of the most impressive beaches on Agistri Island is Aponisos Beach – a tiny, organized private islet connected to Agistri by a wooden platform. The entrance fee is 6 euros per person, and trust me, it’s worth every cent.

  The waters are incredibly clear, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating under the sun. There are plenty of rocky spots to dive from and sunbathe on, plus a small sandy area for easy sea access. Most people enter via the platform or jump straight into the sea – it’s that inviting. Aponisos is ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful, crystal-blue escape with a bit of an exclusive feel.

  Angel’s tip: During summer season and on weekends, I would recommend to make a reservation for sunbeds & umbrellas, tel: +306974785367 / +302297091666.

• Chalikiada Beach in Agistri is a stunning, secluded spot known for its crystal-clear waters, free camping scene, and as a popular nudist beach. So don’t be surprised if many people around you are enjoying the beach without swimsuits!

  However, keep in mind:

  • Authorities have recently inspected the area and there is a risk of landslides due to the steep cliffs. It’s still accessible, but please be cautious and avoid sitting too close to the rocks or under unstable areas.

  • Free camping, while common, is not officially permitted – so do it at your own risk.

  • Nudity is normal here, so be prepared for a more alternative, relaxed vibe.

• Dragonera beach is another beautiful spot in Agistri, known for its crystal-clear waters and a great beach bar that offers sunbeds and umbrellas – perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. The beach is mainly made up of pebbles and rocks, so water shoes can be a good idea.

  Angel’s tip: Watch out for sea urchins around the rocky areas – they blend in easily, so step carefully!

• If you’re looking for something easy and close to the ports and villages, head to Skala and Megalochori beaches – they’re the most accessible on the island, located between the 2 main ports. You’ll find popular spots like Limanaki and Laza, great for a quick swim or a laid-back beach day.

  “Sunrise Beach House” in Skala is one of the best beach bars around, offering cocktails, snacks, and comfy sunbeds. Angel’s tip: If you’re chasing soft sand, head right below Amaryllis Hotel, where a small sandy beach awaits.

• 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.

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 excellent 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. Angel’s tip: Burger is good!
• “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.

 NIGHTLIFE

Agistri isn’t known for wild clubbing, but it offers a fun, relaxed nightlife – especially in Skala, the island’s main nightlife hub.

Some bars you can check:

• Sunrise beach house in Skala
• “A” bar in Skala
• Kastro bar in Megalochori
• Haka espresso gastro in Megalochori
• Taboo nightclub in Skala

EXPERIENCES

Agistri may be a small island, but it’s full of unique and memorable experiences — from boat rentals and snorkeling to day trips to nearby islands and ancient sites.

**Check my highlights on Instagram for more pics!**

IG: explorewith.angel

Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps me keep creating free travel guides for you. Thank you for your support!