A Unique Trail Combining Tradition, History & Natural Beauty
Discover the authentic charm of Agkistri through a scenic circular route that connects Megalochori, the island’s capital, with Skala and its stunning sandy beach. This journey beautifully combines traditional architecture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes.
1st Stop: Megalochori – A Village Steeped in Tradition
Your adventure begins in Megalochori, also known as Mylos, named after the island’s only flour mill, which operated until the 1960s. Here, you will find an impressive windmill, built in the early 19th century, a rare example of pre-industrial cultural heritage. Today, the windmill has been incorporated into a beautiful hotel, owned by the Logothetis family, adding a unique historical charm to the site.
Wandering through the quaint stone-paved alleys, you’ll admire traditional stone houses and flower-filled courtyards before reaching the impressive Metropolitan Church of Zoodochos Pigi. Built in 1885 from local limestone, this church features unique frescoes inspired by post-Byzantine iconography and 19th-century Western ecclesiastical art.
Megalochori is also home to a natural harbor and a marina, serving as a vital docking point for boats and yachts exploring the Saronic Gulf.
2nd Stop: Skala Beach – Golden Sands & Crystal Waters
Continuing your journey, you’ll arrive at the famous Skala Beach, a golden-sand paradise with shallow, crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect spot for families with young children. This organized beach offers sunbeds, umbrellas, and easy access to charming seaside tavernas, cozy cafés, and vibrant beach bars, where you can enjoy refreshing drinks and delicious local dishes with a spectacular sea view.
3rd Stop: Skala – The Beating Heart of Agkistri
Just a short stroll from the beach lies Skala, the island’s main port, connecting Agkistri with Piraeus and Aegina. Skala is a bustling tourist hub, offering a variety of hotels, traditional Greek tavernas, lively restaurants, and exciting nightlife spots.
One of the village’s most iconic landmarks is the Church of Agioi Anargyroi, with its distinctive blue dome, visible from the sea. The church stands on the site of an older church, where, according to tradition, the Holy Altar was consecrated by Saint Nektarios of Aegina.
Final Stop: Returning to Megalochori – A Complete Experience
The route concludes with a return to Megalochori, completing a beautiful journey through Agkistri’s heritage, traditions, and stunning nature. This scenic loop offers a perfect blend of sights, sounds, and experiences, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this charming Saronic island.
Hiking Information
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5 km
Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes
Ascent: 108 m
Descent: 97 m
Highest Point: 96 m
Experience Agkistri’s unspoiled beauty on this breathtaking circular trail, winding through lush pine forests, historic chapels, and secluded beaches, offering spectacular panoramic views and a true immersion in nature.
1st Stop: Metochi – A scenic forest route
Starting in Megalochori, the trail leads through dense pine forests to Metochi, a charming village with traditional architecture. Along the way, you’ll pass the Church of Agioi Theodoroi, a peaceful chapel surrounded by greenery, perfect for a short rest.
2nd Stop: Kontari Peak – Stunning views & ancient heritage
Ascending to Kontari Peak, the highest point of the route, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over the Saronic Gulf. The area is also of archaeological interest, with discoveries indicating prehistoric settlements, shedding light on Agkistri’s ancient past.
3rd Stop: Dragonera – A hidden seaside retreat
The trail descends towards Agia Varvara, then follows a scenic old path leading to Dragonera, one of Agkistri’s most beautiful beaches. Encircled by lush pine trees, with fine pebbles and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this lightly organized beach offers the perfect setting for a refreshing swim and relaxation.
Return to Megalochori
The route follows a picturesque coastal trail, transitioning into a road as it leads back to Megalochori, completing an unforgettable nature adventure.
Alternative option: For a shorter route, you can return from Kontari Peak to Megalochori via a forest road.
Hiking Information
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10.7 km
Duration: 3:15 h
Ascent: 326 m
Descent: 326 m
Highest point: 270 m
Lowest point: 5 m
This circular route connects Dragonera with Agia Varvara, passing through scenic trails and breathtaking viewpoints. Ideal for hikers and nature lovers, this short but rewarding journey showcases the unspoiled beauty of Agkistri.
1st Stop: Dragonera – A beach of natural beauty
The trail begins at Dragonera, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, fine pebbles, and lush greenery. The tall pines surrounding the shore create a tranquil and refreshing atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.
2nd Stop: Panoramic Viewpoint – A short climb with breathtaking views
Following the forest road, the trail ascends a hill, where a short detour leads to a spectacular viewpoint. From here, admire the endless blue of the Saronic Gulf, Agkistri’s green hills, and, on a clear day, the surrounding islands.
3rd Stop: Agia Varvara – A historic chapel in nature
The trail descends towards Agia Varvara, a picturesque chapel nestled among pine trees. This area was once home to the island’s old threshing floors and limestone wells used for water collection, offering a glimpse into the island’s rural heritage.
The chapel is a single-naved basilica with a saddleback roof, featuring a wood-carved iconostasis with three portable icons from the early 20th century. These icons are painted in the so-called Renaissance style, drawing inspiration from post-Byzantine iconography and 19th-century Western ecclesiastical art. The peaceful surroundings and shade make it an ideal resting point.
4th Stop: Trail back to Dragonera
From Agia Varvara, the journey continues along a picturesque natural trail, winding through shaded pathways and scenic viewpoints. The route leads back to Dragonera, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in its tranquil, crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush pine forests.
Hiking Information
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.6 km
Duration: 1:20 h
Ascent: 142 m
Descent: 142 m
Highest point: 143 m
Lowest point: 1 m
This captivating circular trail connects Limenaria with Agios Nikolaos, the exotic Aponisos, and Lekani Lake, offering a unique hiking experience through Agkistri’s natural landscapes.
1st Stop: Limenaria – Tradition and culture
The journey begins in Limenaria, a charming village surrounded by lush pine forests. Known for its rich folk traditions and unique cultural character, Limenaria reflects the authentic side of Agkistri. From here, a scenic trail leads to Agios Nikolaos.
2nd Stop: Agios Nikolaos – Stunning views and hidden history
The trail reaches Agios Nikolaos, a peaceful chapel nestled in greenery, offering panoramic views of the sea and pine-covered hills. This single-naved basilica with a saddleback roof, built from local limestone, reflects the island’s traditional architecture. In the churchyard, two old graves are rumored to belong to pirates, adding a touch of mystery to this serene spot.
3rd Stop: Aponisos – A secluded paradise
The private islet of Aponisos is connected to Agkistri by a small bridge, creating a dreamlike coastal setting. The small yet stunning beach is surrounded by smooth, flat rocks and crystal-clear turquoise waters. There is an organized section with sunbeds, as well as open space for those who prefer to relax closer to nature.
4th Stop: Lekani Lake – Agkistri’s natural salt marsh
The trail continues around Lekani Lake (Alyki), a unique natural landmark in the heart of a dense pine forest. In the past, the island’s inhabitants built a canal that connected it to the sea, in order to regulate the flow of seawater and produce salt. The salt collection served local needs, and until recently they used to dip cedar wood there to strengthen it as a building material.
Return to Limenaria
The journey ends with a return to Limenaria via another scenic trail, rich in shade and natural beauty.
Hiking Information
Difficulty: Easy
Distance:4,4 km
Duration: 1:10 h
Ascent: 76 m
Descent: 76 m
Highest point: 50 m
Lowest point: 1 m
English 
Greek