Greek islands like Santorini and Mykonos have long been among the most famous destinations. But while these islands were making the cover pages of travel magazines and welcoming tourists in droves, Spetses Island remained a delightful secret among the few travelers who had discovered it.
Hidden in the Saronic Gulf, a ferry ride away from Athens, Spetses Island is home to over 4,000 residents and some of the most luxurious Greek villas. With a charm quite similar to Hydra, Spetses feels even more intimate and uniquely captivating in its own way.
If you’re curious about this elegant Mediterranean island, there’s plenty to explore – from its cobblestone streets to its unspoiled beaches.
History and Culture
Spetses has a rich past dating back to 8000 B.C. The island rose to prominence during the Napoleonic era, when Greek merchants inhabited the island to engage in their trade.
However, it reached a peak in 1821 when Spetses became the first Greek island to start a revolution against the Turks during the Greek War of Independence. The island still holds monuments from the war, with a museum dedicated to the heroine Bouboulina, who led the war.
Beyond the museum, the old captains’ mansions stand as a legacy of Spetses’ maritime past and its role in the Greek War of Independence.
The Architectural Charm of Spetses
Spetses is filled with massive neoclassical buildings that used to house sea captains years ago. Despite fading over the years, the mansions still stand proudly along the waterfront.
At Dapia, the main port and the heart of the island, you’ll find cafés and restaurants stretched along the elegant waterfront and boutique shops with a postcard-like charm.
While Hydra has some lovely bare rocks and white houses along the port, Spetses has pine forests that stretch across the shoreline, delivering a greener, softer vibe and a picturesque landscape that you can watch all day.
Stunning Beaches
The best part of Spetses has to be the beaches. While Hydra has beautiful beaches of its own, Spetses offers a wider range to suit every mood.
Agia Paraskevi is one of the top beaches on the island. It has crystal waters and pine trees lined up right until you reach the shoreline, creating an exclusive, tranquil atmosphere. Zogeria has a calm, colorful charm reminiscent of Caribbean beaches, surrounded by forests that make it feel beautifully secluded.
If you’re a fan of lively beaches, Agioi Anargyroi will suit your taste perfectly. It is a larger, livelier beach with an animated vibe for upbeat games and active afternoons. The beach also connects to sea caves that you can explore as part of your activities.
The best thing about these beaches is that you can easily travel from one to the other using scooters, bikes, or even water taxis. So, you can explore multiple beaches in a day without stressful and time-consuming hikes.
Food and Nightlife
The dining experience in Spetses is laidback without sacrificing its quality. The regular experience includes fresh Greek meals eaten by the waterfront, authentic traditional taverns, and waterside cocktails instead of in bars. The evenings pass peacefully with long dinners, warm conversations, a stroll along the waterfront, and nighttime drinks in a relaxing environment with a lovely view away from the crowds.
The Vibe
The streets of Spetses have a very similar vibe to those in Hydra, especially with the car-free character, cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages.
The atmosphere is calm and unhurried, with the sound of footsteps and hooves replacing the usual traffic noise.
In addition to the traditional carriages, you’ll also find scooters and bicycles running the cobblestone streets, creating an interesting contrast, as if two different eras blended comfortably.
Getting Around Spetses
Although both Spetses and Hydra are car-free islands, Spetses offers a more balanced and practical experience.
Unlike in Hydra, where vehicles are banned entirely, Spetses allows vehicles just enough to ensure that you don’t have to carry your luggage over long distances or struggle to get from one place to another.
On Spetses Island, vehicle availability is often restricted to taxis and some locals, which means you have just enough of the car-free vibe while enjoying an easier commute compared to Hydra.
As a tourist, you’ll mostly be getting on a scooter, a bike, on foot, or even by donkey as you explore the scenic coastal route that circles the island, where you’ll discover everything from coves, relaxation spots, and viewpoints. Of course, water taxis are also available to transport you between beaches.
Who Should Visit Spetses?
If you want a low-key, yet iconic travel experience, then Spetses is perfect for you. The island is beautiful but not crowded, allowing you to truly take in every experience without hype or pressure.
If beauty, comfort, and exclusive (yet affordable) luxury sound good to you, then Spetses should be your next travel destination.
On Spetses Island, you get exploration, relaxation, and authentic culture, all in one.
From discovering hidden coves to exploring beaches with their different vibes, long walks along the waterfront, and enjoying tasty and authentic meals, Spetses delivers the vacation experience that fully immerses you and gives you the chance to become one with your environment.
