Spetses: The Island of Perfumes and Nautical Heritage
Spetses, known in antiquity as Pityoussa (Pine-clad), was renamed ‘Isola di Spezzie’ (Island of Fragrances) by the Venetians due to the aromatic herbs that grow on its hills. This is an island of aristocratic flair, where horse-drawn carriages replace cars and grand plazas evoke the elegance of the French Riviera. It is a place where nautical history is preserved in traditional shipyards and celebrated in world-class festivals.
Things to know about Spetses
Spetses is located at the entrance of the Argolic Gulf. Historically, it was the first island to raise the flag of the Revolution in 1821, led by the legendary female admiral Lascarina Bouboulina. Geographically, it is dominated by a central ridge of pine forests. An ideal trip length is 3 days. It is famous for the Poseidonion Grand Hotel, the Armata festival in September, and its unique status as one of the few islands where private cars are banned in the main town, favoring bicycles, motorcycles, and carriages.
Top attractions in Spetses
The Dapia (New Harbor)
The heart of modern Spetses, Dapia is the social and commercial center. It is a beautiful square paved with black and white sea pebbles (chochlakia) and lined with historic cannons. This is where the ferries arrive and where the island’s iconic horse-drawn carriages wait for passengers.
Bouboulina Museum
Housed in the 300-year-old mansion of Lascarina Bouboulina, the only female Admiral in world naval history. The museum offers a fascinating guided tour through her life, featuring her personal belongings, weapons, and the stunning wood-carved ceiling of the main hall.
The Old Harbor (Palio Limani)
The most picturesque part of the island, the Old Harbor is filled with traditional wooden shipyards where master craftsmen still build ‘trechandiria’ boats. At night, the area transforms into the island’s nightlife hub, with high-end restaurants and bars situated right on the water.
Poseidonion Grand Hotel
Built in 1914 in the style of the Carlton in Cannes, this architectural gem redefined Greek tourism. Even if you aren’t staying there, having a coffee on its grand terrace overlooking the sea is a must-experience moment of Spetsian luxury.
The Anargyrios and Korgialenios School
A massive, neoclassical boarding school located in a pine forest by the sea. It served as the inspiration for the school in John Fowles’ famous novel ‘The Magus.’ Its gardens and grand buildings are a peaceful place for a stroll.
Bekiri’s Cave
Located near Agioi Anargyroi beach, this sea cave played a role as a hiding place during the revolution. You can swim inside to discover a small internal sandy beach. It is one of the most adventurous natural sites on the island.
Agioi Anargyroi Beach
The largest and best-organized beach on the island. It is a deep, sandy bay with clear water and facilities for water sports. It is the destination for many of the island’s excursion boats that depart daily from Dapia.
Zogeria Beach
Often called the most beautiful beach on the island, Zogeria is a tranquil bay surrounded by a lush pine forest. The water is a brilliant emerald green, and the local tavern is famous for serving some of the best traditional Greek food in the Saronic.
The Museum of Spetses (Hatzigianni-Mexi Mansion)
Housed in another grand 18th-century mansion, this museum contains the remains of Bouboulina, as well as archaeological finds from the prehistoric settlement of Agia Marina and a vast collection of nautical artifacts.
Agia Marina
A popular, organized beach located just a short walk or bike ride from the town. It is home to a famous beach club and offers a wide view of the private island of Spetsopoula, owned by the Niarchos shipping dynasty.
Island-hopping from Spetses
Spetses is the southernmost of the Saronic islands and serves as a gateway to the Peloponnese. Small boats run every few minutes to Costa on the mainland (15 mins), from where you can drive to Nafplio or the theater of Epidaurus. High-speed ferries connect Spetses to Hydra (30 mins), Poros (1 hour), and Piraeus (2 – 2.5 hours). In the summer, there are also connections to Porto Heli and Ermioni.
