If you love natural beauty and history, Spetses is the ideal destination for you.
Cosmopolitan and aristocratic, this island of the Argosaronic gulf combines neoclassical architecture with jade waters and pine trees. It has beautiful sandy, pebbled, and lush beaches, while its every corner reminds the visitor of the island’s role in the Greek War of Independence and of the heroes that fought here, like Laskarina Bouboulina and Hatziyiannis Mexis.
Where to go
The city of Spetses is romantic, full of two-storey neoclassical houses with bougainvillea and palm trees in their gardens. Walk among the flowers and the colourful horse-drawn carriages and you’ll be immediately transported to the tumultuous time of the naval commanders. Dápia the port, is the ideal location for a coffee in front of the canons that once protected Spetses. In the Old Harbour another place that will travel you back in time, you’ll find taverns and ouzeri (taverns that mainly serve seafood and ouzo, a traditional Greek dry anise-flavoured aperitif) right by the water.
On beaches like Agia Paraskevi and Ligoneri that combine the green of the pines with the turquoise of the water you can swim and rest. At Bekiris Cave you can swim where the locals hid when the island was attacked, among the trees and the stalagmites.
Getting there
You can reach Spetses either by boat or by car. You can catch a Flying Dolphin from the port of Pireaus or a passenger catamaran from Akti Tzelepi. The trip lasts approximately two to three hours, depending on the itinerary and the stops.
You can also depart from Porto Heli for Spetses, again by Flying Dolphin or a catamaran and you’ll arrive in around 15 minutes. Cars are not allowed on the island, but you can also get there in your vehicle. You must drive to Kosta in Ermionida, Peloponnese, and cross to Dápia either in a boat, in around 15 minutes, or in a sea taxi in five minutes, or in the ferry. You can safely leave your car in Kosta.
Where to stay
Poseidonion Grand Hotel: The five-star Poseidonion Grand Hotel is housed in a historic building of Spetses and is considered one of the island’s landmarks. Its rooms are luxurious and beautifully decorated. The pool is framed by palms, while it also has a spa for relaxation treatments. At the awarded à la carte Verandah Restaurant, you can try Greek fusion dishes, while the Library Brasserie offers Greek and European cuisine. For cocktails and light bites visit Poseidonion Bar. Visitors applaud the Poseidonion Grand Hotel for its high-quality services and exceptional staff (2298074553, https://www.poseidonion.com/el/)
Hotel Spetses: The four-star Hotel Spetses is ten minutes away from the port. It’s in a quiet location ideal for those seeking to relax. The rooms include everything you’ll need and offer a beautiful view of the Saronic gulf. Hotel Spetses also has a restaurant and a beach bar (2298072602, https://www.spetses-hotel.gr/el/)
Kochyli boutique hotel: Kochyli is a small, blue hotel near the port of Spetses. It’s a fine, recently renovated boutique hotel, modern and cosy. It has large rooms and comfortable beds, something that promises a restful stay (6974014972, https://www.kochyli.gr/)
Klimis Hotel: Klimis Hotel, is a hotel in shades of white and grey. It’s situated in a beautiful location near the beach of Agios Mamas. The rooms have been renovated, have nice colour palettes and unique lighting, and offer views of the sea, of Hora, or of both (2298073725, https://www.klimishotel.gr/)
Where to eat
Kapelogiannis: The ouzeri-restaurant Kapelogiannis serves traditional homemade mezes since 1945. It’s at a great location at the Old Harbour, next to the sea. Go there for its unique food combinations like ladotiri cheese with fig jam, seabass carpaccio with ginger and pepper, pumpkin risotto, and crawfish orzo (https://www.facebook.com/Kapelogiannis/)
Akrogialia: If you’re walking around the Kounoupitsa area and come across white tables and chairs on the beach, then you’ve found Akrogialia. Here you’ll enjoy traditional Greek recipes. This tavern specialises in mezes to be served with ouzo, and in fresh fish (2298074749)
Tarsanas: Another well-known fish tavern in the Old Harbour. Try the fresh fish and seafood that the owners catch themselves on their boat. Tarsanas’ specialty is the marinated cuttlefish and the grilled lobster (https://www.tarsanasrestaurant.com/)
Tokyo Joe: The well-known and beloved sushi bar that you’ll find in Vouliagmeni, in Glyfada, in Kolonaki, in Psychico and in Mykonos also has a branch in Spetses. Its menu has been prepared by the world’s top chefs combining the flavours of Japan, Peru, and China. Its goal is to surpass the traditional and the ordinary and surprise the guests with new interpretations of sushi (https://tokyojoe.gr/tokyo-joe-spetses/)
What to see
When in Spetses you must visit the Bouboulina Museum, her lovely mansion that is now 300 years old and has been in operation as a museum since 1992. The tour’s duration is about 40 minutes. You can admire various heirlooms and personal items of the Revolution’s heroine.
The Spetses Museum is housed in the mansion of Hatziyiannis Mexis. It’s a remarkable building with high arches dated back to 1785, while it’s home to a rich collection of archaeological and folklore artifacts.
You should also visit the Lighthouse of Spetses which is located in the Old Harbour. Its construction began in 1831, and together with that of Kea, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the country in operation since 1837.
The Anargyros stone mansion is also worth a visit, to see that it was indeed built according to the architect’s wishes, who wanted to build a mansion that would resemble an ancient Egyptian palace or temple.
Where to go swimming
Agia Marina: Agia Marina is a serviced, cosmopolitan beach with umbrellas, sun beds and beach bars. After swimming in the crystal-clear waters and doing different beach sports you can have a meal in one of the restaurants.
Agia Paraskevi: Agia Paraskevi is a gorgeous beach that combines the turquoise waters with the pine trees that reach down to the sea. It is justly considered by many the most beautiful beach in Spetses
Ligoneri: Beneath the settlement of civil engineers, you can find the lush beach Ligoneri. The trees offer their shade to the bathers and the waters are crystal-clear. It’s not a serviced beach so you’ll need to bring provisions.
Bekiris Beach: Bekiris Cave is a natural landmark. It used to be a hideaway for the residents of Spetses when the island was under attack or being raided. The cave has a narrow entry where a trail that leads to a small sandy beach inside starts. Swim inside the cave and admire the natural landscape. It’s best to have flashlight with you for better visibility.
What to do
If you’re a nature-lover, you’ll really enjoy the lush forests of Spetses. If you like trekking or cycling, you can follow one of the dirt roads that cross the forests and offer a view of the Saronic gulf and the Peloponnese.
The island’s ring road will get you to the beautiful beaches that you can also admire from the water if you get on one of the many boats that offer private cruising.
Another special experience is horseback riding. The routes are lovely with beautiful views, and you can have trained coaches with you. Also, in Spetses you can do many sea sports, ranging from water ski to canoeing to windsurfing.
Must
If you find yourself in Spetses in September, you mustn’t miss the Armata. It’s an impressive re-enactment of the naval battle of Spetses that took place on September 8, 1822 and ended in the defeat of the Turks.
The celebration takes place every year in the middle of September. It lasts a few days and includes amazing fireworks and the burning of Turkish flagship.
Useful numbers
Multipurpose Clinic of Spetses: 2298072472
Port Authority of Spetses: 2298072245
Police Station: 2298073100
Tourist Police: 2298073477
Municipality of Spetses: 2298320010
Sea Taxis: 2298072072
