We traveled to the stately island of the Argosaronic Gulf, with its rich history and impressive architecture, and we present everything you'll see there.
Captains' houses and mansions, bougainvilleas and caiques, compose the image of Spetses, a living painting before our eyes. The journey to the stately island of the Argosaronic takes about two hours by ferry boat from Piraeus and about 10 minutes by small boat or water taxi from Kosta, which lies right across.
The island of captains isn't only for a short escape, as it's a vast open-air museum. In the 18th and 19th centuries Spetses played a pivotal role in the country's maritime tradition, and its significance is immense due to the revolutionary actions of its inhabitants, with Laskarina Bouboulina at the forefront of the War of Independence. Every corner of Spetses bears witness to its history, combining elegance and hospitality with remarkable sights.
Strolls on Spetses will steal your heart, since cars aren't allowed on the island and it's an opportunity to walk or cycle. Whatever season you visit, you'll be impressed by the traditional architecture with its refined mansions, the old boatyards, and the pine-fringed beaches.
Exploring Dapia
The first image of the island as visitors arrive is the famed Dapia, the island's beautiful harbor with caiques coming and going at all hours of the day. This is where the heart of Spetses beats, as there are many cafes, shops, and hotels. Historically it served as the island's artillery bastion, evident from the cannons that still stand today, while during the Revolution it was the place where nobles and captains gathered. From Dapia you can climb up to Kastelli, the old town, where you'll enjoy wonderful views over the island.
Walk along the seaside road from Dapia towards Agios Mamas and admire the 18th- and 19th-century mansions, the alleys, and Clock Square with its emblematic clock tower built in 1915. There you'll find restaurants, Spetses' traditional fish market, and plenty of shops for browsing all around.
Bouboulina's iconic house
A visit to Spetses definitely includes the mansion of the heroine of the 1821 Revolution, Laskarina Bouboulina. This imposing 18th-century mansion, very close to the harbor, belonged to the heroine's family. Bouboulina's house today operates as a museum, transporting visitors back in time. There you'll see her personal belongings and period furniture, and you'll learn all about the life and history of the woman who became a symbol of the War of Independence and of Spetses.
The Spetses Museum - Hatzigiannis Mexis Mansion
One of the island's emblematic buildings is the Hatzigiannis Mexis Mansion which houses the Spetses Museum. The three-story mansion was built in the 18th century in a characteristic "Π" shape and has been declared a preserved monument since 1924. In 1939 it opened its doors as a museum after a donation from the heirs of Hatzigiannis Mexis, one of the first notables of Spetses in the years of the War of Independence.
On the ground floor are the finds from the pre-Mycenaean shipwreck of Iria, while the two upper floors display select exhibits from 4,000 years of the island's cultural history. A special place in the historical collection is held by relics from the 1821 Revolution such as the flag of Spetses, local costumes, a collection of post-Byzantine and Russian icons, Bouboulina's ossuary, portraits of naval commanders, as well as watercolors and oil paintings of ships of the War of Independence.
Poseidonion: A symbol of nobility
On Dapia's waterfront stands the stately Poseidonion, Spetses' emblematic hotel. A symbol of the island's glamour, built in 1914 by national benefactor Sotirios Anargyros, the hotel was influenced by the grand European resorts of the time and has hosted important personalities from Greece and abroad. Fully renovated with respect for its history, it stands out for its neoclassical architecture, high-ceilinged halls and marble staircases, as well as its mesmerizing views over the square and the Argosaronic.
In front of the historic building, in Dapia Square, stands the imposing statue of Bouboulina, paying tribute to her contribution to the 1821 Revolution. You'll see many people strolling on foot or by bicycle and taking photos there, especially in the late afternoon.
The Anargyreios and Korgialeneios School of Spetses
A lovely walk on the island starts from Dapia heading along Anargyrou coastal road. Passing through the Kounoupitsa area you'll come across hotels, cafes and tavernas, as well as small sandy beaches for a dip. Walk as far as the Anargyreios and Korgialeneios School of Spetses, one of the island's most historic buildings. Built in the early 20th century by benefactor Sotirios Anargyros, it aimed to offer high-level education and make Spetses a center of learning and culture. The impressive building complex is surrounded by lush gardens and sits by the sea, at the popular Kaiki beach. The school has been associated with major figures of letters and politics, while today it's used mainly for conferences, cultural events and educational programs.
Stroll to the Old Harbor and the Lighthouse
Spetses is the ideal island for cycling or endless walks, since cars are prohibited. The most beautiful route - especially at sunset - is from the other side of Dapia heading to the Old Harbor. In the late afternoon, motorized traffic also stops along a large part of the route. First you'll come across Agios Mamas beach with the little chapel of the same name, which attracts those who don't want to stray from the settlement for their swims.
Next you'll pass Agios Nikolaos beach, where the monastery also stands. Along the way you'll admire 19th-century mansions, as well as the famed, well-preserved captains' houses, with high walls for protection from raids.
