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All About Agistri

Agistri is an unassuming little island just one hour away from Athens that attracts both day-trippers, island-hoppers, and weekend escapists. Its proximity to the capital city and other islands in the Saronic Gulf such as Poros, Aegina, Spetses, and Hydra makes it an adorable destination to explore. Taking a ferry to Agistri is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets.

The pine-covered island exudes a natural beauty that will lull you into a state of total relaxation, with glistening beaches, traditional taverns, and minuscule villages. You will be amazed at its untouched landscape and secluded beaches, as well as the choice of activities on the island such as hiking, diving, and even horse riding. Known as ‘Kekrifalia’ or ‘Embellished Head’ in ancient times and even mentioned in Homer’s The Iliad, Agistri is truly a shimmering jewel just a stone’s throw away from Athens.
 

Routes and Ferries to Agistri

You can book your ferry tickets to Agistri with Ferryscanner and leave from the port of Piraeus, with Aegean Flying Dolphins or Blue Star Ferries making the trip in just one hour. The hydrofoil takes you to the small island port of Megalochori (Myli), while the regular ferries take approximately 1.5 hours and sail to the port of Skala. Ferries also regularly cross over to Agistri from the surrounding islands of Aegina, Poros, and the coastal town of Methana on a daily basis.

If you are arriving at Athens International Airport, the easiest way to reach the port of Piraeus is by shuttle bus, with the X96 leaving around every 20 minutes during the day and at half-hour intervals at night. When arriving with ferry tickets to Agistri, make your way to Gate E8, which is where the ferries and hydrofoils depart for the Argo-Saronic Islands. You can also take a taxi from the airport. Although the trip is much quicker than with the bus, it can be quite expensive.

Alternatively, trains run from the airport to Piraeus and take about 60 minutes. The blue line will take you to Monastiraki in the city center where you need to change to the suburban green line to the port, which is just a five-minute walk from the train station in Piraeus.
 

Ports of Agistri

There are two small ports on Agistri within close proximity to each other that are used by boats and ferries. If you travel from Piraeus by ferry boat, it will dock at Skala, while the faster flying dolphins arrive at Megalochori, or Myli, as it is also known.

Megalochori is actually the administrative capital of the island and you will find many tourist shops, hotels, and taverns here, as well as supermarkets, bakeries, retail shops, a bank, a pharmacy, and a regional health center. There are also a number of tourist shops, hotels, and taverns at Skala for you to discover. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Agistri.
 

Capital & Villages

Megalochori or Myli, is actually no more than a small village and its population is estimated at around 560 permanent residents. A naval base in ancient times, it is a natural port that is now used as the docking area for the flying dolphins all year round, as well as serving as a refueling point for boats and yachts.

There is also a small beach of pebbles and sand with emerald green waters just perfect for swimming. The town’s quaint stone-built houses with terracotta rooftops and paved alleys give you a lovely retro feel as you wander around and you will definitely come across the landmark windmill from 1812 on your way.

Skala

Skala, on the northeastern coast, is also a natural port that serves the ferry-boats arriving from Piraeus or Aegina and is only 1 kilometer from Megalochori. It’s a busy little settlement with hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars catering to visitors, as well as offering lively nightlife in the form of a few clubs.

Skala has a wonderful family beach with calm, shallow shores, making it ideal for a day of relaxation with children, while the blue-domed, white-washed church of Agioi Anargyroi dominates the town.

Limenaria

Limenaria village lies 5km northeast of Megalochori and the ten-minute drive there affords stunning panoramic views of the nearby islands. Resting in a tranquil valley, the settlement has retained all of its traditional charisma, with the small church of Agia Kyriaki being a focal point for village life.

Taste some of the best food on the island at the local taverna after a leisurely stroll around this idyllic hamlet and check out the old school before heading to the small bay of Mareza, known for its deep blue waters.

Metochi

Get a bird’s-eye view of Agistri from the village of Metochi, which sits on a slope between Megalochori and Skala. Although not accessible by public transport, it is worth taking a trip there either on foot or by taxi to enjoy its winding streets lined by aromatic pine trees. A residential area with pretty, traditional houses, Metochi is the perfect place to set off for some hiking before tucking into the delicious dishes served in its family-run tavern. It also boasts stunning views across the Saronic Gulf to Aegina, the Peloponnese, and neighboring islands.
 

Best Beaches

Agistri is home to a handful of small beaches which each have their own charm. From sandy bays to more secluded coves around the coastline, you can opt for family-friendly organized beaches or more off-the-beaten-track sunspots, all offering unparalleled pristine waters.

Chalikiada Beach

You will find the pebbled beach of Chalikiada near Limenaria village or by driving through the pine forest from Skliri. Access to the beach is difficult as it requires climbing a cliff so its secluded nature has also made it a favorite with nudists. The deep blue waters make a stunning contrast with the surrounding greenery, creating a sense of pure paradise.

