Agistri (Greek Island)

Agistri is a tiny gem tucked away in the Saronic Gulf, just a stone’s throw from Athens, Greece. This little island has a history richer than a spanakopita’s spinach filling. Back in ancient times, Agistri was known as Aegina’s little sibling, often playing a supporting role in the dramas of Greek mythology and history. It’s said that the island was once a favoured fishing spot for Theseus and his crew after contesting the sea with Poseidon himself.

Fast forward to more recent centuries, Agistri remained a tranquil retreat, preserving its natural beauty and traditional charm while other islands grew more commercial. What’s striking is how the island has managed to keep its emerald pine forests and turquoise waters relatively untouched, unlike some of its Saronic cousins.

Here’s why Agistri is a cracker spot for your next holiday:

  • Blissful Beaches: Whether you're a sun worshipper or a snorkel nerd, beaches like Aponisos and Skala offer crystal clear waters and soft golden sand that make you question if you’ve stumbled onto a postcard.

  • Walk Among Pine Groves: The island’s nickname is often “The Pine and Sea Island,” with endless pine forests are the perfect shady escape from the midday sun, buzzing with cicadas and scenting the air with pine resin.

  • Laid Back Vibes: Forget the hustle and bustle of more touristy islands; Agistri is for kickin’ back with a frappe, letting your worries drift away like a lazy cat by the harbour.

  • Delicious Eats: From fresh seafood caught that very morning to locally grown olives and honey, the eateries here whip up Greek classics with a side of stunning sunset views.

  • Easy Peasy Access: Just about a 45 minute ferry ride from Athens, it’s a brilliant first stop or last stop for bubblies heading into or out of the city.

  • Friendly Locals: You’ll find the people as warm as a freshly baked pita, always ready to share a story or a smile.

In a nutshell, Agistri isn’t just an island; it’s a slice of Greek paradise where nature, history, and a dash of Greek hospitality combine to make your holiday an unforgettable feast for the senses. Get ready to relax harder than a koala on a eucalyptus branch and eat better than a king at your Greek grandma’s kitchen table.

Fast Tips

  • 2025 - Stayed at Laza Beach Hotel (4 nights)

  • Ferries are really easy to book from Pireaus Port in Athens. Most of the operators will do this route usually via Aegina, and the ferry only takes 45 minutes.

    Be careful there are two ports, one in Skala and one in Megalochori, so make sure you’re heading to the right port, although they’re about a 20 minute walk if you accidentally do the wrong one.

  • Megalochori & Skala are a 15 minute walk from each other and most spots can be gotten on foot or by using the bus. Be aware there is a tourist bus which costs a bit more than the local bus but is a nicer experience. You can see the bus times in the towns so you can get to Aponisos Beach.

    You can also hire a car, just make sure to organise it before you arrive as they sell it the summer season.

  • For the most part you can just walk in, but the very popular spots will get booked out like ‘Toxotis restaurant’, so pop in to book when they’re open or give them a call.

  • As a queer male I felt completely safe here. Everyone was lovely towards me and my partner as islands generally are, as they’re used to visitors.

  • 4 nights was perfect but I could easily do an extra night to head back to our favourite beaches, but 4 nights was great.

  • There aren’t a lot of options, but the hotels and very home stays style. nothing special but all pretty clean and comfortable. No major hotel chains which is really lovely, as it’s not a massively touristy island.

    I do recommend staying in Skala, as there is a lot more going on opposed Megalochori.

    • Skala Beach

      Great beach that’s close by, easy to access and has all the tavernas along the waterfront.

    • Aponisos Beach

      Relax under the shade of pine trees lining the shore. Snorkel around rocky spots rich with marine life. Truly one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to.

    • Chalkiada Beach

      Word of warning, this beach is hard to get to and is a nude beach, which is why I loved it. It is a gorgeous beach, with nothing but swimmers and the sea. getting there is tricky, you’ll have to trek down a little mountain so wear some trainers.

Eats & Sips

TOXOTIS

Small tavern off the main road in Skala. Incredible food, full and busy from early in the night to late, with some of the loveliest front of house. Just make you reserve a table as they book out in the summer.

YIALOS

Yialos was the restaurant out of the front of our hotel (Laza Beach Hotel) and was excellent. Really solid, and great array of Greek classics with a focus on seafood. Great to stop in to if you’re walking between Skala and Megalochori.

KASTRO

This spot is for the kids who want to head out past your bedtime, Kastro is where I’d recommend. Music is euro dance classic, but the spot over looking the pier is really beautiful. Open til 6am and doesn’t really get busy til 1am, but the view overlooking the port is so beautiful it’s gorgeous for a sunset.

PARNASSOS

A Little family run restaurant, a hill walk up from Skala. We are talking yiayia’s in the kitchen, pots and stoves going. As their further up the hill than along the beach front expect more meat dishes here. The kotopoulo Kokkinisto special they had was a biblical experience and the view overlooking the island is worth visiting alone.

ARTORAMA BAKERY

Classic island bakery with all the greatness from pies to sandwiches. We spent everyday enjoying their spanakopita with a frappe and it always hit the spot. It does get busy in the morning, as there isn’t another bakery in Skala but it’s very worth it.

LIGO KRASI, LIGO THALASSA

Translating to ‘a little wine, a little sea’, this seafront restaurant is the one to head to for a chill night in town, and is the best of the beachfront restaurants. Head straight to the seafood potion of the menu here.

A BAR

Not the most inventive when it comes to bar names, but it was our favourite spot for a post dinner cocktail. Cocktails were great, and beachfront is spot is lovely to grab a spot in the window and watch the night unfold. Plus there different happy hours, keeping the spend down.

ALKYONI

A little walk up from Skala or the perfect pit stop to or from Chalkiada Beach, this restaurant perched on the side of the mountain overlooks the crystal clear ocean. Excellent hilopites dish, as well as all the taverna classics.

*media & images courtesy of publications, establishment websites and social media pages as well as Tripadvisor. I do not claim to own some of the images provided.