Agistri island, Greece: Beaches, ferries & what to do

Just one hour from Athens, Agistri island in Greece is one of those rare places that still feels like the real Greece, unhurried, green, and genuinely beautiful. One of our favourite islands, for a short getaway or for a longer relaxing holiday. This small island in the Saronic Gulf is one of the most familiar to the inhabitants of Attiki, as it takes only an hour to get there with a Flying Dolphin. Quiet and relaxing, and so small you can literally go round the whole island in one day.

General Information

• Agistri is an island in the Saronic Gulf.
• The island’s population is approximately 1,200 inhabitants.
• Pine forests cover 70% of the island.

How to get from Athens to Agistri

In Agistri, there are two natural harbours from which you can disembark on the island. The first stop is Megalohori (Mylos), where the Flying Dolphins arrive after a 55-minute trip from Piraeus. The second harbour is called Scala, where the ferry boats from Piraeus arrive after a 1.30-hour trip. The advantage of having two different ports is that you can choose from the different time schedules and prices to organise your trip. Both ports are connected to the island of Aegina year-round.

Book your ferry tickets to Agistri

Tip: The Flying Dolphin from Piraeus is the fastest option, taking 55 minutes and operating multiple times daily in summer. Book in advance during July and August as seats fill up fast.

Transportation

The island is very small, so even if you bring your car, we believe it is unnecessary. The two basic beaches of the island, Scala and Halikiada, are accessible on foot. For any beach that requires transportation, the best option is to rent a scooter. It is cheap, fast, and you don’t waste any time looking for a parking space.

Many also choose to cycle, which we don’t recommend if you have come to relax and rest. In the central village of Megalochori, there is a bus network that connects you to all the other villages. From Scala, there is a local bus that connects to Megalochori, especially during ferry and Flying Dolphin arrivals.

Best beaches in Agistri

Scala

It is an organised beach with umbrellas and sunbeds, where you can enjoy your coffee or snack. The beach is sandy and is located a short distance from the area’s port. It is ideal for families with young children, as the water is shallow.

Megalochori

There are two beaches with turquoise waters in the area of Megalochori, and the respective port of each settlement separates them. Of the two beaches, the most organised is the one on the right. It offers sunbeds and umbrellas and has various cafes and restaurants nearby.

Dragonera

One of the most beautiful beaches on the island. A pine forest surrounds the beach. The waters are clean, and, combined with the surrounding beautiful environment, you will enjoy your swim to the fullest. This beach has small pebbles and a small canteen offering coffee, soft drinks, and snacks. To get to Dragonera, you need a means of transport. The route goes from Megalochori towards Limenaria, and somewhere in the middle, you will see a sign directing you towards the beach.

Aponissos

This isn’t just a beach; it’s an entire area. More specifically, it is a small island connected to Agistri by a small bridge. To go there, you must pay 5€, which includes a sunbed and a soft drink. As with most beaches on Agistri, this one is also surrounded by pine trees. The waters are super clean. To reach Aponissos, you will need transportation; it takes 20 minutes from Scala. You can also do water sports, and there is a small harbour where boats can anchor. On the island, there is a small restaurant serving fresh fish and other appetizers.

Halikiada

One of the most famous beaches is for two reasons. Initially, people choose the beach and the surrounding area for camping. The connection to nature around us offers tranquility. Although camping in the forest has been prohibited at the cost of a fine, you will see quite a few tents scattered around the forest. The second reason is that it is a nudist beach. This doesn’t mean you have to be nude to swim there.

To reach the beach, take the road to Skliri and follow the footpath (no vehicles are permitted in this area). Throughout the walk along the footpath, you will be surrounded by a luscious pine forest all the way to the end. From there, there is a small descent to reach a beautiful, impressive beach in a clear blue bay. Be careful as the slope can be steep in places.

Mariza

This is a rocky beach near Limenaria. It is a quiet beach surrounded by trees. The waters of this beach are deep, so they are not considered suitable for small children.

Browse available hotels and rooms on Agistri and book early for summer weekends, as the island fills up quickly.

Things to do in Agistri

Water sports: For sea and diving enthusiasts, Agistri offers a wide range of activities. You could go kayaking in Scala or go diving in Megalochori for something more extreme. In Megalochori, you can also take a boat tour to a variety of places.

Day Trip to Aegina and Moni Island. From Agistri, you can easily combine a visit to the nearby island of Aegina, just 10–15 minutes by boat. Even better, the small uninhabited island of Moni lies between the two, offering crystal-clear snorkeling waters and a small deer sanctuary. Many boat tours from Agistri cover all three stops in one day; ask locally at Scala or Megalochori port.

Horse Riding: In Aponissos, you can also go riding. Going around this small island on horseback is a great experience and fills you with a sense of freedom. There is a riding school in Megalochori that offers horses for beginners and experienced riders.

Food and Beverage

Most of the taverns and cafeterias are in the central ports of the island: Scala and Megalochori. You can find any food or beverage you like there. However, the taverns also have very tasty food, sometimes even cheaper than the shops, and you can find them all around the island serving fresh fish and local appetizers. Some traditional island dishes include musenta (a green vegetable pie) and laklori (a pumpkin pie). For dessert, there are fried pancakes with honey and small donut balls with honey sprinkled on top.

One of our favourite places to eat, which we visited twice, was Alkioni in Skliri. Fast service, delicious food, and a small balcony with a view of the sea. It is in the same direction as Halikiada, so that you can combine it with a visit to this beautiful beach.

If you would like to go out for a drink, then the Sunrise bar is a very nice place. Relaxing music and huge cushions in the sand create a very enjoyable atmosphere. There are many options in the central part of the island. Also, events run well into the morning.

Where to Stay in Agistri — Hotels & Rooms

Agistri has accommodation for every budget, from simple rooms by the sea to small boutique hotels among the pine trees.

• Scala area — best for nightlife, restaurants, and the main beach. Most convenient for arrivals.
• Megalochori (Mylos) — quieter, more local feel, great for families.
• Limenaria — most secluded, ideal if you want total peace and nature.

The most well-known hotel on the island is the Dionysos Hotel in Skala. It offers good value, has a great location, and is popular with both Greeks and international visitors.

Browse all available accommodation in Agistri on Booking.com. Book early for summer weekends; the island is small and fills up fast.

Frequently Asked Questions — Agistri Island, Greece