The cosmopolitan Spetses...
Spetses, an island with a rich maritime tradition, is renowned for its significant contribution to the 1821 Revolution. is renowned for its significant contribution to the 1821 Revolution. The island has managed to preserve its traditional character. The picturesque old port and Dapia, a tourist and commercial center, are the places where the heart of the island’s entertainment beats.
Take a romantic tour around the island by horse-drawn carriages and admire the mansions adorning the narrow cobblestone streets. You can visit Spetses in September when the “Armata,” a truly impressive reenactment of the naval battle, takes place since 1931. If you are a sports enthusiast, you definitely don’t want to miss the unique sporting events held every year in April, the “Spetsathlon,” and in October, the “Spetses Mini Marathon,” where thousands of participants take part. Spetsathlon, the largest triathlon in Greece, attracts athletes from every corner of Greece and the world who enjoy swimming, cycling, and running races. On the other hand, the Spetses Mini Marathon gathers athletes and visitors who appreciate running and swimming races for the youth at heart!
Where to go
There are many beaches you can visit on the island, even within the town of Spetses, which are well-organized with crystal-clear waters and pine trees reaching down to the shore. A few minutes’ walk from the town of Spetses, you can reach the beaches to the right of the port, Agios Mamas, which has sandy shores, and the smaller one of Agios Nikolaos. Due to their proximity, many visitors arrive at these two beaches. To the left of Dapia port, there is Kouzounitsa Beach, consisting of small beaches with both sand and pebbles. Here, you can enjoy not only swimming but also food and drinks at the numerous shops along the beachfront road.
For sports and music enthusiasts, the ideal spot is Kaiki Beach. Located to the left of the town, you can access it either by one of the few taxis, sea taxis, or the carriages available on the island. It’s a quiet, unorganized beach ideal for families. Next to it, in the northwest part of the island, is Vrelos Beach, organized with a beach bar where parties are frequently held . Among the pine trees, bathers can enjoy the sea at Zogeria Beach with its turquoise waters and taverns serving delicious local dishes that you can savor after your swim.
Ideal for those who want to relax and unwind is the unorganized Agia Paraskevi Beach. The widely known beach of Agii Anargyri is beautiful, located south of the island, organized with shops for food and drinks and water sports schools. Other beaches south of the island include the organized beach of Xylokeriza, Kuzounos across from Spetsopoula, and Agia Marina to the southeast of the town with a large crowd and all necessary tourist facilities.
What to do
Spetses is ideal for hiking. Paths starting from the port lead to the mountain and then to the location of the Hunters’ Meeting. From there, you can reach the road before the Agii Anargyri beach, with alternative routes in between.
Other activities you can engage in include biking, as there are many trails to explore. You can also rent a boat and circumnavigate the island, swimming at beaches accessible only by sea, and visit Spetsopoula, Hydra, Poros, and the beaches of Argolida. Water sports you can enjoy include water skiing, canoeing, wind surfing, wakeboarding, tubing, banana rides, and water biking. Other sports include soccer, tennis, and basketball.