Spetses, Greece, the self-proclaimed ‘jewel of the Saronic Gulf’, is one of the most elegant and uniquely charming islands in the entire country. Known as Spetses island, it is famous for its aristocratic atmosphere, neoclassical mansions, pine-covered coastline, and most distinctively, its strict ban on private cars.
Spetses celebrates every year the Greek overwhelming victory over the Ottoman fleet in 1822, when the legendary heroine, Captain Bouboulina, and other captains from Spetses set fire to the Turkish flagship.
Upon arrival at the old cannon – port, you will see the large mansions, the heavy cannons, and especially the mosaic of round pebbled paths. On this island, you can, within 2 days, live romantic moments, with manorial experiences, and be filled with memories and beautiful images.
Our weekend getaway to Spetses was exactly what we needed, away from the rhythms of the city and everyday life. The weekend we spent in Spetses with our close friends left us with such pleasant memories and experiences that we promised to visit the island again. In our guide below, you will find all the important information you need before your first visit to the island.
| Location | Saronic Gulf, 80km from Athens |
| Known for | Car-free island, neoclassical mansions, naval history, pine forests |
| Best time | April–October |
| How to get there | Flying Dolphin from Piraeus (~2hrs) or via Costa by car (2.5hrs) |
| ⚠️ No private cars! | Only bikes, horse carriages, scooters & sea taxis |
| Special event | Battle of Armata — 2nd weekend of September |
| Ferry tickets | 👉 Ferryscanner |
| Accommodation | 👉 Booking.com — Spetses hotels |
Where is Spetses, Greece?
Spetses is a small island in the Saronic Gulf, approximately 80km south of Athens. It sits just 4km off the Peloponnese coast, opposite the village of Costa in Porto Heli. It belongs to the Argosaronic island group, alongside Aegina, Poros, and Hydra, making it ideal for island-hopping.
The island got its name from the Venetians because of its fragrant flowers, “isola di spezzie”, the island of perfumes. In antiquity, it was called Pityousa, meaning “island of pine trees,” and those same pine forests still define its landscape and scent today.
General Information
- Spetses is one of the islands of the Saronic Gulf.
- The island has around 3,900 inhabitants.
- In ancient times, it was called Pityousa because of its many pine trees.
- Every second weekend of September, the anniversary of the Battle of Spetses is celebrated. The culmination of the celebration is the representation of the Battle of Armata, the burning of the Turkish flagship, and fireworks.
How to get to Spetses
There are many ways to go to Spetses, and each route will reward you accordingly.
From Piraeus: There are daily itineraries from the port of Piraeus to Spetses with Flying Dolphins that carry only passengers. You will find these ships on the Tselepi coast at gate D. The schedules vary by time period. The journey takes about 2 hours, with intermediate stops in Poros, Hydra, and Ermioni.
By road: If you are traveling by car, follow the National Road to Corinth and exit at Ancient Epidaurus. Then follow the signs to Kanidi, Porto Heli, and Costa. This journey takes about 2.5 hours. Costa is the coast opposite the port of Spetses. In Costa, there is also a parking area where you can leave your car, since cars are prohibited on the island.
An alternative way to get to Costa is by KTEL, from the Kifissos KTEL. There are daily itineraries to Kranidi from the KTEL Argolidas. Traveling from Kranidi to Costa, you reach the port to go to Spetses.
From Costa, you can go to Spetses in the following ways:
By Ferry Boat: Spetses – Costa: 07:20-10:00-13:00-16:30
Costa – Spetses: 08:00-10:30-13:30-17:00
By boat: In this traditional way, you can cross over to Spetses. There are very frequent boat trips that, during the tourist season, run from morning until night.
By sea taxi: Sea taxis run 24 hours a day and take you anywhere around the island, upon booking.
For current schedules and to book your ferry tickets from Piraeus to Spetses, compare all available options on Ferryscanner. Book in advance for summer weekends, as ferries from Athens to Spetses fill up quickly.
For a private door-to-door transfer from anywhere in Athens to Costa port, Welcome Pickups offers reliable pre-booked service.
Transportation
For those who wish to travel to Spetses by car, we must point out that driving is prohibited on the island, subject to the special regulations of the Municipality of Spetses.
With the traditional boats, in addition to the Costa – Spetses or Spetses – Costa route mentioned above, there are itineraries to Agios Anargyros, Agia Paraskevi, and Zogeria (famous beaches on the island). These boat trips start early in the morning and stop at sunset, with the port of Dapia as a reference point.
As mentioned above, with sea taxis, you can visit any beach 24 hours a day upon booking.
There are land taxis in Spetses; their phone numbers can be found in various places around the port.
