Agistri is tiny -- just 14 sq km, with a permanent population of about 1,100. It sits in the Saronic Gulf between Aegina and the Peloponnese coast, close enough to Athens for a comfortable day trip but far enough off the main tourist trail that many visitors to Greece have never heard of it.

That obscurity is its charm. While Hydra draws the day-cruise crowds and Aegina gets the weekend Athenians, Agistri offers pine forests running down to the water's edge, quiet coves with snorkelling-clear water, and a pace of life that barely registers.

Getting There

Direct Ferry from Piraeus

Ferry Type Journey Time Cost (one way) Frequency
Regular ferry 1 hr 30 min 9-11 EUR Several daily
Fast ferry (hydrofoil) 55 min 15-17 EUR Several daily

Ferries go to Megalochori (the main village) or Skala (the second village/port). Some services stop at Aegina first.

The first morning ferry from Piraeus departs around 07:45-08:00. Last return ferries to Piraeus run until about 19:30-20:00 (later in summer).

Via Aegina

Small local boats and water taxis run between Aegina and Agistri throughout the day. The crossing takes 10-15 minutes. This lets you combine both islands in a day, though you'll be rushed.

Getting Around Agistri

The island is small enough to walk between the main points, but hiring a bicycle (8-10 EUR/day) or scooter (15-20 EUR/day) makes life easier. Rentals are available at both ports.

A local bus connects Megalochori, Skala, and Limenaria in summer, but services are infrequent.

The Two Villages

Megalochori (Megalo Chorio)

The main village and original settlement, on the west coast. A quiet cluster of traditional houses around a church, with a small harbour and a few tavernas. This is the authentic Agistri -- no nightclubs, no resort hotels, just village life.

Skala

The livelier of the two, on the northeast coast. More hotels, restaurants, and beach bars. The main tourist infrastructure is here. A waterfront lined with tavernas and a couple of small shops selling beach supplies.

Beaches

This is why you come to Agistri. The island has some of the clearest water in the Saronic Gulf.

Skala Beach -- Right at the port. Pebble and sand, organised with sunbeds. Convenient but not the best the island has to offer. Good for a swim before catching the ferry home.

Chalikiada Beach -- A 15-minute walk south from Skala through the pine forest. Pebbly, surrounded by trees, crystal-clear water. Semi-nudist. No facilities -- bring your own supplies. One of the most photogenic spots on the island.

Dragonera Beach -- Between Megalochori and Skala, about 10 minutes' walk from either. Sandy and pebbly, some shade from pine trees. A couple of beach bars in summer. Good snorkelling around the rocks.

Mariza Beach -- Near Megalochori. Small, pebbly, usually quiet. Pine trees for shade.

Aponisos -- On the south coast, reached by road or coastal path. A beach bar and restaurant set among pine trees with a wooden deck over the water. The water is startlingly clear. Popular but not crowded.

Snorkelling

Agistri has some of the best casual snorkelling near Athens. The water visibility is excellent and the rocky coastline creates interesting underwater terrain. No special equipment needed beyond a mask and snorkel (available at shops in Skala).

Best spots: Chalikiada (rocks on both sides of the beach), Aponisos (around the rocks below the bar), and the coast between Dragonera and Skala.

What to Do

Beyond beaches and swimming, Agistri is genuinely quiet. That's the point.

  • Walk or cycle the island. A circuit of the main road is about 12 km. Through pine forest with sea views and occasional goat encounters.
  • Snorkel. See above. The water clarity is outstanding.
  • Eat fish. Fresh, simply cooked, at waterfront tavernas. The catch is local.
  • Do nothing. Lie under a pine tree with a book. Swim. Repeat.

There are no archaeological sites, no museums, and no historical monuments of note. Agistri is purely about natural beauty and relaxation.

Suggested Day Trip

  • 08:00 -- Fast ferry from Piraeus
  • 09:00 -- Arrive Skala. Rent a bicycle.
  • 09:30 -- Cycle to Chalikiada Beach. Swim, snorkel.
  • 11:30 -- Cycle to Aponisos. Swim, drink at the beach bar.
  • 13:00 -- Cycle to Megalochori for lunch at a taverna.
  • 14:30 -- Walk to Dragonera Beach. Swim.
  • 16:30 -- Back to Skala. Coffee, browse.
  • 18:00 -- Ferry back to Piraeus.

Practical Tips

  • Bring cash. Card acceptance is limited, especially at beach bars and small tavernas.
  • Pack snorkelling gear if you have it. You can buy disposable sets in Skala but quality is poor.
  • Bring food and water for Chalikiada. No facilities at the beach.
  • Agistri is quiet by design. If you want nightlife, shopping, or lots of dining options, go to Hydra or Aegina instead.
  • Accommodation exists if you want to stay overnight. A handful of small hotels and rooms in Skala and Megalochori. Prices are reasonable compared to other islands.
  • Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends, especially in July-August when Athenians come for the day.

Best Time to Visit

June and September -- Warm water, quiet beaches, pleasant temperatures. The best months.

July-August -- Hot. The pine trees provide some relief. Busier on weekends.

May and October -- Swimming may require some tolerance for cooler water, but the island is peaceful and green.

Agistri is in the Saronic Gulf, 55 minutes by fast ferry from Piraeus. The island is 14 sq km with a population of about 1,100.