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Last updated on February 16th, 2026 at 02:20 pm
If you’re wondering what to do in Agistri, one of the best islands near Athens, we’ve got you covered.
One of the lesser-known Greek Islands that you may have never heard of before, Agistri will most definitely be part of your list of places to visit in Greece once you get to the end of this article about what to do in Agistri.
Situated one and a half hours by ferry from the Port of Piraeus, Agistri Island is ideal for either the perfect weekend escape, the laziest summer holidays, or even a fantastic day trip from the Greek capital.
No matter how much time you choose to spend there, though, one thing’s for sure. The island’s relaxing ambience will make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
So, here’s what to do in Agistri, one of the most laid-back islands near Athens.
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Where Is Agistri?
Situated next to Aegina, Agistri is a small island with natural beauty in the Saronic Gulf near Athens. The island of Agistri has two main ports, Skala and Megalochori.
Skala is the island’s main port, which serves regular ferries, whereas the nearby Megalochori is the main village and serves high-speed ferries.
The lush Saronic island features pristine beaches with crystal clear waters and a mainland dotted with pine trees.
How Long To Stay in Agistri?
If you were to ask us which island near Athens is perfect for a weekend break, we would wholeheartedly answer that Agistri is the one. In our opinion, two days is the ideal time to spend there.
That said, many people choose to spend their entire summer holidays there. We can’t blame them. Agistri’s relaxing vibes are hard to resist.
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Best Time To Visit Agistri
When planning a trip to Greece, Agistri is one of the Greek islands you can visit from late spring to early autumn. Try to avoid weekends in July and August when Athenians flock to the island for their much-needed beach escape.
How To Get To Agistri
You can reach one of Agistri’s two ports from Piraeus Port near Athens either by regular ferry or high-speed ferry.
The regular ferry takes about one and a half hours to reach Skala Port, whereas the high-speed ferry will get you to Megalochori (Mylos) Port in about one hour.
The one port from the other is a half-hour coastal walk or a short taxi ride.
Agistri is well connected to Aegina, so it’s a good opportunity to visit both islands on the same trip. Our complete guide on which Greek islands to visit will help you plan the best island-hopping itinerary.
The best way to check out ferry routes and timetables to Agistri, as well as to buy your ferry tickets, is Ferryhopper.
Getting Around Agistri Island
Agistri is a compact island with one main road and a few hiking routes through the pine forests. So, if you’re wondering how to get around the island, Agistri is one of the best Greek islands to explore without a car.
The best ways to explore Agistri are by walking or renting a bicycle.
Alternatively, you can use public transport. The local bus will take you to the island’s main villages and best beaches, including Limenaria, Dragonera Beach and Aponissos.
However, brace yourselves for long queues and crowded buses, especially during the high season and on weekends.
Last but not least, taxis can take you anywhere you want, any time you want. Ask your hotel for the taxi drivers’ phone numbers.
Where To Stay in Agistri
The vast majority of Agistri hotels are situated in the village of Skala. That’s where we choose to stay whenever we visit Agistri.
Skala has plenty of options for bars, cafés and restaurants with traditional Greek cuisine serving some of the best vegetarian Greek dishes with fresh local products.
In Skala, you can also find souvenir shops with some of the best things to buy in Greece.
Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a tent or thirty while wandering around the forests or remote beaches. The island is very popular with wild camping enthusiasts.
Our guides about responsible travel in Greece and the best ways to be a responsible traveller will help you understand the negative impact of wild camping on the natural landscape.
Is Agistri Worth Visiting on a Day Trip?
Even though Agistri is the perfect weekend destination from Athens, it’s also ideal for an unforgettable day trip from the Greek capital.
If you plan to visit Athens for a few days and can’t spend a couple of days on the island, you should at least visit Agistri on a day trip.
To explore the island at your own pace and enjoy the beach, just take the ferry from Piraeus and return in the evening.
Alternatively, join an organised boat tour to Aegina and Agistri, including a buffet lunch and unlimited drinks.
