Spetses is a small island situated in the Saronic Gulf, just west of the island of Hydra. It lies just far enough away from Athens to escape from the large group of day trippers that come from the capital Athens and still it has good connections to the port of Piraeus. Normally there are several ferries a day that visit the island, most of which belongs to the group of faster ferries. The journey on these fast boats takes approximately two and half to three hours. There is also a regular connection from Spetses with Porto Heli which is located on the opposite mainland. This trip takes much shorter (about 10 minutes). Smaller tourist boats sail from the island of Spetses to the village of Kosta on the mainland, where you can find a nice beach.
To check the schedules and (if you want) to by a ferry ticket online - click here.
The island of Spetses is 22.5 km2 in size and has a population of about 3500 people. It is a round, green island, with many pine trees. In the third millennium BC there were already people living on the island and excavations have shown that the island has played an important role in the construction and repair of ships. This was also has to do with the presence of many trees (and wood) on the island. In Agia Marina, just south of Spetses Town, excavations took place and they found clay boats, statues and the remains of a fortress wall from the early Bronze Age. The ancient name of the island was "pityoussa", meany something like "pine-like". Spetses in the course of time has been occupied by the Venetians, the Turks and the Albanians (16th century) and eventually grew into a naval power which contributed a fleet to the Greek revolution against the Turks. This fleet had a famous and fearless female admiral named Laskarina Bouboulina. In 1825 she was shot by the father of the girl that her son had eloped with.
The only town of any significance on the island is called Spetses Town, which extends over a length of two kilometers along the coast. Because cars are banned on the island, this town has grown bit bit bit and no new villages elsewhere on the island were developed, while the excisting villages remained small because they can not be reached by car. However, there are carriages with horse and there is a bus that runs along the south coast (to Agia Marina and the final destination Agia Anargi). Another bus runs every hour along the north coast to the seaside village Ligoneri. Because there is not much choice is these buses are often overcrowded by tourists want to finda beach on the island where they can to spend the day.
Spetses Town has many mansions and there are cobbled streets whith mosaics, mainly in a marine motif. Still the town lacks a bit of the charm that you will encounter in some of the main villages of the Cyclades. The tourist center is located in the streets around the new port. This new port is called Dapia and there are many taverns and cafes. Dapia is relatively expensive, even compared to some other Greek islands. Here the buses leave for the beaches and you can find in a bank, a bakery, a supermarket and a pharmacy. You can also rent a horse and carriage. Oddly enough, not far from the new port you have the first opportunity for a bicycle or a bike rental. Bikes are apparently permitted on the island. The ferries do not come to the old port because the water is too shallow. Yet this port with the Greek wooden boats and yachts is probably more attractive than the new port. Here in the old port are also three windmills.
The best and one of the most popular sandy beaches of Spetses is Agioi Anargiri Beach on the west side of the island. The beach is connected to the capital Spetses Town by a bus, but you can also go the beach by special boats from the port. The buses to the beach can be very busy sometimes, and on the beach-boats it is usually much more quiet.
Spetses Town has a town beach. Spetses Town Beach is a pebble beach, although there is also some sand. The beach is shallow here. Around the town beach is sufficient accommodation and you all amenities (tavernes, bars etc) are available. The beach is not very big, so it can get pretty busy.
Two miles south of the harbor Dapia (in Spetses Town) is the popular Agia Marina Beach, surrounded by cypress and pine trees, where a cute little pink-white chapel stands. This beach is mostly sandy and there are some pebbles at the sea edge. In Agia Marina beach you will find all facilities. There are taverns, you can rent parasols and sunbeds and you can do watersports. The beach is accessible by bus or water taxi, but also on foot.
Xylokeriza Beach is located in the southeast of the island on the route of Agia Marina Beach to Agioi Anargiri, at 8 km distance from the new port Dapia. The last stretch to the beach you walk along a path. There is a tavern on the beach but it is less developed than most other beaches on Spetses. Maybe it is a good idea to be sure and bring your own water if you want to spend your day here. Xilokeriza Beach is also a mixed pebble / sand beach.