Aponisos Beach

Aponisos beach is actually a tiny island on the west coast of Agistri reached by a rocky causeway close to Limenaria. Possibly one of the most beautiful swimming spots on the island, it is surrounded by greenery with incredibly clear water. Enjoy some delightful seafood delicacies accompanied by ouzo on the rocks in the waterfront tavern as you watch the small yachts sailing in and out of this heavenly haven.

Dragonera Beach

Take the coastal road after Megalochori to Dragonera beach as you pass through a dense pine forest. The brightness of its emerald waters is truly breathtaking. Escape the busy bars of the main town and succumb to the laid-back vibes of this unspoiled beach, where a small bar playing chillout music provides the perfect background noise as you soak up the misty views of tiny distant islands on the horizon.

Skliri Beach

Skliri beach boasts an impressive location which can be quite steep and rocky to get to, making it ideal for those seeking a small adventure. It is very close to Skala so a full range of facilities is available nearby although the beach itself has retained its peaceful aura and offers crystalline waters, just perfect for scuba-diving.
 

Transportation Around Agistri

Transportation around this small island is fairly straightforward, with the local bus service carrying out daily routes from Skala to Megalochori, Aponiso, Dragonera, and Limenaria. If you prefer to follow your own itinerary, you can rent a car or motorbike, while taxis are also available to get you to your preferred destination. Taking a ferry to Agistri is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

Enjoy a fun ride on Agistri’s tourist train, which departs from Skala, or take one of the regular water taxis that will drop you off at the beach of your choice.

 

Contact

Port Authority of Agistri: +302297091541

Municipality of Agistri: +302297091260

Police of Agistri: +302297091201

Agistri Health Center: +302297091215

Pharmacy: +302297091540

Taxi Service: +302297091455 / +30697718040

A Guide to Agistri for Property Buyers

From a real estate point of view, there are a few intrepid ex-pats who have found their way to Agistri, bought their idyllic Greek Island homes and settled there as well as regular international visitors who have purposefully looked for non-touristy islands that are easy to reach, where peace and quiet, with total relaxation, is the order of the day (every day)! Agistri is the smallest of the inhabited Saronic Islands and more or less overlooked not just by holidaymakers but also house-hunters looking for property for sale. Its reputation is as a beach-orientated short break destination for Athenians who escape the stifling heat of the city to enjoy long weekends on this pretty and still authentic Greek island that's less than an hour away from Piraeus. One of the most striking aspects of Agistri is that its roads and pathways are in excellent repair, bins are plentiful and it's actually difficult to find litter. Of all the Saronic Islands, I would award Agistris the gold medal for cleanliness!

What's The Real Estate Market Like on Agistri Island

Real estate on Agistri Island is in short supply and quite limited to recently constructed apartments, plots of land for sale to build on (once you have a permit) and very few older, original buildings to restore. Searching for property for sale on Agistri doesn't produce much in the way of houses or villas for sale that you could move into. Most of the residential property and building plots are located to the North of the island and are restricted to the coastal areas. The heavily wooded interior of the island is 'owned' by the Government. Construction is not allowed. But when you visit Agistri you will notice that there are many original properties, dating back to the 18th Century, located in the main residential areas, that are empty and in need of repair. Very few of these are available to buy simply because the families who own them don't want to sell their heirlooms or often can't agree to get their paperwork in order. As a property professional and an enthusiastic lover of Neo-Classical and Venitian-style architecture, I actively seek out these beautiful authentic properties to present on Saronic.Net, so please sign up as a site member so I can send you an alert when these rare little gems come on the market.

Agistri Statistics

Agistri Island is the smallest fo the inhabited Saronic Islands with a land mass of only 13,367 km2 (11.97 sq miles). The population of Agistri is 1,131 inhabitants according to the 2021 Greek census. The majority of the population have their homes in the North of Agistri around the seaside towns of Milos (Megalochori) and Skala, where there's easy access to boats connecting Agistri to the mainland and its much bigger neighbouring island of Aegina. In the summer months, the part-time residents and summer homeowners push the local population up to 5,000. ​ The season starts from Megalo Pascha week (Greek Orthodox Easter week which can be as early as March) and ends on the 31st of October, just after Metochi Day (Greek National Holiday). ​ During the winter off-season, at least 50% of the island's permanent population (mainly those without children in school on the island) leave the island to go on holiday or stay in Athens where they have winter jobs, etc. ​ The island's administrative centre is Milos where the Mayor, Dimitrios Anastasiou (since 2023) has his seat at the Municipality Offices in the centre of Milos. Agistri falls within the Attika region of Greek Government within the Islands unit. ​ Postcode: 18011 GPS Coordinates: 37.695°N 23.350°E Country & Dialling Code: +(30) 22970 Water supply: Desalination plant on Agistri Electricity supply: connected from the mainland with DEH Internet & Comms: reasonably good in Milos and Skala but a bit patchy elsewhere, lines supplied by OTE/Cosmote. Port Authority of Agistri: +302297091541 Municipality of Agistri: +302297091260 Police of Agistri: +302297091201 Agistri Health Center: +302297091215 Pharmacy: +302297091540

