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The island of aromas, Spetses is blanketed with pine-covered hills, while lemon trees dot winding lanes and the scent of the salty sea wafts through the air. The Venetians named it "Speciz" which translates to "spice," due to its position on a major spice route. It's practically vehicle-free, with cars banned on the island's town. While some get around by motorcycle, many get around via horse and buggy, bicycle or their own two feet. It's everything an idyllic island retreat should be: postcard-perfect beaches, authentic wooden fishing boats, and fishermen selling their fresh catch while people enjoy dining on the fresh catch at one of the outstanding restaurants along the seaside promenade.
Spetses Overview
In antiquity, Spetses was called Pityoussa, or the "Pine Tree" island. It almost lost its pines when over the centuries they became the hulls and masts for successive fleets of commercial, military and fishing vessels. Thanks to a local philanthropist who purchased more than half the island in the early 1900s, replanting barren slopes with pine trees, the island retains its wonderful piney scent and lush appearance. The island's groves of pine trees and its magnificent architecture are considered its greatest treasures. One of the most elegant Greek islands, Spetses flourished greatly from its marine and cultural traditions between the 17th– and 19th-centuries, as one can see in its many architectural gems. The capital is characterized by cobbled streets lined with aristocratic facades and mansions with pebbled yards, contrasting with the Cycladic whitewashed style. Gorgeous Neoclassical buildings rise over fine marble squares, with many homes influenced significantly by the Venetians during the Renaissance period.
This island enjoys a surprisingly authentic charm, having remained practically undiscovered by visitors despite being just a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus. Spectacular nature, postcard-perfect beaches and a rich, complex history, Spetses offers it all, yet it's close enough to the capital city to be enjoyed as a day trip while offering plenty to see and do to those who want to stick around longer.
Spetses History in a Nutshell
According to archaeological findings, Spetses was first inhabited around 2300 BC during the Hellenic Era though many ancient historians believe it was occupied as far back as 8000 BC. Thanks to its numerous wells and geographic location, the island was used as a provision station for ships traveling to the Peloponnesian coasts. There were at three natural harbors, or possibly more, that served as a refuge for ships that carried goods to and from the Argolis Gulf around 2300 BC when the State of Lerna was at its peak, but after its collapse, Spetses fell into a period of decline. Mention of it was made by Pausanias in the 2nd-century AD and by Strabo in the 1st-century BC, with the Goths raiding, which led to waves of refugees fleeing here, ultimately resulting in the island's resettlement. It became one of Argolis' three largest cities, focused around the Old Port.
Spetses came under Venetian control in 1200 and was given the name Spezia. Much of its architecture is owed to the Venetian overlords who brought Italian finesse and incredible attention to detail, along with Arab craftsmen who also left their mark. Today there are some stunning Venetian mansions with wooden balconies and tiled roofs painted in vibrant colors still standing. Turkish occupation followed for 400 years in 1460. When the conquest of the Peloponnese from the Turks and the occurrence of the Venetian expulsion took place in the 18th century, many Arvanites took refuge while escaping Turkish persecution. The old village of Spetses was created by these refugees in the area of Kastelli. It was fortified by a wall that further reinforced the natural protection the terrain provided. Walls surrounded this settlement and the acropolis on the hill where the church of St. Basil can be seen today. The golden era began during this time, continuing through the War of Independence.
Spetses is historically noted for its leading role in the Greek War of Independence from the Turks. The local heroine who gave her fortune to the cause, Laskarina Bouboulina, together with countless other island revolutionaries helped it to achieve eventual success in the 1821 revolution. It was at its peak now, but at the dawn of the 20th-century, the island's economy declined, and the two World Wars left it in poverty, leading many to abandon it. But it wasn't long before it was brought back to life again as a cosmopolitan resort, frequented by leading political figures and kings. Today, the locals' traditional art of wooden shipbuilding continues, with father passing skills to a son while tourists arrive from across the globe to experience it.
Spetses At A Glance
Population of Spetses 4,000
What to See in Spetses Experience Bekiri Cave, Visit the Church of Agios Nikolaos & Spetses Museum, Take a horse & carriage to the lighthouse for breathtaking views, Relax on Ayia Paraskevi Beach
Towns or islands to visit near Spetses Athens, Hydra, Poros, Peloponnese Region,
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BEST WEATHER
Images of Spetses
Things to do in Spetses
Visit Spetses Most Famous Church
The most famous church on the island, Church of Agios Nikolaos is just a short walk from the port, distinguished by its tall bell tower made from Tinian marble. Inside is a massive painting of Koutsis narrating the 1822 sea battle against the Turks that makes it worth the visit alone.
Learn about the Greek Revolution at the Bouboulina Museum
This museum is housed inside a historic mansion that once served as the residence of one of the Greek Revolution's famous female fighters, Laskarina Bouboulina. It operates as a historical and cultural center as well to promote research about the 1821 revolution and the life of Bouboulina herself. She was born in 1771, lost two husbands from pirate attacks and managed to use the ships and fortune of the second to help in the fight for independence.
Stroll Through the Old Port
The old port is one of the most scenic spots on the island, made up of classical, neoclassical and modern buildings that were constructed in harmony with the natural landscape. Wander through to enjoy the sights and the vibe, stopping in at one of the seaside cafes, restaurants, bars or clubs.
Swim into Bekiri's Cave
On the west side of the island near Agioi Anargyri beach is one of the island's top attractions. Best reached by swimming in due to the low ceiling, when inside Bekiri's Cave, you'll be able to take in a breathtaking sight that includes a small sandy beach, brilliant blue waters and stalagmites. The cave once served as a hideout for women and children during Turkish attacks.
Explore the Spetses Museum
Built between 1795 and 1798, this museum was once the home of a leading local shipowner, Hatzigiannis Mexis. The mansion was converted into a museum in 1939 to showcase a collection of the historical and folklore heritage of Spetses. Exhibits include everything from the Classical and Roman periods to Byzantine times and the Greek Revolution in 1821.
Our Favorite Restaurants & Bars
Patralis Psarotaverna
A fabulous fish taverna founded in 1935 by Barbas Panos the fisherman, Patralis Psarotaverna continues the tradition through his son and grandchildren, providing quality, unique and traditional Greek dishes. It's the whole experience from the warmest of welcomes that will greet you to gracious service and incredible food.
Expect fresher than fresh fish and items like octopus salad, grilled calamari and tzatziki. Pair them with outstanding high-value wine and top them off with a lovely dessert, perhaps apple cake or baclava, on the house, of course.
Vinoterra Spetses
Vinoterra also offers high quality at reasonable prices. Located along the seafront, it's a restaurant and wine cellar – at the latter you'll find an impressive selection of more than 1500 wine and other alcoholic beverage labels from across Greek and international vineyards.
The perfect match to each meal can easily be found thanks to the expert sommelier who might even take you to help pick a bottle out at the onsite shop. The menu features lots of dishes from the sea like ceviche, seabass and tempura cod, along with classic meat plates like moussaka.
On the Verandah
A highly lauded restaurant that's consistently ranked at No. 1 on TripAdvisor, On the Verandah provides fine dining along the seafront. Located at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel, known for its coastal glamour and idyllic sunset views, it features creative contemporary Greek fare infused with local gastronomic ingredients and traditions.
Enjoy dining inside or out in a setting so stunning it completes with fabulously flavorful dishes, including plenty of fish and seafood with Spetses classics served with a contemporary twist. You'll find everything from tzatziki balls to sea urchin and beef carpaccio.
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