Updated on 02/12/2023. Spetses is a beautiful island relatively close to Athens with great history and architecture!
If you are visiting Athens, Spetses is a perfect choice to spend 1-2 days (or even more!) and get to know better this historic island!
We visited it during Covid times at the end of September, planning to stay initially for two days, but we stayed for 5! Also, this year we visited again for another 4 days!Â
When you visited the island in the first place, we noticed many cameras and cinema crews! After a while, we heard that the movie “The lost daughter” with Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Dakota Johnson, Ed Harris was filmed there!
The Poseidonion Grand Hotel and Anargyreos & Korgialeneios School of Spetses – AKSS were two spots where we saw many crew members and cameras! If you have watched the film and have been to Spetses you may recognize these places!
Also, in Spetses some scenes of the famous Netflix movie “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” were shot there!
In this post, you will find out:
- Where is Spetses island?
- How to get to Spetses from Athens?
- When to visit Spetses?
- The best beaches!
- Where to stay in Spetses.
- How to move around the island.
Also, you have written an article about where you can stay in Spetses and you can find it here!
Where is Spetses?
Spetses is the southernmost island of the Saronic Gulf, with its long history and the privilege of national recognition for its invaluable and decisive contribution during the Great Greek Revolution.
How to get to Spetses from Athens?
The great advantage of visiting Spetses is that you can get there by ferry or car/bus through the Peloponnese! What do we mean?
Let me clarify. So, there are three choices:
- By ferry from Piraeus port (~2.30 to 3 hours by dolphin ferry)
- By car to Kosta and thenÂ
By ferry boat, a 15-minute trip. This is what we chose!
By water taxi, 5-minute trip (cost ~€30 per route, up to 8 persons per route)
By boat, you can get also your bike with you.
*Since private vehicles are not allowed on the island, cars may be safely parked at specific parking areas at Costa.
    3. By car from Athens to Ermioni (2.30 hours) and then by ferry (20′).
    4. By car from Athens to Porto Heli (2.30 hours) and then by ferry to Spetses.Â
From Spetses you can visit some other islands like Hydra, Poros, Aigina, Agkistri. You can find the routes on the Ferryscanner platform, a Greek startup with an excellent interface and many routes!
When should you visit Spetses?
The season lasts usually from April to October. We visited the island at the end of last September, and we totally enjoyed it!
The weather is quite warm, as you can see from the below table.
Note that except for July and August, that gets very busy as every Greek Island, also the weekends can be pretty crowded during summertime as many Greeks have houses there and they visit this beautiful island quite often.
Tip: A unique experience is the celebration of Armata which takes place every second week of September. It is to mark the battle between Spetses Island and Costa during the Greek Revolution of 1821. A few weeks before the festival starts, local boatbuilders set to work making a wooden boat used as an effigy of a Turkish ship in 1821. The Turkish ship is constructed in the old harbour a week before the festival.
What to do
#Strolling around Dapia and old harbour
Dapia (New Harbour area) is one of the first things you will see and at the same time one of the main attractions. You will find it in the port of Spetses.
Historically it was the old cannon of the island, with the many cannons you will see around to witness it. Here, in fact, was the gathering place of captains and lords during the Greek Revolution of 1821.
Today, Dapia is where the boat and the ferry arrive. I like in the mornings to go there for a quick coffee and observe the boat taxis to go and return full of people and energy!
A coastal road begins that goes east to the Old Port and another one that goes west to the Schools.
Dapia is also ideal to start your walk on the picturesque streets to the island’s interior and the southern beaches. In other words, from here, you will start your days and walks!
Walking along the old harbour, I think it is one of the highlights in Spetses.
You can walk any time of the day, but it gets quite picturesque and romantic, especially at night!
In the old harbour, you will find plenty of bars and restaurants as the nightlife in Spetses can be quite interesting!
#Rent a Bike/scooter and move around the Island
There are no cars allowed on the island apart from a few taxis and other exceptions. This year I went around with a tuk tuk and it was a unique experience!
However, there are plenty of scooters (sometimes too many!) and bikes that you can move around and discover the island!
If you like biking, consider renting a bike and going around the whole island as the road is 29 km in total! The island is green, and the scenery can be fantastic!
There are many beaches where you can stop while you are biking. You can look below at our recommended beach list and on the map at the end of the post!
#get to a “horse-carriage” car
Personally, I didn’t do it myself, as I am not a huge fan of this kind of horse carriage, but it can give you another perspective on the island!
#Visit the Bouboulina Museum
The museum is located in the centre of the town in a 300-year-old mansion that once belonged to Bouboulina, one of Greece’s naval heroines (find the exact location here!).
