Spetses belongs to the Argosaronic Gulf islands complex (together with Poros, Aegina and Hydra). Due to its proximity to Athens it gets very popular as a round-the-year weekend destination. Spetses was named by the Venetians as “The Island of perfumes”. It is a beautiful car-free island with numerous wonderful sandy beaches and lovely secluded bays.

The island played an integral part in the Greek revolution from the Ottoman rule and the subsequent birth of the Modern Greek state. When in 1821 the Greek revolution broke out, Spetses was the first of the Greek islands that raised the flag of the Revolution the morning of April 3rd 1821, in the patron saint church of St. Nicholas, located in the old harbor.

Regarding accommodation, the island offers a variety of boutique hotels that respect and preserve its unique character and architectural style. Also, Spetses is a place with vivid nightlife, particularly during the summer weekends when many Athenians visit the island for a weekend break. The most popular nightlife spot in Spetses is the old port, lined up with many bars and clubs that stay open all night. Few cafe-bars are also found in Dapia but things are quieter there.

GETTING HERE

By ferry: Spetses is accessible by ferry in just 2hrs from Athens. Regular daily itineraries with speed catamarans are available from the port of Piraeus. Spetses is also connected to the rest islands of the Argosaronic Gulf (Aegina, Poros and Hydra).

By car: It will take you 2.5hours drive to Costa, the shore right opposite Spetses, and then about 10 minutes to reach the port of Spetses with the sea taxi. If you do not plan to continue your vacation to Peloponnese, we recommend you take the ferry option as it is the more relaxed and short way.

MUST-VISIT

1. Bouboulina Museum:Located just 100m behind the harbor of Dapia, the Bouboulina Museum is housed is a 300 year-old mansion. Bouboulina was a heroine of the Greek revolution and, although a woman, was an Admiral of the Greek Navy. The museum’s exhibits include gun collections, old books, letters and documents from the Greek revolution, paintings, ship models, maps, old furniture and personal items.
2. Spetses Museum:The Museum of Spetses is houses in the mansion of Hatzigiannis-Mexis, one of the lords of the island who took part in the Greek revolution of independence. The exhibits include findings from an early Mycenaean shipwreck, sculptures and coins from the Roman and Byzantine years.
3. Old port lighthouse:One of the oldest highhouses that ever operated in Greece is located on the right side of the old harbor of Spetses. It first operated in 1837 and is standing in an overall height of 27m on a beautiful hill with pine trees.
4. Kaiki beach:Kaiki is the most popular beach close to the town. It is partly organized and has a lively bar in summer. Located at 2km from Dapia.
5. Agia Marina beach:This small beach is organized with sun beds, umbrellas and many watersports centres. It can be reached by bus or boat. Located at 3km south of Spetses Town.
6. Agii Anaryri beach:This is among the most popular beaches of Spetses. A few hotels are found in the area. A walking path from this beach leads to the amazing cave of Bekiri. Located at 12km west of Spetses Town.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

Armata: Every year, the second weekend of September is dedicated to commemorating the events of the battle of September 8th, 1822, in which the Turkish flotilla was torched. The events culminate with a re-enactment of the burning of the Turkish flagship in the harbor. Even today, all fishing boats and sea-taxis hoist the blue and red flag of the revolution.