The island played a pivotal role in the Greek War of Independence and remains closely linked to the legendary heroine Laskarina Bouboulina. Its grand mansions, rich maritime heritage, and cosmopolitan character are enduring reminders of its prosperous past.
Translation | Amaryllis Tsegou
Perhaps that's why Spetses has never fully embraced mass tourism. Life moves at its own unhurried rhythm around Dapia, where the iconic Poseidonion Hotel stands alongside the cannons of the War of Independence, cafés, horse-drawn carriages, the small fish market with its traditional fishing boats, luxury yachts, and magnificent historic mansions that define the island's unique architectural character.
Just two hours from Athens, Spetses is the perfect weekend escape, offering beautiful walks, fascinating history, rich culture, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters. Don't be surprised if you return to the city feeling just a little more... aristocratic.
Things you shouldn't miss
- Step inside the Hatzigiannis Mexis Mansion, an elegant residence built in 1798 by Italian craftsmen and influenced by Venetian and Arab architecture. Today it houses the Archaeological and Folklore Museum, which traces the history of Spetses from antiquity to the present day. Among its highlights are the beautifully carved figureheads that once adorned the island's historic sailing ships.
- The Bouboulina Museum offers both a fascinating journey through history and the chance to explore the heroine's magnificent mansion, designed by a Moorish architect in the 17th century. Carefully restored, it showcases remarkable architectural details, including the impressive Florentine ceiling in the grand reception hall, crafted from seven different types of wood.
- Take a ride in one of the island's horse-drawn carriages and experience a touch of old-world glamour, just as visitors did when Spetses became one of Greece's first cosmopolitan holiday destinations in the early 20th century.
- Visit the traditional shipyards (tarsanades) to discover the island's remarkable shipbuilding heritage. Thanks to its vast pine forests, Spetses became Greece's leading shipbuilding centre during the 18th century. Legendary vessels, including Bouboulina's Agamemnon and Stavros Niarchos' Argo, were built here, along with countless other ships that carried the island's reputation across the Mediterranean, from the Atlantic all the way to Russia.
- Admire the magnificent Poseidonion Grand Hotel, built by the visionary benefactor Sotirios Anargyros. Inspired by the grand hotels of the French Riviera and the first building on the island to feature spa facilities, it attracted European high society and helped establish Spetses as one of Greece's premier holiday destinations.
- Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront from Dapia to the Old Harbor, passing elegant mansions, traditional caiques, fishing boats, Agios Mamas Beach and the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos.
- Follow the scenic path from the historic shipyards to the Lighthouse, one of the oldest operating lighthouses in Greece alongside the one on Kea, winding through fragrant pine forest all the way.
- If you're visiting with your partner, make your way to Ligoneri and drink from its famous spring. Known locally as the "Water of Love," legend has it that anyone who drinks from it will enjoy a love that lasts forever.
Agioi Anargyroi, the "Other" Spetses
Spetses is best known for its elegant mansions, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and yacht-filled harbour, but on the island's southwestern coast you'll discover a very different side of it. Sheltered and unspoilt, Agioi Anargyroi offers a more laid-back escape, far removed from the bustle of Dapia.
Located 12 km from the town, Agioi Anargyroi is the island's largest and arguably its most beautiful beach. It combines fine sand with small pebbles, a sandy seabed, crystal-clear waters, sunbeds a beach bar, and pine trees that stretch right down to the shoreline.
Two local characters, Kostas and Manolis, reign over the beach. Kostas can set you up with just about every kind of water sport imaginable, from water skiing, surfing, canoeing, kneeboarding, pedal boats and banana boats to almost anything else you might fancy. Manolis, meanwhile, runs both the accommodation and the beach's much-loved taverna, where exceptionally fresh fish, grilled meats, and traditional home-cooked dishes are served beneath the shade of the pine trees. It's an ideal spot for families with young children and anyone who plans to spend the entire day in their swimsuit.
If you're in the mood to explore, take the short walk to nearby Bekiris Cave. With its turquoise waters, impressive stalactites, echoing waves, and tiny hidden beach, it's one of Spetses' most remarkable natural attractions. It also served as a filming location for the classic Greek film Jenny-Jenny.
The best beaches
- At Skevi, pine trees reach all the way down to the emerald-green sea. The journey is even more rewarding if you arrive by boat.
- Surrounded by pine trees that meet the water's edge, Agia Paraskevi is the island's most cosmopolitan beach, complete with rows of straw umbrellas and an upscale beach bar.
- Agia Marina boasts beautiful views of Spetsopoula, along with plenty of sunbeds.
- Other favourites include the tiny beach of Agios Mamas, Vrellos with its beach bar, sunbeds, and volleyball court, the stunning Zogeria, which is well worth reaching via the scenic walking trails from Dapia, as well as Xylokeriza and the shady area of Ligoneri, where you'll also find organised facilities and sunbeds.