She was one of the most influential figures in the Greek War of Independence, and she was the first woman admiral of the Imperial Russian Navy, at least according to Wikipedia!
Bouboulina’s parents came originally from Hydra island, but they moved to Spetses when she was a child.
It is well known that she donated her fortune to arm ships and took on Spetses’ men to fight the Turkish fleet. It is not a coincidence that Spetses was the first island to deploy the flag of the revolution in April 1821!
You can feel the historical role of the island in the Independence War in the pebble streets around the town centre!
With your ticket, there is a guide included inside the museum (~ 40′).
Also, at the harbour, you will find a statue of Bouboulina, and generally, you will identify her name in different places around the island.
#watch a film at the open-air cinema!
Personally, I love open-air cinema, and when I go to a place that has one, I try to visit it! In Spetses, there is the historical Titania open-air cinema from 1960!!
#Enjoy the beaches
Spetses has some lovely beaches but probably not as spectacular as other Greek islands.Â
Agios Mammas: This is the beach inside the main town of Spetses. It has a long, sandy beach and shallow waters and is preferred by families with children. Not one of my favourites, to be frank! But when I want to have a quick swim and not go away from the town I can admit that this beach is very convenient!
Agios Nikolaos: Another beach inside the town if you don’t want to leave the city!
Agia Marina: This is one of the most famous beaches of Spetses, but to be frank it is not to my taste! It is located close to the Ntapia (the centre of Spetses), and you can go there by bus or taxi boat. It is well organised with bars, restaurants and water sports! Sometime during the high season, it feels very crowded
Kaiki / College Beach: This is another famous, pebbled beach with blue waters and a fantastic beach bar (on the expensive side).
Agia Paraskevi: I think this might be one of my favourites with its crystal and clear water and its magnificent setting as a lovely pine forest shades it. It is a sandy beach with a bar, accessible on foot /bus and by boat. (~ 10km from Ntapia)
Ligoneri: This is a sandy and pebble beach, not organised, perfect for relaxation!
Zogeria: One of the most beautiful beaches in Spetses. The pines that reach almost to the water and the turquoise waters will enchant you. Ideal for those looking for more relaxed moments!
Vrellos: The beach is mainly pebble stones, relatively small, and organised with a nice beach bar. There is a bus that leaves close to the beach and you can walk down.
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Agioi Anargyroi: It is the largest and perhaps the most popular beach on the island. It is located in the west and has sand, clear blue waters, umbrellas, and you can do water sports.
Tip: There is a path from the beach that leads to the beautiful cave of Bekiri. I tried it once and was quite nice and a totally different experience as you will find 2 different sandy beaches inside the rocks. Note that it is not kids friendly and if you have claustrophobia, then it is not the right choice for you!
Xylokeriza: It is located in the south of Spetses, and it is organized with umbrellas. It has pebbles and a rocky bottom that is suitable for diving. You will find a small beach bar which is famous for each skewer of meat.
Where to stay in Spetses
On Spetses, you will find accommodation for all tastes and budgets. I would say that the island overall is on the expensive side.
There are some old and beautiful mansions, luxury hotels, and some affordable rooms.
Here, we will present you with three of our favourite hotels and mansions, but you can find our dedicated post about Spetses Island’s best hotels and apartments here!
No list of the best hotels in Spetses cannot start without Poseidonion Grand Hotel. It is a truly iconic place, and it feels like you are staying at a traditional old mansion!
The breakfast is really delicious, and I strongly recommend getting a SPA treatment, as all staff members are very professional and know their job! All members of staff are very professional and helpful. Location-wise, the willingness of the staff to guide you around the island and the feeling of the place make this hotel quite unique! More Information Here!
This is a quiet and comfortable hotel, which is very close to the restaurants of the old port, though a longer walk from the bustle of the new port (20′ walk and 3′ motorbike).
Architecturally a very lovely little resort, in a magically landscaped garden with neat decoration and a nice pool! The hotel also offers a free shuttle for arrival and departure at the port! More Information Here!
This is just a wonderful place to stay! The mansion was built around 170 years ago, but the rooms are stunning and in excellent condition for a building built in the 1850s!
The enclosed courtyard feels very special with a lovely pool! The hotel is quiet yet only 5-10′ on foot from the main town.
The breakfast is so good, the menu changes often, and the breakfast is served inside and outside by the pool (at least in the pre-covid era!). More Information Here!
How would you move around the island?
Transportation to the island is mainly by foot, city buses and boats that operate as sea taxis.
Only permanent residents with a special permit are allowed to travel by car!
Here is a detailed map with all the places mentioned above and beaches!
If you have any questions, or you want to share your experience from the island, just leave a comment below!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that I get a small fee when booking a hotel. It costs nothing extra to you but helps keep my site running.Â
Hi Dimitris, well two hours laters and I’m still reading your blog! So informative – thank you!
