Getting from Zakynthos to Spetses

If you are heading to Spetses from Zakynthos you are making your way from one of the most beautiful of the Ionian islands to a car-free island in the Saronic Gulf, on the opposite side of Greece. It has neoclassical mansions around the harbour, a strong nautical tradition and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere.

Getting there by air

Spetses has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens. Zakynthos has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Zakynthos to Athens and then taking the Saronic ferry from Piraeus to Spetses, which runs up to 10 daily crossings and takes around 1.5 to 3.5 hours, gives a total journey time of around 4 to 5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Zakynthos to Spetses. No Ionian island is connected by sea to any Aegean island. Getting there by road means taking the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and driving northeast through the Peloponnese to the mainland port of Kosta, which takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, and then taking the short local boat across to Spetses, which takes around 10 minutes and runs frequently. This avoids Athens entirely and is the most natural road connection given Kosta's position on the eastern Peloponnese coast.

Your best option

Fly from Zakynthos to Athens and take the Saronic ferry from Piraeus to Spetses. It is the fastest and most practical approach. Note that Spetses is car-free so no vehicles can be taken to the island. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and drive northeast to Kosta for the short local boat across to Spetses.