Agistri (or Angistri or Myli) is a Greek island unknown to tourists. And this is what makes it so charming and rare. If you have little time, you can even go there by day, by sailboat from Athens (see this all-inclusive excursion to Agistri from Athens).
Agistri: a small Greek island, full of charm
This small island, located only one hour south of Athens in the Saronic Gulf, is ideal to spend a few days.
Although small in size, Agistri has many assets:
- Near: It is only one hour by boat from the port of Piraeus
- Preserved: It offers a landscape little polluted by constructions or roads
- Small: It is easy to get around on foot, by bike or by scooter
- Multiple: It delights us with the diversity of its landscapes: villages, beaches and creeks, forests.
The lively ports of Skala and Mylos
When we arrive by boat, we discover the island by the north coast. The two main villages, Skala and Megalochori (also called Mylos) each have a port. They are separated by a beautiful beach of 2km.
The peaceful fishing port of Mylos with its white houses does not lack charm with its narrow streets, its traditional houses and its small central church.
The village of Skala is more oriented towards tourism with many bars and taverns. This village also has a very nice sandy beach next to the port. If you take the road that runs along the sea from the west, you will discover small, wilder coves like Skliri. Some are unfortunately privatized by the hotels that border them.
The hidden face of Agistri
Behind this appealing façade, the island conceals a lesser-known, much wilder side. After this open sea front, the pine forest quickly covers the relief and extends over the entire steep massif before flowing into the sea on the south coast.
The massif is crossed by beautiful hiking trails shaded areas, from where you can see the glittering sea here and there. Some accesses to the sea allow to enjoy the turquoise blue water. This is the case for example of the nudist beach of Chalikiadas.
To get to this side of the island by car, scooter or bicycle, you have to take a winding road that climbs steeply, before descending to the picturesque village of Limenaria.
The quiet village of Limenaria
The village center with its playground, church and tavern is a very pleasant place to stop. Although close to the sea, Limenaria is more land-oriented. Here, the access to the sea is done by small paths which lead to creeks cut out with sumptuous colors. You will discover, among others, the beach of Mariza located below the village.
From Limenaria, take the road to Aponissos. The landscape is then transformed: the pines disappear in favor of olive trees and vineyards. With, at the end, a lake.
The port of Aponissos: end of the island
This end of the island is a little gem. A tiny port is next to a tavern and a peninsula transformed into a private beach with crystal clear waters. Opposite, the islet of Dorousa is surmounted by an improbable white church (Profitis Ilias) which brings a little more poetry to this place.
Sleeping, eating and travelling in Agistri
Where to stay in Agistri?
It is quite easy to find accommodation in Agistri. Both villages offer many accommodation solutions , available on Booking. You will also find many accommodations on the Agistri website (see Accommodation). We particularly advise you:
- Rosy’s little village, a great place to stay and very suitable for families.
- Aktaion Beach Boutique Hotel & Spa, where we stayed and particularly appreciated the shared pool, the ideal location very close to Skala beach (deckchairs reserved for hotel guests) and the excellent restaurant.
- In Megalochori, we didn’t test it, but the Nautilus Nontas hotel has very good reviews, ideally located facing the sea. Excellent value for money.
How do I get to Agistri and around the island?
To get to Agistri, you can either take a ferry (2h30, in which you can take your car), or a hydrofoil which allows you to make the crossing in less than an hour. You can easily book on Ferry Hopper which practices online payment. Be careful because on the booking platform, the island of Agistri appears under the name of Myli… do not be surprised.
Another option: you can opt for an all-inclusive excursion to Agistri from Athens, by sailboat.
To get around on the only road that crosses the island, many rental companies offer bikes or scooters. You can also count on cabs or buses to reach the key points.
However, the simplest, least expensive and most suitable is still walking. The distances are small, the paths numerous and you will have all leisure to discover pretty hidden creeks.
The island is also superb by boat, as you will discover beautiful swimming spots, accessible only by sea. Ask about the ports of Skala and Mylos for excursions.
Where to eat?
As far as restaurants are concerned, you will find an impressive number of taverns in Skala and Mylos. We highly recommend the Toxotis tavern in Skala. Small supermarkets and bakeries are also convenient for those who wish to have a picnic.
Agistri with children
With little ones, it is not easy to get around the island. Bicycles and scooters are not very suitable. As for the beaches, the steep coves do not offer the tranquility of the gently sloping sandy beaches.
On the other hand, if your children can walk briskly and ride a bike (beware of steep hills), they will be delighted to play the adventurer on this island full of discoveries.
Sophie B.
