WORDS & PICTURES: Brianna Cariola
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The lesser-known gem of an island called Agistri was my first glimpse of Greece’s idyllic seascapes. Pristine turquoise waters, unspoiled nature scenes and the ultimate relaxing atmosphere were just a short 1.5 hour ferry ride from Athens.
We stayed in the town of Skala, where whitewashed houses with burnt orange rooftops lined the small streets. Beach-goers lounged along the seafront below umbrellas made from dried palm leaves. By night, crowds at restaurant tables devoured souvlaki and fresh seafood. Couples danced at the bars playing upbeat music, and families with small kids took a long post-meal stroll.
We spent each day exploring a different beach, and found stunning panoramas that provided the perfect setting for our Greek island getaway.
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Aponisos
We walk past the greenery of the lush forest and onto the rocky shores of Aponisos, and all shades of turquoise glistened in clear, deep waters. Sailboats leisurely drifted by the surrounding islands and mountain views faded into blue. It was an organized atmosphere, where we easily alternated between a refreshing dip in the salty sea and relaxing underneath shaded beach chairs with food and drinks.
Dragonera
The shallow waters of Dragonera beach gently tossed pebbles back and forth on the shores of Agistri. The orange dirt and rocky terrain were covered with stone pines, underneath which campers set up their tents and hammocks; little secluded coves made the perfect spot for us to lounge around, listen to the waves, and watch the late afternoon turn to golden hour.
Chalikiada
Beach-goers seeking adventure will enjoy the steep downhill hike to reach Chalikiada. We followed the well-trodden path of a cliffside through the quiet forest; the challenging descent to the beach was worth it for the views of the clear waters and rocky mountainside. There was no sand but instead large white stones, smooth to the touch but tough to walk on without shoes. The environment was calm and relaxed, with campers and fellow day visitors laying out on their towels to soak up the Mediterranean sun.
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