Travel Resources To Help You Plan Your Trip To Agistri Island
What To Do in Agistri – Top 5 Things To Do
1. Swim in Crystal Clear Waters
Greece is a country that boasts countless spectacular beaches. As a rule, the farther from Athens you travel, the more pristine the beaches you’ll find.
However, this is not the case with Agistri Island. No matter its proximity to Athens, the island is home to quite a few wonderful beaches with crystal-clear waters.
In Agistri, you don’t have to go far to find a nice beach to relax and swim. Skala Beach is right next to the island’s main port, while Megalochori Beach is in the heart of the island’s largest settlement.
Both beaches have affordable sunbeds and umbrellas for hire.
If you’d prefer a more secluded beach, though, head to Skliri or Chalikiada.
Keep in mind that the latter is a favourite among wild campers, so tents may not leave enough space for you to spread your towel, especially on weekends.
That’s similar to what happens at Dragonera, another of Agistri’s remote beaches.
For an exotic experience, head to Aponissos, the remotest beach on Agistri, which boasts turquoise waters. There’s a fee to access this beach because it’s on a private island, but it’s worth every cent.
2. Hike The Entire Island
When planning what to do in Agistri, always remember that this Island is tiny. Therefore, you can easily walk around the entire island on foot.
You can either walk on paved roads or on the hiking paths that go through the island’s scented pine trees.
That said, keep in mind that those trails, although easy and delightful, aren’t signposted, which means that you’ll have to heavily rely on your Google Maps app.
The easiest walk you can enjoy is from Megalochori (Mylos) to Skala and then on to the path that leads to Chalikiada Beach. This is a leisurely walk rather than a proper hike that anyone can enjoy.
On the other hand, avid hikers shouldn’t miss the chance to walk from Megalochori or Skala to Aponissos Beach via the pine forest. This hike takes about two hours and it’s a bit uphill.
Therefore, it’s best to avoid it on a really hot day. Don’t forget to bring your water bottle and, we repeat, have your Google Maps app handy.
3. Go Sightseeing
One thing we love about Agistri and probably the top reason why we keep going back is that it’s an easy-going island in every way. In our case, this means a place with few or no major things to see or do.
Considering our itchy feet and our thirst to explore every single piece of soil in the destinations we visit, limited sightseeing is the only way for us to genuinely relax and rest.
That said, the island has a couple of points of interest that shouldn’t go unnoticed. In Skala, don’t miss the whitewashed Church of Agioi Anargyroi with its distinctive sky-blue dome.
For a look into the oldest and most picturesque side of the island, take a stroll around the hilltop Metochi Village, which is home to the island’s most important church, the Church of Zoodochos Pigi.
Last but not least, it’s worth making the trip to the tiny village of Limenaria and Mariza Beach, the most secluded of all places to visit in Agistri, to take in its authentic island vibes.
4. Do Water Sports
Agistri Island is all about having fun in the sun. Indulging in some water sports activities is one of the best things to do in Agistri Greece.
From boat rides and canoeing to windsurfing and kite-surfing, you will find a wide variety of water sports on almost all Agistri beaches.
5. Island-Hop To Aegina
Aegina, yet another of the best islands near Athens, is literally a stone’s throw from Agistri.
Therefore, if you’re still wondering what to do in Agistri, Aegina is either the ideal day trip from there or the best island to continue your island-hopping trip in Greece.
An island of rich history – it used to be the capital of Greece for a brief time – and abundant in ancient ruins and religious sites, Aegina is worth a trip in its own right.
We don’t claim that Agistri is the prettiest island in Greece. That would be Amorgos. Nor is it an island with countless things to do that will keep you busy and active, like Paros or Andros.
Yet it’s the most relaxing island, a short distance from Athens, you could ever wish for. That’s reason enough for this small island near Athens to have you hooked. Pun intended. Agistri is the Greek word for hook.
Νothing beats the feeling of hopping on a short ferry ride that will take you to a small island with beautiful beaches, laid-back vibes, delicious food and pleasant walks.
We have no doubt that you will absolutely enjoy your time on this island. Especially now that you know exactly what to do in Agistri for a memorable trip on one of the best islands near Athens!
WORDS & EDITING: Maria
IMAGES: Katerina