Spetses
A refined blend of fragrant Aleppo pine forests and sophisticated coastal elegance, where naval heritage and horse-drawn carriages define an air of aristocratic seclusion.
Intro
Spetses is an island defined by order, heritage, and controlled development. The main town stretches along the waterfront with neoclassical buildings and a clear sense of structure, while the rest of the island remains lightly built and wooded. Cars are restricted in much of the town, shaping movement around walking, cycling, and horse-drawn transport. Beaches and coves sit just outside the town center rather than scattered across long distances. Spetses feels deliberate and composed, appealing to visitors who value elegance, history, and a contained island environment over spontaneity or scale.
Who It’s Best For
Spetses is a premier destination for travelers who appreciate cosmopolitan glamour blended with traditional naval history. It is the ideal choice for high-end travelers and weekenders looking for a "see-and-be-seen" atmosphere, characterized by horse-drawn carriages, boutique shopping, and the iconic Poseidonion Grand Hotel. Because the island is largely car-free but allows for mopeds and bicycles, it suits active couples and social groups who enjoy a vibrant evening scene in the Old Harbor and stylish beach clubs. While it feels more "upmarket" than its neighbors, its lush pine forests and hidden coves also make it a hidden gem for nature lovers who want a more polished outdoor experience.
Who It’s Best For: A Quick Breakdown
Traveler Type | Why They’ll Love Spetses |
Luxury Seekers | Home to some of the most historic and opulent boutique hotels and villas in the Saronic Gulf. |
History Buffs | Famous for its role in the 1821 Revolution and the Bouboulina Museum, dedicated to the female naval commander. |
Active Travelers | Perfect for those who want to rent a bicycle or moped to circle the island’s 26km scenic coastal road. |
Socialites & Foodies | Boasts a sophisticated dining and nightlife scene, centered around the picturesque Old Harbor (Palio Limani). |
Event-Goers | Best for those who enjoy world-class events like the Armata Festival (September) or the Spetses Mini Marathon. |
Things to Know
The most important rule regarding Spetses is that it is a car-free island for visitors, but unlike Hydra, it is not silent. While you cannot bring a car, the streets are filled with locals on mopeds and motorcycles, which are the primary way to get around. If you are sensitive to noise, you may want to book accommodation slightly away from the main harbor area. Because cars are banned, your transport options include horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and the local bus system. The horse carriages are the trademark of the island and are perfect for a romantic trip from the new port of Dapia to the Old Harbor, but always agree on the price before you set off.
If you plan to visit the best beaches like Agia Paraskevi or Agioi Anargyroi, the easiest way is to use the wooden "kaiki" boats that depart every morning from the main pier. These traditional boats are affordable and offer a scenic way to see the coastline. For those who prefer more independence, renting a bicycle is a great way to circle the island's 26 kilometer coastal road, though be prepared for some moderate hills. Another vital tip is to book your ferry tickets well in advance if you are visiting in September during the Armata Festival, as the island reaches maximum capacity and ferries sell out weeks ahead. Lastly, keep in mind that the "Dapia" is the modern hub with cafes and boutiques, while the "Old Harbor" is where you will find the best high-end nightlife and traditional shipyards.
Things To Do
Visit the Bouboulina Museum to take a guided tour of the 300 year old mansion belonging to the world's only female Admiral and learn about her pivotal role in the Greek War of Independence.
Take a horse-drawn carriage ride from the main port of Dapia to the Old Harbor for a nostalgic journey past grand neoclassical mansions and pebble-mosaic courtyards.
Explore the traditional shipyards in the Old Harbor where local craftsmen still build and repair wooden "kaiki" boats using techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries.
Swim into Bekiri Cave at Agioi Anargyroi beach to discover a hidden interior sandy shore and dramatic stalactites inside a cavern once used as a wartime refuge.
Dine on Fish a la Spetsiota at a seaside taverna in the Old Harbor to taste the island's signature dish of fresh fish baked with tomato, garlic, and herbs.
Walk to the Spetses Lighthouse at the edge of the harbor to see one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece and view the modern metal sculptures by artist Natalia Mela.
These activities reflect how Spetses is experienced through its aristocratic naval history, sophisticated harbor life, and traditional maritime crafts rather than high-intensity hiking or modern resort entertainment.
