Location

The island of Spetses

The actual name of the island is a derivation from "Isola de Spezzie", the Island of Fragrance, a name given by the Venetians because of the many herbs growing on the mountains of the island. The pine covered island of Spetses is part of the Saronic islands and lies at the entrance of the Argolic Gulf, since it is the southernmost island of the group.

Like Hydra, Spetses had an important role during the Greek Revolution of 1821, with many ships taking part in baval battles against the Turks. In fact, Spetses is the birthplace of the most famous heroine of the Greek Revolution, Lascarina Bouboulina.

Her house is located a few meters from the new port of the island, Dapia. It has recently been renovated and works as a museum, depicting life and culture on Spetses in the 18th century. Spetses is a beautiful island that has both tranquil and cosmopolitan spots. The most popular quarter is Dapia, the picturesque port with the cannons around it and the stone mansions. On the right side of Dapia, there is Poseidonio Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in Greece and the most luxurious at its time. Family hotels, cafeterias and delicious taverns surround Dapia, where hydrofoils to the island arrive.

The architecture of Spetses is traditional and it distinguishes for the stone mansions with grey colours, paved and narrow streets and large bays. Among the most picturesque spots in Spetses is the small bay of Agios Nikolaos, above which there is the Cathedral of the island. Another characteristic of Spetses is that cars are prohibited to enter the town centre, except for taxis and a few permanent residents. Transportation is done by boat, bicycles, motorbikes or horse-carriages.

Although Spetses is not that famous for its beaches, it still has some nice spots to swim. In a walking distance from Dapia, there are the beaches of Agios Mamas, Agios Nikolaos and Kaiki beach. There are also other beaches, both organized and remote, such as Agia Marina, Agioi Anargyri, Agia Paraskevi and Vrellos, accessed by motorbike or by bus. Spetses also has vibrant nightlife with beach bars and clubs. Most of them are concentrated in the Old Port The actual name of the island is a derivation from "Isola de Spezzie", the Island of Fragrance, a name given by the Venetians because of the many herbs growing on the mountains of the island. The pine covered island of Spetses is part of the Saronic islands and lies at the entrance of the Argolic Gulf, since it is the southernmost island of the group. Like Hydra, Spetses had an important role during the Greek Revolution of 1821, with many ships taking part in baval battles against the Turks. In fact, Spetses is the birthplace of the most famous heroine of the Greek Revolution, Lascarina Bouboulina. Her house is located a few metres from the new port of the island, Dapia. It has recently been renovated and works as a museum, depicting life and culture on Spetses in the 18th century. Spetses is a beautiful island that has both tranquil and cosmopolitan spots. The most popular quarter is Dapia, the picturesque port with the cannons around it and the stone mansions. On the right side of Dapia, there is Poseidonio Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in Greece and the most luxurious at its time. Family hotels, cafeterias and delicious taverns surround Dapia, where hydrofoils to the island arrive.

The architecture of Spetses is traditional and it distinguishes for the stone mansions with grey colour, the paved and narrow streets and the large bays. Among the most picturesque spots in Spetses is the small bay of Agios Nikolaos, above which there is the Cathedral of the island. Another characteristic of Spetses is that cars are prohibited to enter the town centre, except for taxis and a few permanent residents. Transportation is done by boat, bicycles, motorbikes or horse-carriages. Although Spetses is not that famous for its beaches, it still has some nice spots to swim. In a walking distance from Dapia, there are the beaches of Agios Mamas, Agios Nikolaos and Kaiki beach. There are also other beaches, both organized and remote, such as Agia Marina, Agioi Anargyri, Agia Paraskevi and Vrellos, accessed by motorbike or by bus. Spetses also has vibrant nightlife with beach bars and clubs. Most of them are concentrated in the Old Port and stay open all night long. Spetses usually gets popular as a weekend destination, as it is only 2 hours away from Athens by hydrofoil, but it is also great for longer holidays. and stay open all night long. Spetses usually gets popular as a weekend destination, as it is only 2 hours away from Athens by hydrofoil, but it is also great for longer holidays.

See also: A Guide to Spetses