Spetses island

General info:
Spetses, located near to Hydra and opposite to the shores of the prefecture of Argolida (Peloponnesse), is one of the most popular destinations among the Saronic Gulf islands cluster.
The island that covers an area of some 130 square km and has a population of 4,000 residents approximately has been highly praised for its stunning nature and the cosmopolitan atmosphere it breathes.
Gifted with an excellent climate, a  rich vegetation, wild flowers,  pine forests and splendid beaches, and  also providing  qualitative tourist services and an exciting nightlife, Spetses gathers each year plenty of tourists both Greek and foreigners. 

Spetses has a long marine tradition and its prosperous past is evident in the neoclassical mansions of exquisite architecture that adorn the island’s capital and sole settlement. Today it offers several accommodation amenities while transportation is feasible only by the public buses, water-taxis, horse-carriages and donkeys, since   car access is allowed only for  locals. Nevertheless, you can always hire a motorbike or a bicycle if wish to have your transportation autonomy.  

Historical profile:
First traces of human presence in Spetses date back to the 3rd Millennium BC. Its ancient name was Pitioussa (Pytyoussa) derived from the Greek word “pitis” that means “”pine-tree.  
The island was scarcely populated until the 157th century when it was colonized by people from Peloponnese and the first settlement at Kastelli was founded. Spetses soon became a respectable marine and commercial centre and started to build t its own ships, developing thus a powerful naval fleet.  Yet in 1770 it was seversly destroyed by the Ottomans for taking part to the Russian –Turkish war.  The island’s contribution to the Greek War of Independence in 1821 was of great importance and the heroine Laskarina Bouboulina who fought herself bravely and willingly gave all of her fortune in order for  Greece to gain its freedom.   

Villages:
Spetses, is  the island’s capital and sole settlement. Built on the slopes of a smooth hill and having kept its traditional yet grandiose identity, the capital captures instantly the visitor. Fine mansions painted in wonderful colours and blooming traditional houses, elaborately pebble mosaics that adorn courtyards and delightful narrow alleys and  remarkable churches compose the mesmerizing atmosphere of the capital.
Take a stroll to the quaint narrow streets and discover the imposing Hatzigianni Mexi Mansion, that today houses the Museum of Spetses with collection of finds  from all historical eras; the Town Hall;  the Bouboulina’s Museum,  the  19th- century Korgalenios - Anargyrios  School which  hosts cultural  activities and also the magnificent churches of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) and the monastery of Agioi Pantes.

Dapia, the port of the island is a popular gathering place, lined with any kind of shops, taverns, coffee-bars and clubs  while the nearby Clock Square   is definitely worth a visit .   

Baltiza,(also called Palio Limani) is the old harbour of Spetses  and it is considered as one of the most quaint and romantic spot in the island; yachts and fishing boats  are rocking  gently in its tranquil bay, while a white  lighthouse, the chapel of  Panagia of Armata (Virgin Mary of Armata)that was erected in the memory of the triumph of the Spetsians against the Ottomans in 1822 and the wonderful view to the sea complement the natural beauty of this site.

Agioi Anargyroi (Anargyri) is a coastal settlement located some 10 km southwest to the capital. Its splendid beach, the tranquil neighbouring coves and also the famous Cave of Bekiri that was a shelter for the fighters of 1821 are reasons for visiting this site. 

Beaches:
Despite its size, Spetses offers some stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters and also serene coves in which you can enjoy peacefulness and privacy.

The beach of Agia Marina is probably the most popular one  and it is ideal for those who wish to stay near the capital. It is a well-organized with sand and clear waters offering  water sports facilities and taverns in which you can enjoy delicious meals.

The Agioi Anargyroi beach , is   a long-stretched sandy one with   thick pebbles and crystalline waters ideal for water sports. It offers tree-shade and there are also a few taverns in the surrounding area.
If you wish a more remote beach try the  Agia  Paraskevi beach,  a pebble beach with sparkling waters surrounded by a verdurous scenery; the tranquil beach of Xilokeriza found in a quaint bay with deep blue waters and the equally serene  Zogeria beach, a mixture of sand and pebbles,  amazing blue-green clear waters and a pine-tree covered landscape, which is said to be the prettiest in Spetses.

Access:
Spetses    is connected by scheduled trips via ferry boat or hydrofoil with Piraeus Port, and also with the islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra and with the Prefecture of Argolida (Porto Heli, HermionI). 

 

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