Aegina, Agkistri, Spetses, Hydra, Poros, Salamina and the peninsula of Methana form the island complex of the Argosaronic Gulf in southern Greece. Scattered all over the Argosaronic Gulf and steeped in ancient mythology, these islands are small heavens in close proximity to Athens. Daily ferry connection from the port of Piraeus makes them a lovely, easily accessible all-year-round destination for the Athenians, and not only. To book your ferry to Spetses, visit Direct Ferries!Visitors here will enjoy natural beauty, historical treasures, unique architecture, and glamorous, yet romantic atmosphere.
Spetses by night. Photo courtesy Annika Barbarigos.
Spetses, an island with a long naval tradition, is famous for its contribution to the 1821 War of Independence. The island has retained its unique traditional character thanks to the well-preserved grand captain mansions, still bearing eloquent witness to the island’s glorious past. The picturesque old port and Dápia, a tourist and commercial center are the trademarks of the town of Spetses.
The picturesque old port and Dápia, a tourist and commercial center where the heart of the island’s entertainment beats, are the trademarks of the town of Spetses. Take a romantic trip around the island in horse-drawn carriages and admire the grand mansions adorning the narrow cobbled streets. Visit Spetses during September, when “Armata”, an impressivere-enactment of a naval battle takes place ever since 1931. If you are a sports lover, you don't want to miss the athletic events organised every year in April "Spetsathlon" and in October "Spetses Mini Marathon".
You may want to dine at Mouragio restaurant owned and operated by the family of Syrmas, an old friend from my military service, with an excellent view of the small port of the island and delicious tastes of contemporary Greek cuisine. For reservations, call 229 807 3700.
House on the Spetses coastal road.
Photo of the interior of the house/museum of Laskarina Bouboulina, the only Greek Admiral and hero of the Greek War of Independence.
The rich history and naval tradition of the island is reflected on numerous sites that are definitely worth visiting: the House of Bouboulina, the House of Hatzigiannis Mexis, the Church of Panagia Armata, the Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos, the War Memorial of the Spetses Navy, the Clock in Rologioú Square, and the Anargyreios Korgialeneios School, today housing the Center of Environmental Education.
Head to the island’s sun-drenchedbeaches and swim in blue waters with a beautiful pine-forest as backdrop: Agioi Anargyroi, Agia Paraskevi, Agia Marina, Xylokériza,Vréllos, and Zogeriá.
The Spetses Museum (the house of Hatziyannis-Mexis).