Beaches or Nature
Spetses is characterized by its rolling green hills and a coastline that alternates between sophisticated beach clubs and secluded, pine-fringed coves. The island is famous for its dense Aleppo pine forests, which were historically used for shipbuilding and today provide a fragrant, shaded canopy over much of the interior. The beaches are primarily composed of fine pebbles and crystalline water, with popular spots like Agia Marina offering a vibrant social scene, while more remote bays like Zogeria provide a tranquil, emerald-water escape surrounded by trees. The island’s topography is gentler than the rugged cliffs of Hydra, featuring a well-maintained ring road and forest trails that are ideal for exploration. Nature on Spetses is experienced as a refined blend of lush woodland and sparkling blue sea, maintaining an air of aristocratic seclusion.
Areas to Explore
Dapia is the elegant modern heart of the island where the ferries dock, serving as a sophisticated social hub with stylish cafes, high-end boutiques, and the grand Poseidonion Grand Hotel.
The Old Harbor (Palio Limani) is the upscale center of the island’s nightlife and dining, where historic shipyards and traditional boat builders sit alongside luxury yachts and the island's most refined restaurants.
Kastelli is the oldest neighborhood on the island located on the slopes above Dapia, offering a quiet residential atmosphere with traditional houses and the historic church of Agios Vassilios.
Agioi Anargyroi is the most popular beach area on the western side of the island, known for its large organized shore, water sports, and the entrance to the famous Bekiri Cave.
Agia Marina is a vibrant coastal settlement to the east of town that features a well-organized beach, trendy beach clubs, and a variety of tavernas catering to a younger and more active crowd.
These areas reflect how Spetses is divided between its aristocratic harbor districts and its scenic coastal outposts, blending high-society elegance with a deeply rooted maritime tradition.
Local Cuisine
Spetses is known for a refined culinary tradition that reflects its history of naval wealth and cosmopolitan influence. The most famous local dish is Fish Spetsiota, which is fresh white fish baked with tomatoes, garlic, parsley, and breadcrumbs. Like its neighbor Hydra, the island is also celebrated for its amygdalota, the petal-shaped almond sweets that are a staple of local celebrations. The dining scene ranges from rustic tavernas in the hills serving spit-roasted meats to high-end restaurants in the Old Harbor that specialize in creative Mediterranean seafood. Dining on Spetses is a polished experience where traditional island flavors are often presented with a modern, sophisticated touch.
History
Spetses, known in antiquity as Pityoussa due to its dense pine forests, rose to prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries as a formidable merchant and naval power. The island is most celebrated for its leading role in the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. It was the first of the Greek islands to raise the flag of revolution on April 3, 1821. The most iconic figure from this era is Laskarina Bouboulina, the wealthy shipowner who became the first female admiral in world history and used her own fortune to fund her private fleet. Every September, the island hosts the Armata festival, which commemorates the 1822 naval battle where Spetsiot sailors defeated a much larger Ottoman fleet. Today, the island maintains its historical grandeur through its neoclassical mansions and the preservation of its traditional shipbuilding yards in the Old Harbor.
Best Time to Visit
Spetses is a premier destination that is most vibrant from May through October, when the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the island is at its peak. During these summer months, the Poseidonion Square is filled with visitors, and the water taxis are constantly moving between the Old Harbor and popular swimming spots like Agia Marina and Agioi Anargyroi. A major highlight of the season is the Armata Festival in September, which features a spectacular naval reenactment and fireworks that draw crowds from all over Greece.
From November through March, the island of Spetses Click to open side panel for more information transitions into a quiet, aristocratic retreat. While the swimming season ends and many of the beach-focused bars close, the island remains more accessible and lively than many other Saronic destinations due to its year-round community and proximity to the mainland. This cooler period is ideal for those who wish to appreciate the neoclassical architecture and pine-scented landscape through walking and cycling without the summer heat. Travelers should note that while ferries still run, the high-speed "flying dolphins" operate on a reduced winter schedule.
Editors Insider Tips
Spetses is an island of elegant traditions, and the most important rule to know is that private cars are banned from the town center. To get around, you have three distinct choices: charming horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, or the ubiquitous motorbikes and scooters. For a romantic or nostalgic experience, take a horse-drawn carriage from the port to the Old Harbor (Palio Limani) at twilight; it is the most scenic way to see the island’s grand mansions.
If you are looking for a quieter beach experience, avoid the town beaches and rent a boat or take the forest-road bus to Zogeria. This bay is often cited by locals as having the most beautiful water on the island, surrounded by a lush pine forest. For dining, while the main port has many options, the Old Harbor is where you will find the best high-end seafood and a more sophisticated nightlife scene. Lastly, if you visit during the Armata Festival in September, be sure to book your accommodation months in advance, as the island reaches absolute capacity for the burning of the effigy ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get to Spetses?
