The Capital of Agistri

The Settlement of Megalohori, else known as Mylos, is the capital of Agistri located on north side of the island. Cobblestone streets, stone houses, fuchsia bougainvillea, traditional cafeterias and an impressive windmill contribute to the natural beauty of the area. The surrounding area of Megalohori is very beautiful as seen from the sandy seashores with turquoise waters drowned in verdant vegetation. The jewel of the village is the church of Zoodohos Pigi. However, one can enjoy breathtaking views from the church of Agioi Pantes situated on the top of the hill of the village.

The Beach of Halkiada 

The Beach of Halkiada is a rocky secluded cove with azure waters located on the east side of the island. The beach is the only nudist beach of the island. It is totally unorganized so you will have do bring your own refreshments and umbrellas. The beach can be accessed from the narrow dirt road starting from the harbour of Skala towards the area of Skliri.

The Church of Panagia 

The Church of Panagia is a beautiful church located on top of a hill close to the village of Metohi. It is one of the most important sights of the island. The church is one of the favourite destinations for lovers of hiking. The location of the church offers excellent views to the sunset! The traditional celebration in honour of Virgin Mary takes place in the church on August 15.

The Isle of Aponisos 

The Isle of Aponisos is an earthly paradise blessed with the finest of nature. The isle has managed to preserve its exotic beauty with unique colours and incredible formations of the coastline surrounded from a dense forest of pine trees. Aponisos is located on the southwest side of Agistri. It is an ideal destination for spearfishing and snorkelling lovers.

The Ancient Town of Kadoudi is the old capital of the island. The site displays the remains of the oldest settlement of Agistri. Kadoudi is located in a verdant area close to the village of Megalohori. Here, one can admire panoramic views over the entire island.

The Chapel of Agioi Pandes and the Chapel of Agioi Theodoroi stand amidst the pine tree forest above the village of Megalohori. The access is easy with a ten minute walk. The churches are located within Kadoudi, the oldest settlement of the island.

The Church of Agia Kiriaki is one of the most beautiful churches of Agistri located in the area of Limenaria. It is worth visiting the church for the wonderful views of the surrounding areas. The traditional celebration in honour of Agia Kiriaki takes place in the church on July 17.

The Church of Agioi Anargyroi is one of the most remarkable religious monuments of Agistri located in the village of Skala. The church is pure white with an impressive blue dome. The traditional celebration in honour of Agioi Anargyroi takes place in the church on July 1.

The Church of Panagia is a beautiful church located on top of a hill close to the village of Metohi. It is one of the most important sights of the island. The church is one of the favourite destinations for lovers of hiking. The location of the church offers excellent views to the sunset! The traditional celebration in honour of Virgin Mary takes place in the church on August 15.

The Church of Zoodochos Pigi is the cathedral of Agistri located in the village of Megalohori. It is worth visiting the church for its beautiful wall paintings. The traditional celebration in honour of the saint takes place in the church on Easter Friday. This is one of the most important religious celebrations of Agistri.

The Lake of Lekani is a salt lake located on the road from Limenaria to Aponisos. It is a really beautiful area with dense vegetation of pine trees. Within the greater area, one can find the charming chapel of Agios Nikolaos.

The Isle of Aponisos is an earthly paradise blessed with the finest of nature. The isle has managed to preserve its exotic beauty with unique colours and incredible formations of the coastline surrounded from a dense forest of pine trees. Aponisos is located on the southwest side of Agistri. It is an ideal destination for spearfishing and snorkelling lovers.

Limenaria is a traditional village located on the north side of the island. The settlement has an authentic character embellished with stone houses and cobblestone streets while the surrounding area is blessed with verdant vegetation. The charming harbour of Mareza is an example of the magical beauty of the area. The sole tavern of the village is known for the delicious specialties of the Greek cuisine. From Limenaria you can follow the route that leads to the area of Limni and the chapel of Agios Nikolaos.

Megalohori, else known as Mylos, is the capital of Agistri located on north side of the island. Cobblestone streets, stone houses, fuchsia bougainvillea, traditional cafeterias and an impressive windmill contribute to the natural beauty of the area. The surrounding area of Megalohori is very beautiful as seen from the sandy seashores with turquoise waters drowned in verdant vegetation. The jewel of the village is the church of Zoodohos Pigi. However, one can enjoy breathtaking views from the church of Agioi Pantes situated on the top of the hill of the village.

Metohi is a traditional village lying on the mountain slopes between Megalohori and Skala. It is a beautiful settlement with panoramic views of Agistri. The village has an authentic charm embellished with red tiled roof houses and charming alleys. The sole tavern of the village is known for the delicious specialties of the cuisine of Greece.

Skala is the harbour of Agistri located on the northeast side of the island. The settlement offers many amenities and it is known for the crystal clean waters of the beach. The imposing whitewashed church of Agioi Anargyroi is located in the village. The surrounding area is drowned from sandy and rocky seashores surrounded from dense vegetation of a pine tree forest.

Spot: Beach of Dragonera, South Agistri

Spot: Church of Agioi Pantes, North Agistri

Spot: Church of Panagia, Metohi Village

Spot: Isle of Aponisos, Southwest Agistri

Boat Trip:  The Island of Aegina is the most endearing island of the Athenian lying just sixteen miles away from the beautiful capital of Greece. The island character is revealed from the glorious mountainous beauty of the slopes of Hellanian Mountain while the whitewashed houses and the neoclassical mansions lying at the narrow cobblestone streets of Hora give a charming aura to the island. Whether you want to explore the pine wood vegetation of the north and the dramatic rocky coastline of the east, or the fishing village of the south and the olive and pistachio groves of the west, you will definitely find your own natural beauty corner on this island.

