Agistri island

General info:

In the heart of the Argosaronic Gulf lies off Agistri (elsewhere Aggistri/ Angistri), a small enchanting island of some 12 square km, that has a population of 1.000 residents approximately.
Its tranquil natural beauty, its laid-back  atmosphere and also its proximity with the island of Aegina and with Athens (less than an hour by boat from the Piraeus Port), have made Agistri a quite popular destination for brief vacations or weekend escapes.
Comparing to its size, the island is amazingly green, covered by pine trees that climb down from smooth hills to splendid beaches and coves of blue green waters. The beaches though  few can satisfy every taste since some are quite lively while others are more peaceful and suitable even for free camping.
 There are four settlements on the island all of which have their own identity and are easily reachable since essentially there is only one main road that connect them and two natural harbours.  Agistri offers many accommodation facilities and  a  variety of   entertainment choices ranging  from traditional taverns and cozy coffee-bars to bars  and some  night clubs.
Combining a tranquil nature, wonderful beaches and a remarkable tourist industry Agistri is indeed a haven for brief relaxation and also  a starting point for exploring the rest islands of the Saronic Gulf.

Historical profile:

According to excavation finds, it is assumed that Agistri  was first  inhabited around the 5th century BC. Little is known for the island’s history; yet we do know that its ancient name was Kekrifalia and  it participated in the Trojan War, being a part of the kingdom of  Aekos, king of Aegina.
Around the  14th century it was  people from Peloponnese and refugees from Albania settled the island which later on it was dominated by the Ottomans. Agistri was a target of frequent pirate raids , a fact that led to its  abandonment  at the 17th century. It was inhabited anew around 1835 and today counts more than 1.000 residents.

Villages:

Megalochori, known also as Milos (Mylos)  is the island’s capital and also its  largest settlement.
The capital  has  kept part of its traditional character and also offers every facility that promise an enjoyable staying  ; few quaint  houses,  blooming courtyards, cobbled  winding  streets,  beautiful churches such as the one of Zoodochos Pigi and tiny chapels with most remarkable this of Agioi Pandes are harmonically combined with  descent accommodation facilities and many entertainment choices. Taverns, cosy coffee-bars, pubs and night clubs become full of people during summer-time, giving to this tranquil island an intensely lively tone.
Megalochari has its own natural harbour and also a fine beach for those who prefer to remain near the capital.

Limenaria is a small peaceful village of some 100 residents, situated 5 km approximately south to the capital. The village is surrounded by pine trees and has remained absolutely untouched by tourism, offering thus no accommodation facilities or entertainment options. Nevertheless, it is worth-visiting for the traditional architecture of its houses and its astounding view to the sea. Don’t fail to visit the Church  of Agia Kyriaki with its impressive golden dome and also  Limni (Lake), a site of  great natural beauty.

Metohi (Metochi) is a tranquil small village situated close to Skala. Perched on the slopes of a small hill it offers a wonderful panoramic view, while it   is said to be the most cool place of the island.
 
The settlement of Skala  is the main harbour  of Agistri, located  some 2  km east to the capital. Built around a picturesque bay, It is also the island’s main tourist resort, which becomes quite busy during weekends, since most of the accommodation facilities and entertainment choices are gathered here. Skala has its own sandy beach, one of the busiest on the island, which attracts many visitors.

Though Agistri is a small island and all settlements are found at a near distance, it is strongly advisable to hire a vehicle or a motorcycle, if you don’t have one of your own, since they are not so easily reachable by foot.

Beaches:

Agistri, despite its size, offers several beaches all known for their crystal azure waters.
The busiest beach is the one of Skala; a long-stretched sandy beach and family-friendly for it has clear shallow waters. The beach is organized and is ideal for those who wish to stay near the homonymous resort.
The Dragonera beach, is a fine    beach of amazing crystal clear waters, found in a densely pine -covered site. Quiet in general, and a bit remote from the central road, and offering only a canteen, Dragonera is particularly popular among free campers both for its relaxing atmosphere and its splendid waters.  
The beach of Halkiada (Chalkiada)is a pebbly and quite remote one, surrounded by a rocky scenery. Access is not easy since one has to climb a cliff in order to get there, yet it remains one of the favourite’s beaches on the island  for its crystalline azure waters and also for being ideal for nudism.
Aponisos (Aponissos) is an equally splendid beach with turquoise waters, located in an idyllic site. There is also a quaint tavern from which you can enjoy besides fresh fish, magnificent sunsets.

Access:

Agistri  is connected by scheduled trips via ferry boat or hydrofoil with Piraeus Port, and also with the island of Aegina.