We would suggest you take a ride in the island’s picturesque horse-drawn carriages. During the summer, the open horse and buggy will take you to most parts of the island, from early in the morning until late at night. Their two starting points are in the port of Dapia and in the square of Poseidon. The prices of each ride are posted at the starting points.
An alternative transportation to the island is by bicycle or scooter.
Only during the tourist season are there two buses. The route starts at the beach of Agios Mamas, heading toward Agia Marina, Kouzounos, Xylokeriza, and Agios Anargyros, and ends at the beach of Agia Paraskevi. The route of the other bus starts from Poseidon Square, heading toward Kounoupitsa, Patrali, hotel “Spetses”, Kaiki beach, the Schools, hotel “Xenia”, Blueberry Hill, Ligoneri, and the settlement of Ligoneri, and it stops at the beach of Vrellos.
Best beaches in Spetses
Saint Mamas
This beach is nearest the port. With sand and pebbles, it is ideal for families with small children and is preferred by locals for its easy accessibility. (not organized)
Saint Nicholas
A small and quiet beach, on the way to the old port. It has sand and fine pebbles and is easily accessible on foot. (not organized)
Agia Marina
An organized beach, just 10 minutes from Dapia, is the now cosmopolitan beach of Agia Marina. On this beach, you can do water sports and have options for food and beverages. The sea is clean, with sand and a few pebbles.
Kounoupitsa
It is located west of the port of Dapia and has a sandy beach with pebbles and clear blue waters. Around the beach, you have the option of walking and eating in restaurants and taverns.
Anargyrios School
One of the most famous beaches is due to the beach bar “Kaiki”. There you will find sunbeds and umbrellas, and you can try some water sports. There are very good restaurants around with tasty food.
Agia Paraskevi
This beach is probably the most beautiful in Spetses, Greece. Green and lush, full of pines, it has crystal-clear waters and thick pebbles, and is organized around a bar. It is accessible either by bus or by boat.
Ligoneri
Another large beach is located in the engineers’ settlement. It is divided into two parts and has pebbles, a little sand, and a rocky bottom. The beach is unorganized and accessible by bus.
Zogeria
The beach with the most turquoise and calm waters. A small bay is formed there, with an organized sandy beach. You will also find beautiful, small, and secluded beaches in the big bay of Zogeria.
Agioi Anargyroi
The largest beach in Spetses. It has pebbles and a sandy bottom, and is well organized, providing you with water sports activities. The bus from Agios Mama stops at the beach entrance, next to the restaurant. You can also go with one of the tourist boats from the port of Dapia.
What to do in Spetses, Greece
Spetses, as we mentioned earlier, is a picturesque island with a cosmopolitan air and a 5,000-year history.
Initially, we recommend the mansion of Captain Bouboulina (a national heroine during the Greek War of Independence), which now functions as a museum in Pefkakia Square. This museum exhibits several personal items and historical relics, while you will be impressed by the carved ceiling and the large hall.
Another house-museum, and in fact one of the most special houses of Spetses, is that of Hatzigiannis Mexis, one of the first lords of the island and leader of the National Uprising in 1821. Here lie the bones of the beloved captain, as well as findings from the ancient Shipwreck of the Irias, which dates back to 1200 BC. Also on display are valuable relics from the Greek War of Independence, such as the flag of the Greek Revolution, traditional costumes, portraits, and historical documents.
The scenic walk from the port of Dapia to the Old Port is something you should not miss. A romantic ride that you can make either by carriage or on foot. On this route, you will be impressed by the old captains’ mansions, take many photos, and, upon arriving at the port, gaze at the boats.
At the organized beaches, you will have the opportunity to test your skills in water sports, rent a jet ski, or a flyboard. There is also the Ergo Dive diving center on Kaiki Beach, with which you can book a dive and explore the underwater world.
For another beautiful Saronic island nearby, read our weekend guide to Aegina.
Food and Beverage
Patralis: Very close to the port of Dapia, with a balcony overlooking the sea. In the fish tavern of Patrali, you will find excellent food with prices worthy of its quality. The portions are large, and the service is fast.
💡 Patralis is consistently rated the best fish taverna on Spetses, founded in 1935 and still run by the same family. Book a table in advance during the summer, especially for the balcony overlooking the sea.
Roussos Cafe: Since 1968, Roussos Cafe has been a classic choice for a hearty breakfast. Choose outdoor tables overlooking the sea. The store opens at 7.30 am and is located in Dapia.
Nero tis Agapis (Water of Love): Located in Kounoupitsa, it offers stunning views. Its dishes are Mediterranean, and the fish is fresh and comes straight from the owners’ boat.
💡 Nero tis Agapis is located in Kounoupitsa — arrive for sunset for the best views.
