Spetses sits at the southern edge of the Saronic Gulf, about 100 km from Athens. It's the most distant of the easily reachable Saronic islands (after Aegina, Poros, and Hydra), which keeps the day-trip crowds thinner and gives the island a more exclusive character. Like Hydra, motor vehicles are restricted in the old town, though scooters and the occasional vehicle are allowed on the outskirts.

The island has a proud naval history -- its fleet played a key role in the Greek War of Independence, and Laskarina Bouboulina, one of Greece's most famous naval commanders, was from Spetses.

Getting There

By Fast Ferry from Piraeus

Ferry Type Journey Time Cost (one way)
Fast ferry (catamaran/hydrofoil) 2 hrs - 2 hrs 15 min 40-45 EUR

Ferries run several times daily, stopping at Hydra and/or Poros en route. The first departure from Piraeus is typically around 08:00-08:30.

For a day trip: Take the earliest ferry. You'll arrive around 10:00-10:30. Return ferries to Piraeus depart in the late afternoon/evening.

No regular (slow) ferry runs to Spetses from Piraeus -- only fast ferries. This makes it the most expensive Saronic island to reach.

By Car + Water Taxi from Kosta

A faster option: drive to the small port of Kosta on the Peloponnese coast (about 2.5 hours from Athens via Nafplio road), then take a water taxi across to Spetses. The crossing takes just 10 minutes and costs about 6-8 EUR per person. Water taxis run constantly.

This approach works well if you're combining with Nafplio, Epidaurus, or other Peloponnese stops.

Getting Around Spetses

  • Horse-drawn carriages -- The charming option. Available around the harbour. Short rides around the old town, or longer tours.
  • Bicycles -- Rental available in town. The island circuit is about 25 km -- manageable but hilly in places.
  • Scooters -- Allowed outside the old town. Rental about 20-25 EUR/day.
  • Water taxis -- Run from the harbour to beaches around the island. The main way to reach the best swimming spots.
  • Walking -- The old town and Dapia harbour are compact and walkable.

What to See and Do

Dapia Harbour

The heart of Spetses. A long waterfront lined with cafes, restaurants, and the cannons that defended the harbour during the revolution. The Poseidonion Grand Hotel (1914), modelled on the Cote d'Azur's grand hotels, anchors one end. This is where you'll spend most of your time between beach trips.

The Old Harbour (Baltiza)

A short walk east from Dapia, the old harbour is quieter and more atmospheric. Traditional boatyards still operate here, building and repairing wooden caiques (fishing boats). Several good tavernas face the water.

Bouboulina Museum

The home of Laskarina Bouboulina, the female naval commander who led ships against the Ottoman fleet during the 1821 War of Independence. A guided tour (about 45 minutes) covers her remarkable life story. The house contains personal items, weapons, and a model of her ship, the Agamemnon.

Entrance: 6 EUR. Guided tours only, run several times daily. Worth it for the story alone.

Anargyrios and Korgialenios College

A grand 19th-century school on the hill above town. John Fowles taught here and used Spetses as the setting for his novel "The Magus." The building is visible from the harbour and can be visited from outside.

The Island Circuit

The road around Spetses (about 25 km) passes through pine forest with sea views. By bicycle, it takes 2-3 hours with stops. By scooter, about an hour. Several beaches and coves are accessible from the road, though the best require a short walk down from the road or a water taxi.

Beaches

Spetses has good beaches, mostly pebbly, with exceptionally clear water.

Agioi Anargyroi -- The most popular beach, on the southwest coast. Long, pebbly, organised with sunbeds and a couple of beach bars. Clear turquoise water. Accessible by water taxi (about 10 EUR one way) or road.

Zogeria Beach -- A pine-fringed cove on the north coast. Peaceful, with a taverna. The water is calm and shallow. Water taxi or a pleasant 20-minute walk through the forest from the road.

Agia Paraskevi -- A small bay on the west coast. Pebbly beach with a church and a taverna. Good snorkelling around the rocks.

Xilokeriza -- A quiet beach below the College, walkable from town (about 20 minutes). Less developed, good for morning swims.

Where to Eat

Spetses has better restaurants than you'd expect for its size, reflecting its affluent clientele.

Dapia waterfront -- Cafes and restaurants for people-watching. Pricier than average island dining but the setting is worth it.

Old Harbour (Baltiza) -- More authentic tavernas with better value. Fresh fish, seafood meze, local wine.

Beach tavernas -- Simple, good food at the main beaches. Zogeria and Agioi Anargyroi both have decent options.

Budget 20-35 EUR per person for a meal with wine. Spetses is not the cheapest island.

Suggested Day Trip

  • 08:00 -- Fast ferry from Piraeus (or drive to Kosta + water taxi)
  • 10:15 -- Arrive Spetses. Coffee at Dapia harbour.
  • 11:00 -- Bouboulina Museum (guided tour)
  • 12:00 -- Water taxi to Agioi Anargyroi beach
  • 12:30-14:30 -- Swim, relax, lunch at beach taverna
  • 15:00 -- Water taxi back to harbour
  • 15:30 -- Walk to Old Harbour, browse, ice cream
  • 16:30 -- Horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town
  • 17:30 -- Final drink at Dapia
  • 18:00-18:30 -- Ferry back to Piraeus (arrive ~20:30)

Practical Tips

  • Spetses is the most expensive Saronic island to visit. Ferry tickets are higher, and restaurants and services reflect the island's upmarket character. Budget accordingly.
  • Book ferry tickets in advance in summer. Fewer services than to Hydra or Aegina, and they fill up on weekends.
  • The Kosta shortcut (drive + water taxi) saves money on ferry tickets and gives you flexibility. But it's a long drive.
  • Spetses has an annual regatta (Armata) in mid-September, commemorating the 1822 naval battle. The harbour fills with boats and the town comes alive. Great atmosphere but book everything well ahead.
  • Bring cash. Some tavernas and water taxis prefer it.
  • Consider an overnight. Spetses is arguably better as an overnight trip than a day trip. The island comes alive in the evening -- the harbour promenade, the restaurants, the relaxed atmosphere. A day trip only scratches the surface.

Best Time to Visit

June and September -- Warm, swimable, and less crowded than peak summer.

July-August -- Spetses fills with Athenian families on holiday. Lively but busy.

Mid-September -- For the Armata festival.

May and October -- Quieter, pleasant for walking and cycling. Some restaurants may be closed.

Spetses is about 100 km from Athens. The fast ferry from Piraeus takes 2-2.25 hours. Alternatively, drive to Kosta (2.5 hours) and take a 10-minute water taxi.