Spetses is easily accessible from Athens and the Peloponnese.
From Piraeus: High-speed catamarans and hydrofoils depart from Gate E8. The journey takes between 2 to 3 hours, usually stopping at Poros and Hydra along the way.
From the Peloponnese: You can drive to the port of Kosta (near Porto Heli) and take a 15-minute ferry or a 10-minute water taxi crossing. This is the preferred route for those who want more flexibility with their arrival time.
Water Taxis: These operate 24/7 between Kosta and Spetses, which is particularly useful if you miss the last scheduled ferry.
2. Are cars allowed on the island?
No, private cars are strictly prohibited on Spetses.
The Ban: Only permanent residents with special permits and local public services (like garbage trucks or delivery vans) are allowed to have motorized vehicles.
The Atmosphere: The lack of cars gives the island an aristocratic and serene feel, especially around the main town of Dapia.
3. How do I get around?
Since you cannot use a car, the island offers several charming alternatives.
Horse-Drawn Carriages: These are the island's most iconic form of transport, primarily used for romantic rides between the main port (Dapia) and the Old Harbor (Palio Limani).
Bicycles and E-bikes: These are the most popular ways to explore. The island is relatively flat along the coastal road, making it perfect for cycling.
Scooters: Many visitors rent scooters to reach the more distant beaches on the western side of the island.
Water Taxis: These can whisk you away to any beach or even across to the mainland at any hour.
Buses: Two main bus lines run during the summer, one heading toward Agia Marina and the other toward Agioi Anargyroi.
4. Which are the best beaches on Spetses?
The island is ringed with small, pine-fringed coves with crystal-clear water.
Agia Marina: The most popular and cosmopolitan beach near the town. It is well-organized with beach bars, water sports, and a trendy crowd.
Agioi Anargyroi: The largest beach on the island, located in a deep cove on the southwest coast. It is pebbly and features the famous Bekiris Cave, which you can swim into.
Agia Paraskevi: A beautiful, sheltered bay surrounded by a thick pine forest. It is often considered the most picturesque beach on the island.
Kaiki Beach: Located near the Anargyrios School, this is a lively spot with a beach club and excellent facilities, just a short walk or bike ride from Dapia.
5. Can you drink the tap water?
As of 2026, the tap water on Spetses is safe for washing and cooking, but bottled water is generally preferred for drinking.
The Supply: The island has no natural water sources and is supplied via a pipeline from the mainland or by water tankers.
Taste: While it meets safety standards, the mineral content can give it a taste that visitors may find unpleasant. Most people stick to bottled water for drinking.
6. What is "Fish à la Spetsiota"?
This is the island's most famous signature dish.
The Recipe: It consists of white fish fillets (usually sea bream or cod) baked in a rich sauce made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, parsley, wine, and olive oil, often topped with breadcrumbs.
Where to find it: Almost every traditional taverna in the Old Harbor serves this specialty.
7. What are Amygdalota?
These are traditional almond sweets that are the ultimate souvenir from Spetses.
The Sweet: They are small, pear-shaped marzipans flavored with rosewater or orange blossom and dusted with icing sugar.
The Difference: Spetses' version is unique because the almonds are often blanched and the sweets are not baked, giving them a distinctively soft, chewy texture.
8. Who was Laskarina Bouboulina?
Bouboulina was a local naval commander and a hero of the Greek War of Independence in 1821.
The Legend: She was the first woman in history to be posthumously awarded the rank of Admiral.
The Museum: You can visit her former mansion, which is now a museum. It showcases her personal belongings, weapons, and the stunning carved wood ceiling of the main hall.
9. What is the Armata Festival?
If you visit in September, you can witness the island's biggest celebration.
The Event: It commemorates the naval battle of September 8, 1822, where the Spetsiot fleet defeated the Ottoman navy.
The Highlight: A replica of an Ottoman flagship is built in the harbor and dramatically set on fire amidst a massive fireworks display. It is one of the most spectacular events in Greece.
10. How many days should I stay?
2 to 3 Days: Enough to enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Dapia, have dinner in the Old Harbor, and visit one or two main beaches.
5 to 7 Days: The ideal stay. This allows you to explore the pine-covered interior, rent a boat to discover secret coves, and experience the island's sophisticated nightlife at a slower pace.
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