I am planning my first solo adventure aged 56 and am feeling super excited but also a little apprehensive! I arrive into Athens beginning of October where I plan to spend a few days and then I would like to explore the Saronic Islands. I enjoy walking, beaches, traditional shops and just want to relax and read my. books! Do you think all the Saronic Islands are worth a visit? If so, what order would you recommend me visiting them?. Also, I eat a plant based diet. I’m sure this will not be an issue is Athens but what are your views on the Islands? Thank so much – Karen
Hi Karen,
Initially, congratulations on embarking on your solo adventure! Greece, especially Athens and the Saronic Islands, offers an excellent combination of history, nature, and relaxation and I think you will love it. And thank you for the nice words!
So, let’s start with a quick overview of the islands.
The Saronic Islands are relatively close to Athens and are a popular choice for both locals and tourists. They mainly consist of the islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses, as well as a few smaller ones. Each island has its unique charm:
Aegina: It is famous for its Temple of Aphaea, local pistachios, and close proximity to Athens. To be frank some areas looks like that they have stuck in 80s or 90s, but this is not always bad!
Poros: A small island divided by a narrow channel from the Peloponnese, known for its beautiful landscapes and it famous clock at the top of the main town.
Hydra: I think this is the most famous island between Saronic island, as it attracts tourists many decades now. Even the singer Leonard Cohen had lived there for a couple of years. It is a picturesque and vehicle-free island with stone houses, cobbled streets, and a long maritime history. It doesn’t have the best beaches though!
Spetses: This is an island famous for its maritime traditions, old and upper class mansions, and the Armata Festival.
Agkistri: A tiny gem among the Saronic Islands, it’s less touristy (but many Athenians visit it due to the proximity) and offers some nice pine forests, crystal-clear waters, and serene sandy beaches.
About the Plant-Based Diet, you are right. I do not expect that you will have any issue in Athens as you ‘ll find several vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Greek cuisine also includes many naturally vegan dishes such as stuffed vine leaves, white bean soup (fasolada), and many salads.
In Saronic Islands the islands, I think you might not have as many dedicated vegan or vegetarian restaurants as Athens. Unfortunately, I do not know specific restaraunts to recommend but Greek island cuisine is based on fresh, local produce, like salads, grains, legumes, and vegetable dishes. Dishes like horiatiki (Greek salad without feta), gemista (stuffed tomatoes and peppers – ensure they don’t use meat in stuffing), and ladera (oil-based) vegetable dishes are typically vegan.
To sum up all the Saronic Islands are worth a visit, especially if you have the time and want to experience each island’s unique character. However, if time is limited, Hydra and Spetses are often highlighted for their beauty and charm.
Enjoy your trip and the timeless beauty of the Greek islands!
Let me know if you need anything else!
Regards,
Dimitris
Wonderful site you have.
How do you go from Ferry to hotel, do they pick you up or does one take a taxi? Am visiting in October
Hi Davina,
Some hotels they pick you up from the port otherwise you can take a taxi or walk to the hotel if it is close to the port.
You can chech wityh your hotel once you book and they will guide you depending on where they are.
Regards,
Dimitris
What information can you provide about the bus service on Spetses? Thank you.
Hi Joseph,
In Spetses there are two bus routes.
The first one starts from Poseidon square and goes to the Schools ending at the beach of Vrellos.
The 2nd one starts from the beach of Agios Mama (300 meters left from the port) and goes to Agia Marina and via a ring road ends at the beach of Agia Paraskevi.
I cannot find the timetables online, but once you arrive at the island you can ask there!
Hope it helps! Let me know if you need anything else.
Regards,
Dimitris
Thank you for your blog. I have been wanting to visit Spetses for many years.
Would you recommend this island for a young family?
Did you also visit Port Heli?
Hi Effie,
I think Spetses is nice for young families!
It has relatively easy access by boat from Port Heli or Ermioni.
It hasn’t any big resorts, but you can definitely find nice, boutique hotels next to the beach where you can spend your day there.
It is a safe island and there are no cars (only motorcycles which sometimes can be a little bit annoyed).
If you need to go to a more remote beach, taxis or boat taxis can transfer you there easily.
Most of the beaches are with pebbles like Agios Mamas, Kaiki beach, (Paradis beach next to Kaiki may be better for families with younger children) but there are a few sandy ones like Agia Marina, Agioi Anargiri, Agia Paraskevi.
I have been in Porto Heli just for a day so I cannot recommend you a lot of stuff. But, it has a positive vibe and some nice beaches around for families!
If you need anything else, just let me know!!
Dimitris