Approaching the Old Harbor, the Baltiza area, you'll encounter the boatyards, or tarsanades, traditional shipyards for the construction and repair of wooden vessels that still operate today. By day there's a calm atmosphere, while as night falls you'll see the quayside tables fill from the tavernas and the nightlife begin in the bars. This is where the path starts that leads to the island's lighthouse, up on the pine-covered hill. The original lighthouse was built in 1831 and went into operation in 1837, while the current one dates to 1885. In fact, together with the lighthouse of Kea, it's among the oldest lighthouses to have operated in Greece.
The impressive Church of Agios Nikolaos
One of the island's most photographed spots is the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, patron saint of Spetses. The majestic church located above the Old Harbor in the Bitiza area is today the island's cathedral. The monastery, with its pebble courtyard and impressive bell tower, houses icons of Agios Nikolaos, patron of seafarers. The monastery's importance to the island's history is great, as in its courtyard, at dawn on April 3, 1821, the Revolution was proclaimed on Spetses before the other islands and the revolutionary flag was raised.
The beaches of Spetses
On Spetses you'll find beaches for every taste, organized or secluded, sandy or pebbled. In the settlement you'll come across Agios Mamas beach, as well as Ligoneri beach near the Anargyreios and Korgialeneios School. After the Old Harbor lies the popular organized Agia Marina and further on Kouzounos with views of Spetsopoula.
Xylokeriza is verdant, large and organized, with a rocky seabed. Agioi Anargyroi is among the island's best-known beaches, as it hosts one of Spetses' attractions, Bekiri's cave. In the past it served as a refuge during raids on the island. The cave is accessible from land via a path, as well as from the sea. Agia Paraskevi is, for many, the island's most beautiful beach, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and pines. Zogeria is tranquil and Vrellos, with its clear waters, once deserted, has evolved into a popular destination.
The popular Armata
The island of Spetses celebrates every year on the first weekend of September, as the Armata is held, the reenactment of the 1822 naval battle, with spectacular fireworks. It's the island's most important custom, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The cultural celebration also has a religious character, as the island's inhabitants attributed their victory over the Turks to the Virgin Mary. Thus they named the little chapel located in the Old Harbor "Panagia i Armata" and it celebrates on September 8.
Accommodation
- At Yayaki Spetses warm hospitality meets elegance, on a quiet little lane in Spetses close to Dapia and Agios Mamas beach. The boutique hotel is housed in a traditional Spetsiot mansion draped in bougainvilleas.
- If you want to stay in the most central spot in Dapia, the Roumani hotel is right by the harbor. The family business, operating continuously since 1964, also houses a cafe that's open from morning till night, for coffee and breakfast, food and drinks.
- Next to Dapia is the Armata Boutique Hotel, a family-run hotel that's an ideal choice for those who want to combine Spetses' traditional colors with modern comforts. Built with respect for authentic Spetsiot architecture, it was recently renovated and offers 20 elegantly decorated rooms.
- Very close to the harbor you'll find the Kastro hotel, a mansion from 1830 that's been transformed into a small paradise harmonized with the island's colors. The rooms have every comfort and views of the pool, the sea and the garden.
- For over 50 years Klimis Hotel has been a home for travelers seeking authenticity and comfort. It's located between Dapia's port and Agios Mamas beach and stands out for its cafe-patisserie that's open all day - there you'll find Spetses' traditional almond sweets.
- For a comfortable stay choose Teresa, a traditional mansion with a tiled roof and courtyard next to Agios Mamas beach. The 8 rooms and 4 suites are renovated with an emphasis on detail and decorated with natural materials and earthy tones.
- If you want to stay close to Agios Mamas beach, the Argonaftis guesthouse is the ideal choice. The mansion's renovated rooms overlook a lush garden that will make you feel right at home.
Food, coffee & drinks
- In an idyllic spot in Dapia, Spētses All Day Wine & Deli offers wonderful views. The day starts with coffee, breakfast and brunch served until the afternoon. It stands out, however, for the 100+ wine labels in its cellar, from Greece and abroad.
- In the Kounoupitsa area, dine on seafood by the water at NTA (Water of Love). The refined restaurant is run by a family with 25 years of presence in Spetses' gastronomy. Fresh fish arrive there daily from the family's fishing boat and other local boats.
- If you have a sweet tooth, a visit to Tiramisù, operating for about a decade in Kounoupitsa, is a must. Right on the beach you'll try everything from savory dishes, fresh juices and coffee to sweets like the famous Italian tiramisu, tarts and cheesecake.
- If you love walks in Spetses' Old Harbor, take a seat at Tarsanas restaurant with its long history in seafood. Next to the old tarsanades, the island's traditional shipyards, you'll enjoy fresh fish by the beach.
- Housed in one of the Old Harbor's most historic structures, an 1800 olive press, Liotrivi restaurant has been operating for almost 30 years. It blends authentic hospitality with Greek and Mediterranean flavors and serves dishes on the idyllic quay.
- Kapelogiannis restaurant looks like a balcony over the sea and has been operating since 1945. In a wonderful location overlooking the Old Harbor, you'll try local flavors with fresh fish, against the backdrop of the endless blue.
- Grab a coffee for your walk or the beach from Karagiannis Bakeries. You'll find traditional bread, baked goods and sweets at the branches located in Kounoupitsa and Agios Mamas.
Getting around
- On Spetses the ideal way to get around is by bike. Rent an Life Cycle e-bike and circle the island, taking in all the sights.