Bicycling: The countryside of Agistri makes it an ideal destination for cycling lovers. One can enjoy riding a bicycle around the island of Agistri.

Driving: One of the most beautiful routes of the island is the one to the area of Limenaria. The route is stunning with panoramic views of the surrounding areas revealing landscapes of the blue sea and the dramatic formations of the surrounding islands. Limenaria is visible from the road giving bird’s eye views from a distance! Another beautiful route is the one leading to the verdant area of Aponisos! Don’t miss it!

Horse Riding: Agistri offers invigorating experiences of riding a horse along the seashore. You can find the riding school of Agistri in the village of Megalohori.

Kayaking: The opportunity to practice kayak in Agistri is definitely an unforgettable experience. You will have the chance to admire spectacular rocky formations and the beautiful beaches! The kayak center of Agistri is located at the beach of Skala.

Sailing: With a beautiful coastline and turquoise waters, Agistri is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts. Sailing around the island is fully recommended. The surrounding islets of Dorousa, Metopi and Spalathronisi have exceptional beaches. One of the most beautiful anchorage spots is the peninsula of Aponisos. There is a small quay for one of two boats in front of the tavern of Aponisos. The southern side of the peninsula is well protected from the north winds. Depending on weather conditions, Dorousa might be a better anchor spot that is also blessed with emerald waters, as Dorousa is well protected from northeastern, eastern and southeastern winds.

Walking: Agistri hosts numerous paths ideal for lovers of nature and walking. The most beautiful route of Agistri is the route Skala – Metohi –Megalohori. Choose the sunset time to walk to this route!

Aponisos is a golden sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the southwest side of the island. It is a private island maintaining its natural beauty and it is open for the visitors from June to October. The beach is well organized with umbrellas and sunbeds. Aponisos is ideal for snorkelling.

Dragonera is a pristine beach with turquoise waters surrounded from dense vegetation located between Limenaria and Megalohori. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Agistri. The beach has a beach bar and it is an ideal sunset spot.

Halkiada is a rocky secluded cove with azure waters located on the east side of the island. . It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Agistri. The beach is the only nudist beach of the island. It is totally unorganized so you will have do bring your own refreshments and umbrellas. The beach can be accessed from the narrow dirt road starting from the harbour of Skala towards the area of Skliri.

Mareza is a natural beauty spot with a rocky beach surrounded from the pine tree forest. It is actually a small platform built in the rocks of the coastline. The beach is accessible from a path starting from the village of Limenaria towards the cove of Mareza.

Skala is a long sandy and pebbled beach stretching out from the harbour of the island. The beach is well organized with numerous amenities including sunbeds and cafeterias.

Skliri is a rocky and pebbled beach with crystal clear waters surrounded the dense vegetation. The beach offers amazing views over the Argosaronic Gulf.

Coffee Corners

Alter Ego: Crepes and Waffles, Mylos

Café Melirriton: Coffee, Skala

Copa Cabana: Coffee & Pastries, Skala

Kyma: Ice Cream, Skala

Sunrise: Coffee, Skala

Gastronomic Delights

Alkioni: Greek Cuisine, Skliri

Avli Pizzeria: Italian Cuisine, Skala

Kastro: Greek Cuisine, Megalohori

Mandraki: Seafood, Megalohori

Moshos: Greek Cuisine, Skala

Oasis Seaside Restaunt: Mediterranean Cuisine, Skala

Ouzeri Aponisos: Seafood, Aponisos

Parnassos: Greek Cuisine, Metohi

Tasos : Greek Cuisine, Limenaria

Toxotis: Greek Cuisine, Limenaria

Cocktails Inspirations

Hook Club: Cocktails and Drinks, Skliri

Kastro: Cocktails and Drinks, Megalohori

Taboo Club: Cocktails and Drinks, Skala

The local products of the island include olive oil and fresh fish.

The local specialties of the island include spoon sweets, liquors and homemade pasta.

Every 1^st of July, the traditional celebration in honour of Agioi Anargyroi takes place in the church of Agioi Anargyroi above the beach of Skala.

Every 7^th of July, the traditional celebration in honour of Agia Kyriaki takes place in Limenaria.

Every 15^th of August, the traditional celebration in honour of the Assumption of Virgin Mary takes place in the church of Panagia in Metohi.

Mythology

According to mythology, Athena Aphaia hid in the sea caves of the island in order to escape from the fishermen of Aegina. Goddess Artemis helped Athena Aphaia by giving her flowers to decorate her head in order not to be recognized. This is the way that the island got its old name of Kekrifalia meaning beautiful decorated head.

History

Archaeological findings show that Agistri has been inhabited since 2.500 years ago, when the island was known as Kekrifalia. However, Agistri was not continuously occupied, although its early inhabitation gave some important apparitions on Greek literature including the Iliad of Homer whilst Diodoros and Thucydides mention the island with its original name. Agistri was part of the Kingdom of Aegina along with the neighbouring islands of Aponisos, Kontari and Megaritissa, which was governed from King Aeakos, and the island followed the historical path of Greece. It was first dominated from the Byzantine Empire and then conquered from the Ottomans. In 1835, the Community of Agistri was formed from the Royal Decree with 240 inhabitants.

By Boat (20.5 Nautical Miles): Agistri is accessible by boat from the harbour of Piraeus. The journey usually lasts two hours. Agistri is also connected with the island of Aegina. Book your tickets with FerriesinGreece.com !