SPETSES

A paradise emerging from the azure waters of the Argosaronic Gulf. A breath away from reality into a world that combines tradition with luxury and finesse. We are, of course, referring to the beautiful island of Spetses, named “Isole di Spezzie” by the Venetians, meaning the Island of Fragrances. This lush green island halts time and sweeps us away into a dreamlike world filled with grandeur and authenticity.

Welcome to the world of Spetses, where diverse cultures, the richness of nature, and a love for art blend with a laid-back atmosphere and an infinite sense of freedom.

The first image that greets you upon arrival on the island is the historic harbor and capital of the island, Dapia. You will instantly fall in love with its imposing neoclassical buildings, pebble-stoned alleys, and colorful flowers. Dapia was the gathering place for nobles and captains during the Greek War of Independence in 1821. The picturesque harbor with its old arsenal and historic monuments impresses every visitor. On the right side of the harbor, you will encounter the statue of Bouboulina and the majestic captain’s mansions along the beach. As you head towards the left end of the island, you will see traditional carriages and the Old Harbor, reminiscent of Spetses’ maritime heritage.

Pine Forest Of Spetses

Rent an electric bike or scooter - cars are not allowed on the island - and take a tour around the pine forest of Spetses in just one hour, to see for yourself how vast it is. Along the route, there are benches with views of the beaches and the neighboring Spetsopoula island. Hikers will find an extensive network of trails, previously forgotten but rediscovered by the locals during the quarantine period. It includes 19 routes with a total length of 65 km, offering the opportunity to explore the inland of an island with relatively low elevations (the highest peak reaches 290 m) but with lush Mediterranean nature.

- ARMATA

A truly spectacular event with a touch of Revolution takes place every September, on the second Saturday of the month, on the historic island of Spetses and culminates with the impressive reenactment of the burning of a replica of the Turkish flagship. It is a cultural event that impresses spectators of all ages every year.

But what’s its significance for the history of Greece?

On September 8, 1822, Ypsilantis from the land and Bouboulina from the sea besieged one of the last resistance points of the Turks, Palamidi in Nafplio. To reinforce their resistance, the Turks sent part of their fleet to destroy Hydra and Spetses as a diversion. They hoped that the threat to the islands would force the Greek forces to divide. However, the Greeks did not move their forces from Palamidi, and the confrontation with the Turks was carried out by men from the two islands. In preparation for their resistance, the Greeks evacuated the residents of Spetses to Hydra, and only 60 brave men with captains Tsourpas, Lambrou, Kriezi, and Koutsis remained on the island to face the Turkish fleet.

After a long naval battle in the waters of Spetses, with the Turks having a clear numerical advantage, the Greeks, led by the Spetsiot fire ship captain Kosmas Barbatsis, managed to reach the Turkish flagship and set it on fire. With the courageous action of the Greeks and the destruction of their flagship, the Turks were forced to retreat. The people of Spetses, considering that they had the help of Panagia (the Virgin Mary) in their victory against the outnumbered Turks, gave the name “Panagia Armata” to the chapel located in the harbor, and they celebrate it every year on September 8th.

Every corner of Spetses has a story to tell. Some of the island’s must-see attractions include:

The historical square of Dapia in the harbor, an old artillery site and gathering place for captains and leaders of the 1821 revolution. Today, it is the hot spot of the island, where you can’t resist having at least one coffee while enjoying the view of the cannons used by the Spetses fighters during the 1821 war.

The house of Hatzigiannis Mexis, the first governor and benefactor of Spetses, which now houses the Museum of Spetses. Since 1939, it has served as an archaeological, historical, and folklore collection, featuring treasures from the Revolution, letters from Kolokotronis and Athanasios Diakos, and the bones of Bouboulina.

The Bouboulina Mansion, with its unique carved ceiling in the grand hall, renovated and functioning as a museum since 1992. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the life and work of Bouboulina while viewing artifacts from the Greek Revolution, personal items of the heroine, and other remarkable exhibits.

The two-story neoclassical stone house of the benefactor of Spetses, Sotirios Anargyros. This magnificent architectural gem for the island features a neoclassical rhythm and two Egyptian sphinxes dominating the entrance. It stands out for its quality of composition and construction. Today, it houses the Cultural Center of Spetses.