Poseidonion Grand Hotel: For a stately breakfast in the elegant aura of Spetses, you can try the rich, full American buffet breakfast or the Continental breakfast.
Alfie’s: For delicious ice cream on your afternoon walk, we recommend Alfie’s. It is located in Dapia, and there are many ice cream flavors to choose from.
Mourayo: A bar-restaurant in the Old Port, where you can dine and have a drink by the sea.
Tarsanas: In the Old Port, Tarsanas is an ideal choice for seafood. This restaurant has been operating on the island for 13 years, with steadily growing value and customer base.
Don’t leave Spetses without trying the island’s famous nougats, produced locally in a traditional way, and ordering fish ‘a la Spetsiota’, cooked in tomato sauce. Both are uniquely Spetses.
Where to Stay in Spetses
Spetses has accommodation for all budgets. The most atmospheric areas to stay are around Dapia port for easy access to everything, or the Old Harbor (Palia Limani) for a quieter, more exclusive feel.
The iconic Poseidonion Grand Hotel, a Belle Époque masterpiece built in 1914, is the island’s landmark luxury property, right on the harbor.
💡 Book well in advance for July, August, and the second weekend of September (Battle of Armata), Spetses fills up fast on weekends year-round.
Useful Sites & apps
In the last few years, we have been traveling, and we have singled out some applications, which we use every trip or during it. We have chosen them over others for their validity, ease of use, and variety in the options they have to offer. We describe below in detail what these are, together with their characteristics.
Booking.com
Booking.com is a popular online booking platform for accommodations worldwide. With a vast selection of hotels, apartments, villas, and more, Booking.com offers travelers the convenience of finding and booking their ideal stay in just a few clicks. The site’s user-friendly interface and extensive filtering options make it easy to narrow down search results based on specific preferences such as price, location, amenities, and more. As a result, Booking.com has become a go-to destination for travelers looking for hassle-free booking options. With competitive pricing and a loyalty program that rewards repeat bookings, Booking.com is a top choice for travelers seeking great deals and a seamless booking experience. Find available rooms here.
Hotels.com
Hotels.com is a leading provider of hotel accommodation worldwide, offering booking services through its own network of localized websites. Once you reach 10 nights, you’ll have a free night, which you can apply at checkout. You can earn multiple free nights by continuing to book with Hotels.com, though. The platform gives travelers one of the widest selections of accommodation on the net, including both independent and major chain hotels as well as self-catering in over hundreds of thousands of properties worldwide. The company offers a one-stop shopping source for hotel pricing, amenities, and availability. Find the best deals here.
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor helps hundreds of millions of people each month become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants, and discover great places nearby. Find available offers and book your accommodation here.
Ferryscanner
For ferry tickets to all of Greece, as well as destinations like Italy and Turkey. Immediate service and cooperation with the largest services in Greece.
Spetses, Greece FAQ — Everything You Need to Know
Spetses is a small island in the Saronic Gulf, 80km south of Athens and 4km off the Peloponnese coast opposite Costa village. It belongs to the Argosaronic group alongside Aegina, Poros, and Hydra.
By Flying Dolphin from Piraeus in approximately 2 hours with stops at Poros, Hydra, and Ermioni. By car: drive to Costa via Ancient Epidaurus (~2.5 hours from Athens), leave your car in the Costa parking area, then cross to Spetses by ferry or sea taxi. Book ferry tickets at Ferryscanner.
No, private cars and motorcycles are strictly prohibited on Spetses. You get around by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage, scooter/ATV, sea taxi, or on foot. This is one of the defining characteristics that make Spetses so uniquely peaceful.
Absolutely. Spetses combines everything that makes Greek islands special. Beautiful beaches, crystal-clear Ionian waters, excellent seafood, rich history, and genuine charm, without the extreme crowds of Mykonos or Santorini. The car-free atmosphere creates a completely different, more elegant experience.
Top things to do: visit the Bouboulina Museum (the Greek Revolution heroine’s former home), explore the Old Harbor and Dapia port on foot or by horse carriage, swim at Agioi Anargyros and Agia Paraskevi beaches, dine at Patralis fish tavern, and visit in September for the spectacular Battle of Armata reenactment with fireworks.
A weekend (2 nights) is the classic visit and enough to cover the highlights. With 3–4 days, you can explore all the beaches by scooter or sea taxi, visit the museums, and really settle into the island’s pace. Day trips from Athens are possible, but you miss the magical evening atmosphere.
The most popular beaches are Agioi Anargyros (the largest, with organized water sports), Agia Paraskevi (reached by boat from Dapia), Zogeria (a secluded, pine-fringed bay best reached by boat), and Agios Mamas (close to the port, good for a quick swim). Most of the best beaches are accessible by boat or sea taxi from Dapia port.