How To Get To Agistri Island

There is no airport on Agistri (or any of the Saronic Islands) so you have to sail from the mainland. Agistri has connections with Piraeus (Athens port) all year to both of the small ports of Agistri. The big passenger car/passenger ferries only go to Skala (either from Piraeus or Aegina), and only passenger catamarans call in at Megalochori (Myli/Milos). However, crossings during the winter are greatly reduced. There are also multiple connections with neighbouring Aegina during the summer as well as hydrofoil connections with Poros, Hydra, and the coastal town of Methana on a daily basis. Obviously if you wish to travel with your own car, then you have to use the slower car/passenger ferries which (mostly) stop at Aegina on the way to Agistri (Skala). All deliveries to the island come on the big ferries stopping at Skala. This is how household furniture is delivered. The van drives on at Piraeus and drives off on Agistri. The quickest journey time is 55 mins, but generally longer from 1 hour 15 mins to nearly 2 hours depending on which boat you take and whether it calls in at Aegina on the way. The passenger only hydrofoils between Aegina and Agistri (Milos) are a quick 10 minute crossing. Ferryscanner or GoFerry are probably the easiest way of booking your tickets until you work out the best route and therefore whether you need Saronic ferries, Aegean Flying Dolphins or Blue Star (Hellenic Seaways) etc. I mention it simply because Ferryscanner and GoFerry etc. all add their commission to the price of the already expensive tickets! AIA to Piraeus by X96 Shuttle Bus If you are arriving at Athens International Airport, the easiest way to reach the port of Piraeus is by shuttle bus, with the X96 leaving around every 20 minutes during the day and at half-hour intervals at night. If you arrive in the dark, I personally recommend you hang out at the airport building where there are decent cafes and toilets. Get the bus about 2 hours before you need to be at the port. The port can be a bit creepy at night! The last stop on the bus is at Gate E8 which is great because that’s where the ferries and hydrofoils depart for the Argo-Saronic Islands. AIA to Piraeus by Taxi If you’re in a hurry or have heavy luggage, you can also take a taxi from the airport although I recommend Michalis Pantelis who is a very safe driver who knows the back routes to get you there in time without having an accident on the way. Although the trip is much quicker than with the bus, it can be more expensive. AIA to Piraeus by Train Alternatively, trains run from the airport to Piraeus and take about 60 minutes. The line goes directly to Piraeus without having to change. Come out of the station to the main road, go over the pedestrian bridge and turn right. Gate E8 will be in front of you about 400 meters from the station.

How to get around on Agistri Island

Transportation around this small island is fairly straightforward. There are local cars, motorbikes, e-bikes and bicycles, There is a regular bus service and enough hire shops on the north coast between Megalochori (Milos) and Skala to cater for everyone. Having said that, I find the roads of Agistri refreshingly clear of cars and bikes compared to say Aegina or Spetses. The local bus service operates daily routes from Skala to Megalochori, Aponisos beach, Dragonera beach, and Limenaria. A printed timetable is in short supply, so take a photograph of the huge notice board on the pavement next to the the gorgeous blue doomed Ag. Anagyroi Church in Skala so you have it with you. If you prefer to follow your own itinerary, you can rent a car or motorbike, while taxis are also available to get you to your preferred destination. However, taxis in high season are really overworked so you need to book in advance. For house hunters wanting to get a good feel for the island, I highly recommend Panos Panagiotis with his comfortable air-conditioned people carrier. He has indepth knowledge of Agistri and his 2-3 hour tour will bring you up to speed faster than you'd manage on your own in a week.

The Main Towns and Villages of Agistri Island

There are only three settlements on Agistri. Megalochori and Skala are located on the North coast of the island and the village of Limenaria is on the South East Coast. In the North, Megalochori and Skala are within 2 km of each other and inland between the two, there is a small residential area called Metochi.

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Megalochori (aka Milos or Myli)

Megalochori is the capital town of Agistri, it is also a port.​ It's more of a village than a town with a permanent population of about 560. The port is at the beginning of the coast road to Skala, and the port is where only the flying dolphins/cats call in, as it's too small for the big car ferries. Megalochori is the administrative capital of the island and while there are some tourist shops, hotels, and tavernas there are more supermarkets, bakeries, butchers, retail shops, a bank, and a pharmacy. There is a school and a regional health centre that provides triage services if necessary to secure patients for advanced treatment off the island when required.