Agias Paraskevi Beach is a beach on the west coast of the island of Spetses 12 km away from the port of Dapia. You can also eat or drink something here. The beach is situated in a beautiful bay and surrounded by trees where you can find some shade. Agia Paraskevi Beach is named after the little church that stands near the beach. It consists of sand and pebbles and the beach is at walking distance from Agioi Anargiri where you can go by bus. The beach is less busy than its southern neighbor. For tough hikers these two beaches can also be reached on foot from Spetses Town via a road through the center of the island.
Vrellos Beach is located in the northwest of Spetses. Even to this beach there is now a bus from Spetses Town. It is a beach with pebbles and sand surrounded by pine trees. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and there are also the usual other facilities.
Zogeria Beach is popular with the locals, who find it the most beautiful beach on the island. The beach is in a bay and consists of sand and pebbles. There are also some rocks. There is a beautiful white church and a tavern in Zogeria. The water of the sea here has a very pretty color and you can find shade under the trees. The last stretch to the beach is over a path. The beach is also accessible by taxi-boat from Spetses Town.
From Spetses Town, there are boats going to the beach at the quiet village of Kosta, opposite Spetses on the mainland. Beware what kind of boat you get in, because there are regular boats for a number people and there are the more expensive taxi boats.
Kastro Studios & Apartments offer a freshwater swimming pool with bar, and direct access to the beach. The complex is ideally located in Spetse's centre, 100m from the Dapia port and close to Bouboulina square. The beautifully renovated old mansion offers studios and apartments decorated in traditional style. All apartments are equipped with TV, cooking corner, refrigerator private bathroom with hairdryer and balcony. Restaurants and traditional taverns, mini markets and cafeterias are to be found within a distance of 100m. Within 15min walking distance you will find the organised beautiful Caique Beach or Anargyreos Scole. In 100m from our grounds you reach the bus station. The bus takes you to every beach on our island.
Check availability and prices & book Kastro Studios & Apartments on Spetses - click here
The Economou Mansion is situated on the seafront, a 10-minute walk from the centre of Spetses. This traditional old mansion built in 1851, now offers elegant accommodation and friendly service in peaceful surroundings. This small pension offers a blend of 19th century furnishings and traditional d�cor combined with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. The spacious suites have a large veranda, directly overlooking the sea. Traditional homemade breakfast is included in the room rate and is served next to the pool. Explore Economou Mansion's pretty gardens with their stone walls and pebbled courtyards or take a dip in the swimming pool. In the winter months, relax in the cosy living room with its large fireplace.
Check beschikbaarheid en prijzen & boek het Economou Mansion op Spetses - klik hier.
To see more hotels, apartments and studios on Spetses - click here.
Spetses played an important role in the independence of Turkey. In the Museum of Spetses Town lie the bones of a famous freedom fighter and woman who lived on the island. Her name was Laskarina Bouboulina and she was an admiral.
The sea cave at Bekeri Agioi Anargiri Beach. This cave was used as a hideout by the inhabitants of the island during the war with the Turks.
On the edge of the old port lies the Agios Nikolaos monastery, which is also the seat of the bishop of the island. The monastery is situated on a beautiful square with mosaics. It was built in 1805 and has a pretty bell tower which is made of white marble that comes from the island of Tinos. On the island of Spetses are other fine old churches and monasteries from the early Christian and Byzantine time, like the Agia Triada church and the Agia Marina chapel, both in Spetses Town.
nearby attractions on the mainland include Epidaurus and Corinth. You can also easily make day trips from Spetses to some nearby islands (such as Hydra or Poros).
Ilias Rent-A-Bike on Spetses Island Greece - Ilias Rent-A-Bike is situated along the Agia Marina road, just around the corner of Analypsi Square. Ilias has a pick up and drop off service for biked and they bring these to your accommodation and pick them up later when you want them to.
Send an e-mail to Ilias Rent-a-bike on Spetses in Greece. - Telephone:+ (30) 6973 886 407