The Poseidonion Hotel, the vision of philanthropist Sotirios Anargyros, who made significant contributions to the development of Spetses. Located in Bouboulina Square, the Poseidonion Grand Hotel opened its doors for the first time in the summer of 1914, adding cosmopolitan splendor to the island.

The Anargyreios - Korgialeneios School, founded in 1927. Its exceptional facilities cover an area of 130 acres, including a private olive grove and an additional 9,000 acres of private forest. It consists of five main buildings, with four serving as dormitories, while the central building, with an area of 5,500 square meters, includes auditoriums, conference and teaching rooms, a press room, workshops, a restaurant, and more. It also features an outdoor theater, following the ancient theater model, for cultural events, a beach with water sports, and a variety of sports facilities.

The Church of the Holy Trinity, built in 1793 at the highest point of the town, with its magnificent carved wooden iconostasis depicting the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

The chapel of Panagia Armata, built after the victory of the Spetses, Hydra, and Psara forces against the Turks on September 8, 1822.

The Bekiri Cave, an old refuge for the fighters, located in Agii Anargyri, at the back of the island, where the old Spetses residents used to hide women and children during the period of Turkish rule.

The Old Harbor, with its traditional shipyards that have been preserved to this day, passing down the secrets of boat construction from generation to generation.

HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDE

As mentioned above, cars are prohibited on Spetses. The only means of transportation are walking, taxis, bicycles, buses, and... horse-drawn carriages. Of course, it may not be a mode of transportation that you can use every time you want to go somewhere, but it is essential to take a carriage ride around the island at least once.

St. Marina Beach is one of the most organized and popular beaches on the island, with taverns, beach bars, combining sports and entertainment, in a lush green bay.

Another beautiful beach before St. Marina is located in the bay of Garyfalos, behind the settlement of Pityoussa. It is a small pebble beach with small coves and rocky seabed.

Kuzounos Beach is 1.5 km away from St. Marina on the road to Agioi Anargyroi.

Agioi Anargyroi Beach is the largest beach on Spetses. It is a beautiful pebble beach with sandy seabed, organized, and offering water sports. The bus from Agio Mama stops at the entrance of the beach next to the restaurant. It is also a stop for tourist boats starting from the port of Dapia.

St. Nikolaos Beach is a small beach with sand and fine pebbles that remains untouched and is famous for its tranquility and beautiful waters.

St. Mama Beach is sandy and organized with sunbeds and umbrellas.

Kounoupitsa Beach is a small, lovely beach with pebbles and sand and crystal-clear waters.

Agia Paraskevi Beach is covered with pine trees that reach the sea, with pebbles and crystalline waters. It is organized with a beach bar, accessible by boat.

Ligoneri Beach is divided into two parts and is quite large with pebbles, sand, and rocky seabed. A bus stops above the beach, and you can reach it on foot via a dirt road. It is not organized, so you need to bring the necessary supplies.

The small cove of Zogeria offers a beautiful sandy beach, mildly organized, with calm, turquoise waters. Some of the best beaches on the island can be found in the large bay of Zogeria.

Vrellou Beach is organized, with amazing turquoise waters and white pebbles.

Xylokeriza, a large pebble beach southeast of the settlement, is organized with pebbles and rocky seabed.

Shortly after Xylokeriza, if you turn left onto the dirt road towards the area of Xylokeriza, you will end up in a beautiful pine-covered cove with villas and the lovely small beach of Eleni.

Organized Scholes Beach, right across from the entrance of the School, with the symbol of a Kaiki. The seabed is rocky, and access to the sea is easier from the left side of the beach.

Below the old Xenia of Spetses in Scholes, we will find a very small peaceful pebble beach (it also has a mole for boat access), while the seabed is rocky.

At the bay, from above, you will see on the left the beautiful beach of Tsakona. From the peripheral road, a path starts that leads to this remote pebble beach with a rocky seabed after a five-minute walk.

How

You can reach the island by dolphin from the port of Piraeus, or you can go by car to Porto Heli and cross over to Spetses by ferry boat, water taxi, or private boat.

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