Is Agistri worth visiting

Is Agistri Worth Visiting? Your Complete Travel Guide

If you’re wondering, is Agistri worth visiting? The answer is yes—especially if you want a relaxing Greek island experience close to Athens. The island of Agistri is small, green, and peaceful, perfect for a day trip or a longer stay. I spent 5 days on the island as part of a wellness retreat, and I want to share everything I learned, from beaches and villages to ferries, hotels, and hidden gems.

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A Bit of History on the Island of Agistri

The island of Agistri is located in the Saronic Gulf, just west of Aegina and about an hour from Athens by ferry. It covers less than 10 square kilometers, but interestingly, around two-thirds of the island is uninhabited, mostly covered with pine forests and small hills. 

The combination of charming villages, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful beaches makes it a perfect escape from the city, whether you’re hiking, birdwatching, or just relaxing by the sea. This gives Agistri a quiet, natural feel compared to busier Greek islands, like Santorini.

The main villages/ports include:

  • Skala: The main port and hub with restaurants, shops, and hotels.
  • Milos (Megalochori/Myloi): A small inland village about 2 kilometers from Skala, offering scenic walks and local charm

I stayed in Skala, which is the bigger village, as part of my two-week trip to Greece. Skala is worth visiting, especially if you are looking to experience Greece without all the busyness and tourists that the other Greek Islands may see.

Agistri from Port

How to Get to Agistri: Athens to Agistri Ferries & Boats

Wondering how to get to Agistri? There are a few options:

Ferry from Athens (Piraeus): Regular ferries take about 1–1.5 hours. The bigger ferries are comfortable, but the Aegean Flying Dolphins is quicker, taking around 50 minutes. Click Here to Book Your Ferry

Private boats: You can rent boats from Athens or nearby islands to reach Agistri at your own pace. I highly recommend Agistra Jamaica Water Taxi.

All ferries arrive at Skala, the main port, which is also where most Agistri hotels and restaurants are located. Whatever option you choose, make sure you book your transportation well in advance, especially during the peak season.

Aegan Flying Dolphin Ferry

Things to Do in Agistri: Beaches, Boat Tours, and Day Trips

Agistri may be small, but it offers a lot for visitors who enjoy nature, beaches, and local culture. The uninhabited areas and quiet corners make it ideal for outdoor exploration.

Beaches in Agistri

The island has several beaches, ranging from lively waterfronts to secluded coves. The most popular beach, walking distance from Skala, is:

  • Skala Beach: Easy access from the main port, lined with cafes and tavernas.
  • There are a few other beaches close to Skala, but are mostly rocky, so not best for sunbathing or swimming
  • Dragonera Beach: A calm, pine-shaded beach perfect for swimming and relaxing (need to rent scooters or bikes to get here)
Beach with Chairs by Port

Boat Tours in Agistri

Touring Agistri by boat was a highlight for me. Agistri Water Taxi offers small-group trips that let you explore hidden coves, swim in clear waters, and enjoy the untouched parts of the island that you can’t reach on foot. It was an amazing and fun experience that brought the island’s natural beauty to life.

Paddleboarding Around Agistri

Day Trip to Aegina from Agistri

Aegina is just a short ferry ride away and makes for a perfect day trip. On Aegina, you can:

  • Visit the Temple of Aphaia and its archaeological site
  • Stroll the harbor and local shops, sampling pistachio treats the island is famous for.
  • Enjoy seaside cafes and restaurants before heading back to Agistri in the evening.
Aegina Port

Walking and Exploring Agistri Villages

Much of Agistri’s charm comes from its walkable villages. Skala’s main street connects to hotels, restaurants, and shops, while Milos (Megalochori/Myloi) is just 2 kilometers away, offering quiet trails and local culture. The uninhabited areas around these villages are perfect for hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying nature.

How to Get Around Agistri: Walking, Bikes, and Scooters

  • Scooters or ATVs: Ideal for beaches and village hopping, and exploring the island
  • Bikes: Good for shorter distances between Skala and Milos.
  • Walking: Many attractions and beaches are accessible on foot.

Where to Stay in Agistri: Agistri Hotels and Local Favorites

Agistri may be small, but it has a variety of hotels and accommodations that suit different travel styles. Staying in Skala keeps you close to the main port, restaurants, and shops, while options like Milos (Megalochori) offer a quieter, scenic escape.

Saronis, Skala

I stayed at Saronis, and it was a lovely experience. This family-owned hotel offers charming rooms, a friendly atmosphere, and amazing food at its on-site taverna. One of the highlights is their painting rocks tradition – you can take one, leave one, or even leave a message for other visitors. It’s within walking distance to the main street in Skala, making it easy to access restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Saronis Hotel Agistri

Agistri Hotel

Just steps from the port, the Agistri hotel provides simple, clean rooms, quick ferry access, and easy walking to restaurants and shops. Perfect if you want to stay close to the action and plan quick trips to Athens or nearby islands.

