Agistri is a beautiful island destination in the Saronic Gulf, less than an hour from Athens. Consisting of five main villages, it has a population of just over 1000. Famous for its green, pine tree-filled landscape, there are many fun and exciting things to do in Agistri, despite its petite size.
A true hidden gem, the island is popular with Athenians as a weekend holiday spot. It boasts plentiful attractions for solo travelers, couples, and families. To reach the island, one can take a boat from Athens. Ferry tickets to Agistri from Piraeus are available through Ferryscanner and cost less than €20 per adult.
Sunbathe on the Beaches of Agistri
One of the main reasons tourists from Mainland Greece and elsewhere visit Agistri is to sunbathe on its stunning beaches. The island has an impressive collection of pebble and sandy strips, well-known among ardent sunseekers.
The sandy Skala and Megalochori beaches in Agistri are perfect for a family day. They offer sunbed rentals, have amazing blue water, and several facilities and tavernas nearby.
The water alongside Aponissos Beach is stunning, to say the least. While secluded and small, it has all the amenities one might need for a fun time under the sun.
In contrast, Xekofti Beach is among the best unspoiled natural beaches in Agistri. The rocky shore has no facilities but promises privacy and is easily reachable by bus.
Enjoy Watersports in Agistri
Besides the refreshing pleasure of swimming in the turquoise waters along the beaches of Agistri, visitors can also partake in various watersports.
Sea kayak tours are the best to explore the island’s coastline up close. Go Kayak Greece offers a range of trips, from half-day and sunset tours to overnight adventures, which include sleeping out in the open.
Snorkeling and a bit of amateur cliff jumping are always possible at most beaches in Agistri. You can also rent a speed boat or go fishing for a few hours of fun out on the water.
Additionally, scuba diving allows visitors to explore the colorful sea life that calls the surrounding waters their home. Interdive organizes wreck dives, wall and deep dives, as well as beginner courses. Their day-long island tour is among the best things to do in Agistri. It involves sailing on a 14mt wooden boat to caves, beaches, and diving spots, plus a delicious Greek BBQ.
Visit the Churches of Agistri
The Church of Agioi Anargyroi in Skala is an architecturally pretty blue domed church with archways and a bell tower. Having important religious significance in the local community, it is one of the most prominent buildings on the island. Located close to the beach, it creates a beautiful background for your holiday photographs.
Church of Virgin Mary celebrates its feast day on the 15th of August. Situated in Metochi village, it is a lovely little white building with an intricate front door and terracotta-colored roof. The hike to the church is quite spectacular, with views from the top secondary to none.
In Megalochori, you’ll come across the Cathedral of Zoodochos Pigi, built in 1885 using limestone from the island. Famous for its beautiful murals, the church’s yearly celebration takes place on Easter Friday.
Agia Kyriaki in Limenaria stands in the center of the village, next to a playground. While the area remains busy daily, with locals mingling, the church celebrates its feast day on the 7th of July every year.
Spend a Day at Lekani
Lekani is a saltwater lake located close to Limenaria. A visit here is among the essential things to do in Agistri. You can take the local bus from Skala or rent a moped to Limenaria. Once at the village, head west towards Paralia Aponissos to find the lake in between.
Known for its diverse fauna, the wetland hosts many migratory birds like kingfishers and wagtails during springtime. For visitors, there are paths around the lake that meander through a lush green landscape ideal for walking or riding a bicycle.
Tourists can go horseback riding next to the lake. Also, a short distance from Lekani is the limestone Church of Agios Nikolaos, with two graves supposedly belonging to pirates.
Eat, Drink, and Party
For a small island, Agistri has quite a few tavernas and bars. Interestingly, most people do not expect the island to have a nightclub.
The bars in Skala stay open till past midnight with nonstop music and drinks. Many Athenians come here for the weekend. Close to the port, Taboo Night Experience is the happening spot post sundown to dance. Besides DJ nights, they also host weekly themed events.
The culinary scene of the island is no less exciting. Seafood, especially grilled octopus, is the local specialty. Otherwise, you’ll find the complete range of classic Greek dishes in Agistri restaurants, from dolmades and souvlaki to moussaka and baklava.
Among the best restaurants in Agistri is Copa Cabana. Next to the beach in Skala, it is known for its hearty breakfast, brunch, and decadent desserts. Oasis is another highly rated beachside establishment with an extensive menu featuring European, Greek and Mediterranean dishes.
For gourmands, one of the top things to do in Agistri is savoring traditional Greek food. To do that, plan a meal at Toxotis Restaurant. The popular 30-year-old family-run eatery has a great wine selection that compliments fresh fish and meaty delights like lamb chops and dry-aged steak.
Take a Day Trip to Aegina
Aegina is a historically influential island and well worth a day trip from Agistri. A land with an artistic soul, it’s a gorgeous spot for photography. While there, you can learn pottery, enjoy a film under the open skies (in summer), or purchase fruits and vegetables from the floating boat market.
Once the capital of Greece, Aegina has several ancient monuments, from the 6th century Temple of Aphaia to the 3000-year-old dragon houses, drakospita.
All the island villages have an alluring old-world charm that demands exploration. Aegina also presents travelers with hiking opportunities to panorama-promising vantage points, walks about ancient olive groves, and the chance to enjoy pistachios, lots of pistachios!