1. By Ferry from Athens:
Departure: Piraeus Port.
Duration: 2-2.5 hours.
Book: Online or at the port.
2. By Car and Sea Taxi:
Drive to Kosta: Near Porto Heli.
Sea Taxi: 10-15 minutes to Spetses.
3. By Bus and Ferry:
Bus to Kosta: From Kifissos Bus Station, Athens.
Sea Taxi: Short ride to Spetses.
Useful Tips:
Book Tickets: In advance.
No Cars: Leave your car in Kosta.
Luggage: Keep it manageable.
Bouboulina Museum: Former home of Laskarina Bouboulina, showcasing artifacts from the Greek War of Independence.
Spetses Museum (Hatzigiannis Mexis Mansion): 18th-century mansion housing historical exhibits and maritime artifacts.
Agios Nikolaos Monastery: Serene monastery with panoramic views, known for its architecture and historical significance.
Old Harbor (Palio Limani): Picturesque area with traditional houses, tavernas, and seafront dining options.
Spetses Beaches: Popular spots like Agia Paraskevi and Agia Marina offering crystal-clear waters and water sports.
Anargyrios & Korgialenios School: Historic school grounds hosting cultural events and exhibitions.
Bekiri’s Cave: Natural sea cave for swimming and exploration, accessible by boat or short hike.
Poseidonion Grand Hotel: Landmark hotel with Belle Époque architecture and modern amenities.
Church of Panagia Armata: Historic church commemorating the Battle of Spetses, known for its frescoes.
Armata Festival: Annual event in September featuring naval battle reenactments and cultural festivities.
No, you cannot travel to Spetses by car directly. Spetses is a car-free island, which means private vehicles are not allowed. The main modes of transport on the island include walking, bicycles, scooters, and horse-drawn carriages. To reach Spetses from mainland Greece, you can take a ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens or from other nearby islands like Hydra or Poros. Once on Spetses, you can explore the island’s attractions and beaches by foot, bicycle, or local transportation options.
Yes, you can rent bicycles and scooters on Spetses Island, which are popular options for getting around due to the island’s car-free policy. There are several rental shops available near the port and throughout the town where you can rent bicycles and scooters by the hour or day. These rentals are convenient for exploring the island’s beaches, historical sites, and scenic viewpoints at your own pace.
As for cars, there are no private cars allowed on Spetses. However, there are some taxis and horse-drawn carriages available for transportation within the island. If you need to transport larger items or require assistance with luggage, you can arrange for transportation services through local providers.
Yes, Spetses is connected with other islands and mainland Greece via ferry services. Here are the main connections:
Hydra: You can take a ferry from Spetses to Hydra, another popular Saronic Gulf island known for its picturesque harbor and vibrant atmosphere.
Poros: Ferry connections are available from Spetses to Poros, another charming Saronic Gulf island known for its beaches and pine forests.
Ermioni and Porto Heli (Peloponnese): Spetses is also connected by ferry to the Peloponnese mainland ports of Ermioni and Porto Heli, offering convenient access to the mainland.
Ferry schedules vary depending on the season, so it’s advisable to check the ferry timetables and book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel times. Ferry services provide a scenic and enjoyable way to explore the neighboring islands and mainland areas from Spetses.
Spetses Island is a charming destination in the Argo-Saronic Gulf, just a few hours by ferry from Athens. Famous for its neoclassical mansions and serene ambience, the island restricts private cars in its main town, offering a tranquil environment. Explore the island’s Old Harbor with its picturesque views, visit Bouboulina’s Museum to dive into Greek history, and relax on stunning beaches like Agia Paraskevi and Kaiki Beach.
Stay at charming boutique hotels and enjoy gourmet dining or traditional Greek cuisine at local tavernas.
Spetses combines elegance and tranquillity for a perfect Greek island escape.
Explore the Town: Wander through the charming streets of Spetses Town (Dapia), lined with neoclassical mansions, shops, and cafes.
Bike or Scooter Tour: Rent a bicycle or scooter to explore the island’s scenic trails, secluded beaches, and historical sites.
Visit Bouboulina’s Museum: Learn about the island’s maritime history at the Bouboulina Museum, housed in the mansion of Laskarina Bouboulina, a heroine of the Greek War of Independence.
Agios Nikolaos Monastery: Visit this serene monastery with panoramic views over the island and the Aegean Sea.
In Spetses, you’ll find several stunning beaches and coves where you can enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters. Here are some of the top spots to swim on the island:
Agia Paraskevi Beach: Located on the southwestern coast, this organized beach offers sunbeds, umbrellas, and clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Agios Mamas Beach: A popular sandy beach near the town of Spetses, known for its shallow waters and family-friendly atmosphere.
Zogeria Beach: A secluded pebble beach on the northern side of the island, surrounded by pine trees and offering tranquil waters perfect for relaxation.
Xylokeriza Beach: Accessible by boat or a short hike, this remote beach offers pristine turquoise waters and a peaceful setting away from crowds.
Bouboulina Museum Overview: Discover the Heroic Legacy of Laskarina Bouboulina
The Bouboulina Museum, situated in Spetses, Greece, honors the remarkable life and achievements of Laskarina Bouboulina, a celebrated heroine of the Greek War of Independence. Located in Bouboulina’s former residence, this museum offers visitors a captivating journey through history.
Key Highlights:
Historic Residence: Explore the meticulously preserved rooms of Bouboulina’s mansion, providing insight into her life and the era of the Greek Revolution.
Artifacts and Exhibits: View a collection of personal belongings, family heirlooms, and artifacts that chronicle Bouboulina’s role in Greece’s struggle for independence.