Spetses

Spetses, a jewel of the Saronic Gulf, is an island steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for both short breaks and longer stays. Just 54 nautical miles from Athens, this traffic-free island charms visitors with its unique architecture, pine-clad hills, and elegant captain’s mansions lining the harbours.

Spetses has a remarkable naval history: when Greece rebelled against Ottoman rule in 1821, it was the first Greek island to raise the revolutionary flag, and the bravery of its captains became known across Europe. Today, the island’s two-hundred-year-old mansions are a testimony to its maritime heritage and past prosperity. Among them, the Bouboulina Museum, once the home of heroine Laskarina Bouboulina, showcases her extraordinary legacy as the only female admiral in world naval history. The Spetses State Museum, housed in the mansion of revolutionary leader Hatziyannis Mexis, offers fascinating artefacts spanning more than 4,000 years of history.

Visitors can enjoy the island at a gentle pace on foot. Begin at the main port of Dapia, where the magnificent Poseidonion Grand Hotel, built in 1914, dominates the waterfront. Stroll past the Mansion of Sotirios Anargyros, guarded by Egyptian sphinxes, then wander to the Bouboulina and Mexis museums, admiring their stunning architecture and rich collections of historical relics, portraits, and costumes.

A walk along the coastal road to the Old Harbour (Palio Limani) is highly recommended. Marvel at the captain’s mansions perched above cobbled streets and fragrant gardens, visit the Monastery of Saint Nicholas, and take in the historic shipyards, still in operation today using traditional boat-building methods. At the tip of the Old Harbour, the lighthouse, built in 1837, stands as a picturesque landmark, surrounded by sculptures from the renowned Greek artist Natalia Mela.

Spetses also comes alive with annual cultural and sporting events. In September, the island celebrates the “Armata” naval re-enactment, commemorating the burning of the Turkish flagship during the revolution. Sports enthusiasts can take part in the Spetsathlon in April or the Spetses Mini Marathon in October, which attract participants of all ages.

For a more leisurely experience, explore the island in a horse-drawn carriage, wandering the narrow cobbled streets lined with grand mansions, fragrant gardens, and charming cafés. Spetses’ combination of history, culture, natural beauty, and welcoming island life makes it a perfect destination for those seeking a romantic getaway, a cultural excursion, or a gateway to island hopping within the Saronic Gulf.