Skala

If Milos is the administrative centre of Agistri, then Skala is for sure the Tourist centre of the island. In the summer season, there are lots of tourists who come from Athens for a long weekend, or day trippers over from Aegina. The biggest sandy beach is right next to the harbour where the big ferries dock, so visitors can step of the boat and within 300 meters they can be on the beach. During the summer there's a great buzz and good, friendly atmosphere and even with a weekend influx of visitors, it doesn't seem to get badly over-crowded. There are lots of hotels, tavernas, cafes and tourist shops here. There is still a small residential population living there in the winter season. But immediately after the 31st October, Skala becomes more of a place to arrive and pass through.

Metochi Village

Between Skala and Metochi, but closer to the Skala end of the coast road, looking up and inland, you will see the pretty residential area of Metochi. This is a particularly attractive suburb of pretty and uniquely built older houses. Lots of little lanes wind and wrap around corners with each property angled with its neighbour to ensure each has a good view of the sea. There's hardly a modern, recent built property to be found but equally, trying to find a house that is for sale is like looking for a needle in a haystack. So real estate in this area is in very short supply. There aren't any shops but there is a wonderful traditional taveran and some lovely walks. It's also a very green area with lots of abundant gardens.

Limenaria Village

Limenaria Village is a delightful, seemingly untouched for a hundred years, beautiful example of a Greek village that are sadly disappearing under the weight of tourism these days. With a tiny population fo 128 full time residents this is a tiny close knit community with hardly any property for sale and no recently built structures. There's a tiny supermarket and a taverna. The village nestles at the bottom of a deep gorge, that opens to the sea where there's a small beach, Mariza, and a small jetty. There are plots and some property for sale on the sides of the gorge but actually inside the village, real estate is in short supply. The centre of the village focuses on the tiny but beautifully proportioned church of Ag Kiriaki. This is also where the island bus stops.

Out and About on Agistri

Agistri is a laidback, peaceful island. Of all the populated Saronic Islands, it's the least touristy of all (not that you would think so on a Saturday afternoon/evening in Skala during the summer). As soon as you leave the beaches though, the peaceful atmosphere takes over and any sense of urgency evaporates. For me, I find it very conducive for reading, writing, and painting or generally thinking about future projects without social distractions. However, there are a few things you can find to do on this sweet little island.

Which Beach To Visit on Agistri

On the North coast road between Milos and Scala, there's a fringe of pebble beach that's about three meters wide and is frequented by locals and people staying at the accommodation along the road for a quick dip. There are a few tavernas and cafes along the road who put up umbrellas and sunbeds for their clients. But think of this as a place to get easy access for a swim rather than a location for a day on the beach. There are much better places to visit. Skala is on the North East coast and has a double-sided peninsula that is deep and sandy. The beach slopes gently into very shallow water making it irresistible for families with young children. The back of the beach is crowded with cafes, restaurants and accommodation. It vaguely reminds me of bucket and spade holidays spent in my childhood on the Isle of Wight! I can see why it's such a popular destination for Athenians wanting to escape the city heat. A short drive, taxi ride or bus trip, down the west coast, brings you to the glorious beach of Dragonera which is a pebble beach backed with young pine trees. Here there is a small beach cafe, that also hires sunbeds and umbrellas, but you are welcome to bring your own picnic and tuck yourself under the trees for shade. The island beach resort of Aponisos is further down the west coast to the south of the Agistri. The beach has multiple areas including the tiny island which is connected with a good walkway to the main arrival area. Again, lots of trees and you can take your own picnic, but at Aponisos there is a good taverna and a bar, with plenty of umbrellas and sunbeds. Once you own a property on Agistri you will for sure explore the coast line to find your favourite spot depending on how fit you are to climb up and down to them.

Geography of Agistri

Agistri is the smallest island of Argosaronic and the largest of the cluster of small islands between Aegina and Epidauria on the Peloponnese mainland. The length of the island is 5.5 km. and its width of 3.5 km. It is 22 nautical miles from Piraeus and 3.5 nautical miles from Aegina. The highest point of the island has an altitude of 249 m and is located in Kontari. The distances between the villages of Agistri are short. For example, Megalochori is 2.5 km from Skala and Limenaria are 6.5 km from Megalochori. Agistri consists of low green hills, which are covered by pine forests and is the third island in Greece in terms of greenness (80%). Since 2011 it has been recognized as a “green island” by the Prefecture of Piraeus and the National Technical University of Athens. There is a good quality road around the island connecting the main settlements and beaches. The interior of Agistri is made accessible to walkers, cyclists and hikers with a network of trails through the pine forest.

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