Finding the best hotels in Spetses...
Checking availability for your dates...
Update your search below
Finding the best hotels in Spetses...
Checking availability for your dates...
Spetses is an elegant, pine-covered island at the entrance of the Argolic Gulf, just off the coast of the Peloponnese, with a long tradition of seafaring and a cosmopolitan yet relaxed atmosphere. Private cars are restricted in the town, so people get around on foot, by bicycle, scooter, water taxi or horse-drawn carriage. The island's captains played a leading role in the Greek War of Independence, and its most famous figure is Laskarina Bouboulina, the heroine admiral of 1821, whose mansion is now a museum. Every September the Armata festival commemorates the naval battle of 1822 with a spectacular re-enactment ending in the burning of an Ottoman flagship replica in the harbour. The main harbour, Dapia, is lined with cafés, mansions and the grand Poseidonion Hotel, opened in 1914, while the Old Harbour is still home to traditional wooden boat yards, restaurants and bars. The Anargyrios and Korgialenios School inspired John Fowles's novel The Magus. A road circles the island through pine forests, linking beaches such as Agia Paraskevi, Agioi Anargyroi with its sea cave, and Zogeria. Spetses is reached by fast boat from Piraeus or by short boat crossing from Kosta, and suits couples, families and lovers of history and style.
Quick facts
LOCATION
Saronic Islands
KNOWN FOR
Captains' mansions & pine forests
BEST FOR
Upscale, History, Romantic, Beach, Couples
Beaches
Agioi Anargyroi Beach
Agia Paraskevi (Spetses) Beach
Zogeria Beach
Kaiki Beach
Museums & History
Old Harbour (Palio Limani) of Spetses
Spetses Lighthouse
Poseidonion Grand Hotel
Bouboulina Museum
Spetses Museum (Hatzigiannis Mexis Mansion)
Other
Bekiris Cave
Transportation
Port of Dapia (Spetses)
By air
Spetses has no airport. Fly to Athens International Airport, with flights from across Europe all year, then take the metro, bus or a taxi to Piraeus, about an hour, for the boat.
By ferry
Fast boats from Piraeus reach Spetses in about two to two and a half hours, via Poros and Hydra. Spetses is also just a few minutes by water taxi or small ferry from Kosta, near Porto Heli, where you can park on the mainland.
Getting around
Not needed. Private cars are restricted on Spetses, and scooters are the easiest way to circle the island; leave your car at Kosta on the mainland.
Saronic Islands