Agistri
Skala in the morning, Aponissos for the swim, Megalochori for sunset.
Agistri is what every Athenian recommends to a visitor short on time — 55 minutes from Piraeus on the Flying Dolphin, a Saronic Gulf island where pine forests run all the way to the water and the beaches are good enough that no one feels short-changed. The two ports are Skala (busier, faster ferries) and Megalochori (the more traditional capital). The headline beach is Aponissos on the southwest coast — a tiny island connected by a footbridge to the main island, with water people will tell you looks photoshopped. One day works for a swim and dinner; two days lets you reach the wilder west coast.
Getting there
No airport. Direct fast ferry from Piraeus, ~1h. Also reachable from Aegina via 10-minute shuttle.
Read full route
Tip: Easier than Aegina to find a quiet beach — half the visitors.
When to Visit
Agistri is a tiny island next to Aegina — pine forests, clear water, three settlements. Quieter than its neighbours; the Athenian weekend crowd here is mostly families. Open year-round but most things shut Nov-Mar. Best June and September. Weekday in shoulder season is the dream.
1-day itinerary for Agistri
Day 1: Skala, Aponissos & Megalochori
- · Skala Port
The busier of the two ports, where most car ferries dock. Café-lined waterfront, the long sandy Skala Beach right next to the harbour, and the local bus that runs to Megalochori and Aponissos. - · Skala Beach
Long sandy town beach with shallow water and the most facilities on the island — sunbeds, beach bars, water sports, family-friendly. Popular with Athenian day-trippers, busy in summer. - · Lunch — Alter Ego
Skala restaurant doing breakfast through dinner — the lobster spaghetti is the dish to order. More substantial than the average island taverna and well-priced for the quality. - · Aponissos Beach & Islet
8km southwest, on the wild side of the island. Take the bus from Skala or Megalochori (about 20 min). A small uninhabited islet connected to Agistri by a footbridge, with crystal turquoise water on both sides. €5 entry includes a sunbed and a soft drink. The signature swim of the island. - · Lekani Saltwater Lake
Between Limenaria village and Aponissos — a small saltwater lake surrounded by wetland. Migratory birds in spring (kingfishers, wagtails). Walking paths around the perimeter. Quiet and unmarked; nobody else there. - · Megalochori (Capital)
The traditional capital — quieter than Skala, with stone houses, the 1885 Cathedral of Zoodochos Pigi, and a small archaeological collection. Walk the seaside pedestrian path back to Skala (1.5km, 15 minutes) at sunset. - · Dinner — Agistri Club
Hilltop restaurant just outside Skala with sweeping bay views — the terrace at sunset is the draw. Greek classics done well: grilled fish, lamb chops, garden salads. About 15 min walk uphill from Skala port, or short taxi.
Top beaches of Agistri
Dragonera Beach
3km southwest of Megalochori on the west coast — quieter than Skala, surrounded by pine forest right down to the water. Free camping is permitted at the back. View across to Kyra islet. The escape from the day-tripper crowd.
- Type
- Fine pebble
- Length
- 200 m
- Depth
- Medium — clear, deep enough to swim properly
- Wind protection
- West-facing — sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); calm most summer days, sometimes choppy on rare westerly winds
- Facilities
- Light: a small canteen, sunbeds with straw umbrellas, free camping permitted at the back.
Halikiada Beach
Wild pebble cove reached only by a forest trail from Skala — pine trees down to the white pebbles, completely undeveloped. Nudist-friendly and almost always quiet. The reward for a 30-minute walk.
- Type
- White pebble
- Length
- 150 m
- Depth
- Medium to deep
- Wind protection
- Northeast-facing — exposed to the meltemi (the dominant summer N/NE wind); often windy on meltemi days
- Facilities
- None — accessible by 30-min steep walk through pine forest from Skala. Nudist-friendly.