Beach By Port

Hotel Alexandra

Hotel Alexandra is a cozy, family-run hotel located just a short walk from Skala’s port and main street. The rooms are simple, clean, and comfortable, with balconies offering views of the sea or the island’s greenery. Its convenient location makes it easy to hop on ferries, stroll to restaurants and shops, or start your adventures around Agistri.

The Milos: in Milos (Megalochori)

For a more upscale stay, The Milos offers modern rooms, a marina-side restaurant, and live music nights. The restaurant occasionally hosts traditional plate-smashing events, so check ahead for schedules. Milos is slightly removed from Skala (about 2 kilometers), offering peace, scenic walks, and quick access to Skala if you want a night out. Note – the family that owns this restaurant & hotel also owns the water taxi company we used.

Yacht Club Jamaica Bar Milos

Whether you’re looking for a family-owned boutique experience, a higher-end stay with a marina view, or simple rooms near the port, Agistri has accommodations to suit your needs. Staying near Skala makes it easy to enjoy the main street restaurants, shops, and ferries while still having access to quiet spots and the island’s uninhabited areas.

Recommended Restaurants in Agistri

Agistri has a handful of restaurants that are perfect for tasting local Greek cuisine and enjoying fresh seafood. We honestly never had a bad meal, so try them all! Below were my favorite places to visit (other than the wonderful food they provided us at Saronis).

Toxotio Taverna

A favorite in Skala, Toxotio Taverna serves classic Greek dishes with fresh ingredients. It’s just off the main street, making it easy to pop in after a day on the beach or exploring the village. The friendly staff and traditional menu make it feel authentically Greek.

Toxotio Taverna

Melirriton cafe bar

Don’t miss the crepes or waffles here. This casual spot is perfect for a light lunch or dessert. Their savory and sweet crepes are popular with both locals and visitors.

Melirriton Cafe Bar

The Yacht Club at The Milos

For a more lively evening, The Yacht Club at The Milos at the marina offers fresh seafood, Greek dishes, and live music nights. They occasionally host traditional plate-smashing events, so it’s worth checking the schedule if you want a fun, cultural experience. 

Dancing in Restaurant

Weather in Agistri

From Milos, hop back on the bus and continue south to Akrotiri. The ancient ruins here are Agistri enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, making it a great destination most of the year. Summers are warm and sunny, perfect for beaches, boat tours, and outdoor exploration, while winters are mild and quiet, ideal if you want to experience the island without the crowds.

Spring (March to May)

  • Temperature: 15–23°C / 59–72°F
  • Spring is mild with blooming wildflowers and quieter beaches. It’s a great time for hiking the uninhabited parts of the island and enjoying the natural scenery. I visited in May and we had warmer-than-usual weather!

Summer (June to August)

  • Temperature: 26–32°C / 79–90°F
  • Summer brings hot, sunny days. The sea is warm for swimming. Expect busy beaches and lively village streets during this season.

Fall (September to November)

  • Temperature: 20–28°C / 68–82°F
  • Early fall still has warm days, ideal for visiting beaches and touring nearby Aegina without the high-season crowds. The evenings are cooler, perfect for dining outdoors or strolling through Skala and Milos.

Winter (December to February)

  • Temperature: 10–16°C / 50–61°F
  • Winters are mild and quiet. Some hotels and restaurants may close for the season, but it’s an excellent time for peaceful walks, exploring uninhabited areas, and enjoying the island’s nature.
Island View of Agistri from boat

FAQs: Visiting Agistri

Most travelers choose to drink bottled water on Agistri. While the tap water is generally safe for brushing teeth and washing, it may have a taste that differs from what you’re used to. Buying bottled water is inexpensive and widely available.

Summer (June to August) offers sunny, warm days and lively beaches in Agistri, perfect for swimming, boat tours, and island hopping. Spring (March to May) and early fall (September) are quieter, with mild temperatures between 20–28°C / 68–82°F, ideal for hiking and exploring uninhabited parts of the island. Winters are peaceful but limited in services, so they’re best for travelers seeking solitude.

Yes, Agistri is considered very safe for travelers. The island is small, with low crime, and locals are welcoming and friendly. Walking around Skala, Milos, or Myloi is easy even at night. Standard travel precautions—like watching your belongings and avoiding isolated areas after dark—are enough to ensure a safe visit.

Agistri is just a short ferry ride from Athens. Depending on the ferry type, travel times vary: Aegean Flying Dolphins takes about 45 minutes, while larger ferries take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes. The short distance makes it perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer island stay.

The villages of Skala and Milos (also called Megalochori or Myloi) are the main hubs, with charming streets, local shops, and restaurants. Beyond the villages, you’ll find forests, walking trails, and beaches in Agistri that are quiet even in summer. This mix of accessible villages and untouched landscapes makes it a unique Saronic getaway.

Final Thoughts on If Agistri is worth visiting

If you’re wondering if Agistri is worth visiting, the answer is yes for travelers seeking a quick escape from Athens with quiet beaches, charming villages, and mostly uninhabited landscapes. It was a definite highlight of my trip to Greece and was worth visiting. With its mix of nature, local culture, and easy access, Agistri is an ideal Saronic getaway that balances relaxation and adventure.

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