We decided to go to Angistri that day because the trip does not require any particular planning or organising - you think about it in the evening and the next morning you can go. There are scheduled boat departures every day and the distance is minimal - in other words, it's all very easy, so that's exactly what we did: We were a bit lazy to think too much, it was Wednesday evening and we took the decision in the blink of an eye -to leave asap, meaning Thursday morning we were at the port. We quickly made up for the lost sleep as the catamaran does not leave at dawn as other boats do, but at 9:00am - a "normal" time for us :)
We arrived at 10am with the whole day ahead of us.

Angistri

The island is not so very well known to the grand public, however, more "sophisticated" trippers and campers know since long the hidden secret of an exotic paradise with crystal clear turquoise waters and beautiful pine forests, located close enough to Athens to be offered even for a day trip, with less cost and inconvenience (especially for Piraeus inhabitants) than a tour to the eastern beaches of Attica!

Angistri Especially today that the economic crisis forced us to gain consumer awareness and that we now have higher requirements for every euro we pay, it seems incredible to have a beautiful place in such close proximity to the port of Piraeus, that can be reached with just 10.5 Euros by boat (half hour) or 13.5 Euros with the "hydrofoil" (fifty minutes with a stop at Aegina)!

After we disembarked and had a coffee for the "welcome" in one of the countless cafes of Skala, it was time for the seaside. After all, we were there to discover a more exotic beach than the Attica beaches.. The Skala was an initial option though not the best, but worth thinking of, especially since we hade no car. Sun beds and umbrellas were available, as well as several cafes on the seaside were offering something refreshing.

Angistri From the first ride uphill from the harbour, passing through Skala, guided by instinct and final destination the beach or even the promenade beach, we discovered that, contrary to the information we had, Angistri is not easily walkable. If you want to visit the various villages and to have an overview of the island, having a car or motorbike is preferable, even a bike if your energy permits. The approximately five kilometers that separate usually each village from the other, would make it a pleasant walk, but under very specific conditions: that you would start early to avoid the sun vertical rays.

Angistri

AngistriAngistri

For the more adventurous, the Halikiada beach is on the right side of the harbor road. It is certainly one of the most beautiful beaches, also known as a nudist hangout, but there is a price to pay: to get there you have to go through the asphalt road, to continue on the path between the pine trees and then, very carefully, to test your powers of rappelling down to the sea.
Shortly before entering the pine forest, we paused at the café/restaurant 'Alcyone' to get forces. This is one of the most popular relaxation spots in Angistri, in a friendly atmoshere all day.

Angistri is a small island (5,5x3,5 kilometers in length-width), located 22 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus and just 3.5 miles off the coast of Aegina. The most striking feature of the island are the pine trees reaching the sea.

Angistri

The island is not so very well known to the grand public, however, more "sophisticated" trippers and campers know since long the hidden secret of an exotic paradise with crystal clear turquoise waters and beautiful pine forests, located close enough to Athens to be offered even for a day trip, with less cost and inconvenience (especially for Piraeus inhabitants) than a tour to the eastern beaches of Attica! Especially today that the economic crisis forced us to gain consumer awareness and that we now have higher requirements for every euro we pay, it seems incredible to have such a beautiful place in such close proximity to the port of Piraeus, which can be reached with just 10.5 Euros by boat (half hour) or 13.5 Euros with the "hydrofoil" (fifty minutes with a stop at Aegina)!

Angistri is so small that a private car is not even needed: the rooms and beaches are within 5 minutes walk, either from Skala, where the passenger boat arrives, or from Megalochori where the "Flying Dolphins" drop anchor). Families with small children can circulate on foot, and to explore the more remote beaches (Dragonera and Aponisos) there is a bus passing every two hours. Young people may rent a moped or bicycle at reasonable prices, but the hiking enthusiasts can easily reach anywhere on foot. The distance from one end of the island to the other can be covered in one-half hour, or even less for more sporty types.

Angistri

Free camping is prohibited everywhere in Greece, but Angistri has been a very old classic free camping destination and this has practically not changed until today despite the restrictions. Both the beach of Halikiada and the pine area surrounding it, are full of tents and campers, who are very careful in maintaining the beach clean but not the area around unfortunately.

Angistri

Free camping requires respect and protecting the environment, picking up and removing everything plastic and carefully burying anything organic and biodegradable.

Angistri

All campers should follow the rules of keeping Halikiada clean and available for future generations.

Photos and tour by Kris Karnezis

      The Greek islands
      Windsurfing in Paros
      Driving & cycling in Naxos
      One day cruise to Poros
      Relaxing holidays - Paxos
      Zakynthos and its turtles
      Chios, homeland of shipowners

Angistri

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