Located just a hop, skip and a jump from Athens, Agistri’s beaches are a treasure trove of sunshine and crystal clear waters. To avoid the crowds, visit in late spring or autumn.
Try Rosy’s Little Village for a simple beachside accommodation with a traditional feel or the cosy Yialos Studios with big balconies, separate kitchens and sea views. Walk around Metochi’s charming alleys or head to Skliri’s “lovers’ street” for some secluded beach photos.
Skala
The village of Skala is a natural port where the ferry-boats arriving from Piraeus and Aegina dock. The village has a good tourism infrastructure with sparkling clean hotels, rooms to let and apartments. The village’s beaches are very well organized, and the crystalline shallow waters make them ideal for families. The all white church of Saints Anargyri with its blue dome is a feature in the centre of the village.
Located on the east side of the island, Skala is also home to a great variety of shops and taverns where guests can dine or enjoy drinks and snacks. The accommodation is reasonably priced and varies from luxury to budget, with a lot of choice for all tastes.
If you’re looking for a resort with a private beach, look no further than the Laza Beach Inn. Located in Skala, this resort offers a variety of accommodations from studios to suites with private balconies and sea views. You can enjoy your meals at the on-site restaurant, which is open for breakfast and dinner.
This resort is also home to a lovely swimming pool, where you can relax with a drink or have lunch. The rooms are air-conditioned and come with a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. They are spacious and comfortable, with private balconies that offer sea or garden views.
Located close to the village’s sandy beach, this hotel has excellent value for money. It is set back from the road, emphasising its quiet location, but only a short stroll from Skala’s lively centre with its choice of bars and taverns. The hotel has a range of rooms to suit all tastes, from family-friendly to romantic.
There are many things to do in Skala, from exploring the picturesque streets to taking a refreshing dip in the pristine waters. For those who are adventurous, there’s a chance to climb to the church of Agios Anargyros to admire the beautiful view of Skala and beyond. You can also take a boat trip to visit the picturesque beaches and villages of the island, including Megalochori and Limenaria.
Megalochori
The small island of Agistri has only three villages and it’s mostly covered with pine forests. It’s a great place to combine hiking with relaxing on beautiful beaches. The only cosmopolitan settlement on the island is Skala and this is where most of the hotels and restaurants can be found. It’s also where the ferry to the other islands docks.
Another popular destination on the island is Megalochori. This is the capital of the island and has a more traditional style than Skala. The main attraction of the village is the Bell Tower that stands above the church of Virgin Mary. You can see it from all over the village and it’s definitely one of the most photographed points on the island.
Besides the church you should explore the cobbled streets of the village and admire the stone old houses with their lovely courtyards and flower beds. Some of these houses are even converted into bookable villas like the one at Vedema where you can have your own pool with a view of the island’s vineyards.
If you are more into wines you can check out the many wine tastings offered at the local cellars around the island. You can also do wine tours at the vineyards, where you can learn about the unique cultivation methods of the island. You can also visit a cheese factory, a chocolate shop and other small local shops.
In case you want to go swimming there is a lovely organized beach west of Megalochori called Dragonera. The beach combines in perfect harmony the green of the pines and the crystal blue waters. You can get to the beach either by your own car or take the only bus on the island that goes there.
The other two major settlements on the island are Limenaria and Metochi. The first is more traditional and the second is much bigger and has plenty of tourist amenities. You can also visit the enchanting Lake Skala which is a dazzling water landscape with lots of different shades of blue. It’s also a good spot for fishing, hiking and snorkeling.
Metochi
A small, low-key paradise of a place located only an hour from Athens, Agistri is the perfect choice for anyone looking to relax on a beautiful beach, hike the mountains or explore traditional tiny villages. From exotic beaches like Aponisos to charming hotels and cozy little apartments, the island has something for everyone. It is also ideal for those who want to avoid mass tourism and get a feel of the real Greek life.
The main port of Agistri is Skala and it is here that the majority of the hotels are located. It is a charming little village that offers many options for both families and couples. There are also some great restaurants, cafes, bars and shops to enjoy.
There is plenty to do and see in the village and it is worth a visit to walk around its narrow streets and admire its rusty old houses. There is a lovely church on top of the hill and the view from there is amazing. The village is one of the most untouched and authentic on the island.
Another must-see is the rocky little island of Aponisos, connected to Agistri by a short pier and accessed by foot. It’s a popular spot to take a refreshing dip in the sea as it is much calmer than most of the other beaches on the island. The island is privately-owned and charges a five-euro entrance fee.
On the northern side of Agistri is the enchanting village of Megalochori, with its small curvy streets and traditional houses. It is a great option for those who are interested in learning more about the history of the island and its culture. There is a museum that showcases some of the most important archaeological finds on the island.
Metochi is the fourth and smallest village on the island, found up in the hills. The path that leads to the village is a bit steep, but it will be worth the effort when you reach the top and enjoy the imposing view of the entire island. There is only one tavern in the village run by a family and a few accommodation options as well.
Limenaria
The second largest settlement on Agistri, Limenaria offers an authentic Greek experience. This peaceful village is ideal for those who want to relax on the beach and enjoy delicious food and drinks. The best time to visit is in the months of April, May, June, and September, when the weather is warm but not stifling.
In this small village, you’ll find traditional Greek tavernas and cafes with stunning views of the sea and Mount Athos. The quaint beach is a short stroll from the port and has shallow waters that are perfect for families. You’ll also find the turreted Palataki building, which was once the mine headquarters for German company Speidel.
You can easily access Limenaria by regular ferry and hydrofoil boats from Piraeus. The fast boats take about an hour and land at Skala or Megalochori, depending on your choice of vessel. The regular ferries are cheaper but take a little longer and land at Skala or Megalochori.
There are a number of great places to stay in Limenaria, including family-run hotels and apartments that offer free WiFi. The best options are located near the beach and within walking distance of popular attractions like Aquarius Beach and Chalikiada Beach.
One of the top things to do in Limenaria is trekking around Lekani Lake. This beautiful lake is surrounded by pine trees and is an excellent place to hike and relax. You can also rent a bicycle to see more of the island.
Limenaria is a peaceful coastal village that’s only a few kilometers east of Meagalochori and close to Polemi. It has white island houses in the pine forest, a lovely church dedicated to Agia Kyriaki, and a pretty port with fishing boats. It’s also the most popular destination on the island for its famous Aponisos Beach.
While it doesn’t have the cosmopolitan charm of Skala, Limenaria is still a great choice for those who prefer to get away from it all. The beaches are clean and sandy, and the food is fresh and tasty. The locals are friendly and helpful, and there’s plenty of shopping to do.