- If you'd rather stay close to town, Agios Nikolaos and Scholes offer easy access, sea views framed by elegant mansions and passing horse-drawn carriages, plus beach bars and organised facilities. They can get busy, but the mix of sand and pebbles makes them a popular choice.
- For a quieter swim, head to Kyra Leni, Kamares, or Kouzounos, where crystal-clear waters and a more secluded atmosphere await.
Most of the island's beaches can be reached either by boat or via the network of scenic walking trails.
The best places to eat
Spetses is famous for its almond sweets and fish à la Spetsiota - the island's signature dish of fresh fish baked with tomatoes, olive oil and fresh herbs. The local dining scene blends long-standing traditions with contemporary touches, served with the understated elegance the island is known for.
Tarsanas (tel. 229-80.74.490), in the Old Harbor, is a long-established seafood taverna devoted entirely to the catch of the day and refined ouzo meze. Standout dishes include marinated cuttlefish and grilled lobster, supplied fresh each day by the family's own fishing boat.
Another island institution, Patralis (tel. 229-80.75.380) in Kounoupitsa, is renowned for its lobster pasta, fish à la Spetsiota, and exceptionally fresh seafood, much of it sourced from the family's own fishing boats. Now run by the third generation, it balances tradition with modern ideas through dishes such as cuttlefish ink risotto and grilled octopus with fava and parsley pesto.
Nero tis Agapis (tel. 229-80.74.009), an elegant all-white restaurant right on the waterfront, gives traditional Greek cuisine a contemporary twist with fresh fish, seafood pasta, risotto and refined fish meze.
On the Verandah (tel. 229-80.74.553) offers one of the island's finest dining experiences. Set on the elegant neoclassical veranda of the historic Poseidonion Grand Hotel, it celebrates local ingredients while overlooking the sea—a perfect choice for a special occasion.
Akrogialia (tel. 229-80.74.749) is loved as much for its setting as its food, with tables set directly on the sand beside the water. The menu focuses on seafood, including fish pasta and classic meze to accompany ouzo.
Hidden among the narrow streets, Agios (tel. 229-80.73.715) has been a local favourite since 1977. It's the place to head if you're ready for a break from seafood, with quality meat dishes, a potato nest with eggs and truffle, and excellent homemade cheesecake.
Orloff (tel. 229-80.75.255) combines fine dining with one of the island's most beautiful historic waterfront settings. Expect fresh fish, premium cuts of meat, taramasalata with smoked pepper, eggplant dip with hazelnuts, linguine with shellfish and bottarga and grilled sea bass with basil cream.
A landmark since 1945, Kapelogiannis (tel. 229-80.75.123) -which also appeared in Jenny-Jenny- is one of the island's classic harbour fish tavernas. Alongside the traditional favourites, you'll now find carefully presented dishes, excellent risottos and seafood pasta.
Nychthimeron (tel. 229-80.72.465), overlooking the Old Harbor, is a great choice for traditional Greek cooking, with hearty home-style dishes, grilled meats, and some of the island's best fried specialities.
Finally, Pachni (tel. 229-80.75.299) is an excellent meze restaurant that focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients. It's the perfect choice when you're looking for something different from the island's seafood restaurants and lobster pasta. Don't miss the steak with tzatziki or the oven-baked eggplants topped with feta.
More sweet treats
Almond sweets are Spetses' best-known traditional delicacy.
- Politis (tel. 229-80.72.248) is the island's go-to destination for almond sweets and the souvenir almost everyone takes home. Founded in 1927, the shop is now run by the Paleologka family, who have inherited its closely guarded recipe. Over the decades, its almond sweets have graced the weddings of Greece's great shipping families and travelled to every corner of the world.
- Vanilia (tel. 229-80.77.170) is another must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Sofia Syrma, a former student of renowned pastry chef Stelios Parliaros, and her husband Giannis Plotas, who left Athens and the film industry to settle on Spetses, prepare the island's traditional sweets using only the finest ingredients.
- Klimis (tel. 229-80.72.334) may have embraced a more contemporary style, with its modern décor, pancakes and popular brunch menu, but it also has a long history of making traditional almond sweets. While you're there, don't miss the loukoumades and the mille-feuille.
One Island, four major events
Spetses comes alive throughout the year with four major events that have become fixtures on the island's calendar.
- Armata takes place every September, on the first Sunday after the 8th, commemorating the 1822 Battle of Spetses. The celebrations culminate in the spectacular burning of a replica Ottoman ship in the harbour.
- Spetsathlon, held in May (15-17 this year), attracts athletes from around the world for a programme of running, swimming, and cycling events.
- The Spetses Mini Marathon, held every October, brings together thousands of participants for running and open-water swimming races.
- The Spetses Regatta is the island's summer sailing event, bringing together an impressive fleet of rare and historic yachts.
