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Agistri: The Greek Island Paradise a Stone’s Throw Away from Athens

Agistri greek island
Aponissos Beach on Agistri. Credit: Lichinga/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

Agistri is a green, lush island with many scenic and unspoiled charms despite its proximity to the Greek capital city of Athens.

Along with Poros, Aegina, Spetses, and Hydra, it is part of the Saronic group of Greek islands, all of which are just a stone’s throw away from bustling Athens.

Since these islands are in close proximity to one another, Agistri makes for a perfect base for island-hopping adventures.

Agistri is one of the best Greek islands for weekend getaways or even day trips, since it is less than an hour away from the port of Piraeus by ferry.

The island offers surprising tranquility considering its closeness to the humming city, as well as extraordinary scenery and breathtaking beaches with opportunities for many outdoor activities. There is also a unique nightlife scene on Agistri.

Let’s discover what this beautiful island has to offer!

The history of Agistri

In ancient years, the island was known as Kekrifalia, or “Embellished head.” Archaeological excavations show that the first traces of human habitation on the island date back 2,500 years.

Its early inhabitants gave it an important presence in literature, including Homer’s epic work the Iliad.

The poet refers to the island’s contribution in the Trojan War as an ally of Aegina in this monumental work, cementing the name of the island in history.

Agistri, along with other neighboring islands, including Kontari, Megaritissa, and Aponissos, was part of the ancient kingdom of Aegina.

Beaches on the beautiful Greek island of Agistri

Agistri greek islands
Skala Beach on Agistri. Credit: Panagiotis Botsis/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

Agistri is a small, verdant island boasting lovely pebble and sand beaches, rocky cliffs, and tiny, hidden coves.

Megalochori and Skala are the most popular and organized beaches on Agistri. However, with its stunning forest surrounding the beach, Dragonera Beach is sure to win the hearts of those who prefer more privacy.

Megalochori, a traditional Greek island town

Megalochori Beach attracts many vacationers, offering beautiful mountain views and a quiet, relaxing atmosphere.

agistri greek islands
Megalochori, Agistri. Credit: /Wikimedia Commons/

A stroll around the traditional town of Megalochori, with its picturesque stone houses, all painted white with clay-tiled roofs, is also highly recommended.

Megalochori’s cultural center displays archaeological discoveries found in the surrounding area.

Skala, Agistri

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The incredibly clear waters at Skala on Agistri. Credit: Margaritaprounia /Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

The beach of the village of Skala, featuring very shallow, aquamarine waters, is one of the few completely sandy beaches on the island.

Skala, more than the island’s other beaches, is geared toward tourists, and it is where you can find the best bars, restaurants, and tavernas.

There are also small bars and nightclubs situated along the beach, where one can enjoy music until late into the night.

Aponissos beach is lined with pine trees

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Aponissos, Agistri. Credit: Ggia /Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

Aponissos, located on the west coast, is another gem of Agistri.

Its beach features crystalline waters for swimmers, but the cove here is also perfect for yachtsmen to moor in, as it is somewhat protected from the open sea.

You can also find a traditional taverna open during the spring and summer months, where you can enjoy delectable Greek food while enjoying the delightful view of the cove and offshore islets.

Dragonera: the most secluded beach on Agistri

agistri greek islands
Dragonera Beach, Agistri. Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Public domain

Saving the best for last, Dragonera Beach features the most solitude of all Agistri’s beaches with a lush, green forest meeting the crystal-clear, turquoise waters.

This beach gives you the chance to enjoy the sea, forest, and mountains all at once, and you can’t help but marvel at the beauty of nature!

Its completely relaxing atmosphere encapsulates the whole vibe of this beautiful gem of an island.

Travelers may even go camping, for free, in the nearby forest at Dragonera; this unforgettable experience allows one to truly appreciate the many natural wonders of the Greek islands.

After enjoying your day at this stunning beach, you can set up camp and enjoy the millions of stars in a clear night sky almost completely free of light pollution.

TIP: Be well prepared if you choose to camp here. Bring food, water, and other necessary camping equipment, including flashlights, as there are no amenities nearby.

Activities on the island

Since Agistri is small with a laid-back vibe, activities on the island are somewhat limited compared to more commercially-developed islands.

There are no organized tours on Agistri as there are on many other larger islands.

However, Agistri should be your choice if you want to enjoy the natural beauty of the environment and experience total relaxation either at the beach or in the hills and villages of the countryside.

Enjoy your day sunbathing with a leisurely lunch at a seaside taverna in the mid-afternoon. In the evening, sip a drink at a bar under the stars while listening to your favorite music.

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, go ahead and follow the old footpaths across the island; discover small villages, tiny chapels, secluded beaches, and hilltops with mesmerizing views of the sea and mountains.

And—if you are up for it—you can even bike your way around the island. With such hilly terrain, it can be quite tiring, but it is a great way to appreciate all this island has to offer.

 

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