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Ultimate Travel Guide to Spetses Island

Discover our complete travel guide to Spetses – a two-hour catamaran ride from Athens, this pine-scented island is home to white-sand beaches, authentic dining, and waterfront bars where you can elegantly drink the night away.

Known for its old-world charm, sophistication, tranquillity, stunning beaches, and sprawling pine and citrus trees – Spetses is unique as it is one of very few Greek islands where cars are prohibited – creating a serene and nostalgic ambiance.

Offering a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and relaxation, this all-year-round destination invites visitors to explore its old-school dining spots, cobblestone alleyways, majestic mansions, and secluded swimming coves.

Insights Greece - Ultimate Travel Guide to Spetses Island

Eat + Drink

Lunch + Dinner

Mourayo- Housed in a 19th-century farmhouse, this awarded restaurant’s outdoor terrace offers front-row sunset seats and classic Mediterranean dishes that pair perfectly with a glass of rosé.

Bostani- This farm-to-table open-air restaurant serves fresh dishes using ingredients handpicked straight from the earth.

On the Veranda- For a fine dining experience, head to this seaside restaurant at the Poseidonion Hotel and choose from a delightful menu featuring dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Tarsanas- For freshly caught seafood turned into classics such as octopus marinated in olive oil and vinegar, lobster pasta, and an unmissable kakavia (fisherman’s soup.)

Patralis- For more great seafood, this seaside tavern that’s been here since 1935, is the perfect spot to taste sea urchin salad followed by their signature squid pasta.

Agios- Serving modern cuisine, this spot is ideal for a long lazy lunch.

Coffee + Sweets

Vanilia- Located in the centre of town, just behind the church of Agios Antonios, make sure to try the island’s famous amigdalota (almond sweet).

Klimis- This long-running family shop is famous for its sokolatina (chocolate pie), galaktoboureko (custard pie), ekmek (cream and kataifi pie) and voutiki (serano dipped in chocolate.)

Tiramisu- For a delicious mille-feuille, decadent tiramisu and fantastic sweet vegan options, this is the place!

Drinks

Bikini Bar- A hot spot thanks to a lush cocktail menu, cool lounge music, and all-round great vibes.

Mayo Café Bar- Fabulous all-day drinking spot set on a stunning terrace.

Spetsa Bar- This classic bar is where you’ll find locals having a pre or post-dinner drink.

Insider tip: This year will see the opening of two amazing new drinking spots in Spetses, where visitors can enjoy an aperitivo all day long! Taratsa and Spetses All Day Wine and Deli are set to open their doors in the upcoming weeks, and we can’t wait to have our first glass (or two) at both!

See + Do

– Spetses is the home of War of Greek Independence heroine Laskarina Bouboulina, whose statue stands outside Poseidonion Hotel, and also to the Bouboulina Museum where you can discover over three centuries of history and cultural heritage.

-We also recommend visiting the Museum of Spetses. Housed in the mansion of Chatzigiannis-Mexis, you will find exhibits that cover 4000 years of the island’s cultural history.

-Get your hands on a bicycle and peddle around the cobblestone streets and then explore the Palio Limani by horse and carriage.

-Visit Panagia Armata, a historic church situated on a picturesque hill overlooking Palio Limani.

– If you are in Spetses during Spring or Autumn, we recommend hiking the lovely green hills or cycling the coastal road that takes you around the entire island.

– Stroll around the cobblestone alleyways featuring mosaic designs and discover magnificent mansions and classy yachts along the way.

-Take a boat tour or rent a sailing boat and dive into the clear waters. Tip: make sure to sail over to Bekiris Cave for an unforgettable swim.

-Catch a film at one of the island’s open-air cinemas.

-Swim at one of the many beautiful beaches including Palaia Garifalos, Paralia Agioi Anargyroi, Agia Marina, or Agia Paraskevi. We also suggest a dip in the bay of Zogeria and then head straight to the seaside tavern next door for some lunch.

Shop

Spetses has some beautiful boutique stores that stock international brands and local designers. For some stunning pieces of jewellery, summer sandals and resort wear head to White Boutique, Soho Soho, Sea + Sun, and Mageia Boutique.

Stay

Poseidonion Grand Hotel- For a glamorous and stylish stay at Spetses’ iconic hotel, that’s been open since 1914.

Orloff Resort– This boutique hotel with a rustic chic vibe is great for families.

Yayaki- If you are looking for the perfect blend between a luxury boutique and a family guest house – this one is for you.

Essentials

Getting there: From the port of Piraeus in Athens, the trip to Spetses is about two hours with the flying dolphin and 2.5 hours with the flying cat.

Best time to go: Any time of the year- but if you are keen on a getaway that allows you to take part in a triathlon, check out the Spetses Mini Marathon, for those who love cycling head over during “A Weekend in Tweed” and for yachting enthusiasts, there is the annual Classic Regatta.

Ideal time to stay: Perfect place for a weekend getaway – but you can easily spend 3 – 4 days exploring the island.

Getting around: As mentioned, no cars are allowed however you can rent a bike or see parts of the island on a horse carriage.

What to pack: Swimmers, a linen scarf for the night breeze, and comfortable (needless to say stylish) footwear to walk and cycle.

Spetses Goes Vintage this Spring for “A Weekend in Tweed”

This spring the stunning island of Spetses will be filled with a retro vibe during a long weekend featuring vintage adventures, a nostalgic atmosphere, and special tweed appearances.

From the 15th to the 17th of April 2022, Spetses island will welcome guests- from all around the country and the world- for a unique “Weekend in Tweed”. The special event, run by the Poseidonion Grand Hotel in collaboration with the Hellenic Bicycle Museum, is a celebration of classic English glamour- with participants filling the hotel and village square with their retro bicycles and vintage attire.

Paying homage to old-world charm and traditions, Spetses is the ideal destination for this unique event, as the stunning island is renowned for its aristocratic feel and cosmopolitan aura.

Insights Greece - Spetses Goes Vintage this Spring for “A Weekend in Tweed”

And with the sweet spring weather being the perfect time to enjoy such an occasion- plus the all-time classic character of the Poseidonion as a backdrop- visitors are invited to enjoy a three-day event dedicated to a whimsical journey through time- full of evocative activities and memorable moments.

Over the weekend, guests will be able to hop on a classic bicycle and enjoy a leisurely ride around the island; stop off for a charming picnic in the blossoming nature, and experience afternoon tea at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel- all while parading in their elegant outfits and tweed attire.

The long weekend will also include plenty of delicious delicacies and famous signature dishes from Poseidonion; plus a range of surprises including a beauty pageant highlighting the best dressed, an atmospheric party, and special awards.

About the Hotel

Poseidonion Grand Hotel first opened its doors in 1914. This stunning building has become a famous landmark on Spetses island, a favourite spot for affluent Athenians and international jet-setters. The striking hotel occupies a prime seafront position and is one of the first things you spot as you arrive on the Saronic island.

Details

If you would like to dress in your best vintage/ tweed outfits and take part in this charming journey through time during “A Weekend in Tweed”, contact Christina Lagkadianou on-

PH: +30 210 9222525 | E: lagkadianou@travelworks.gr

Images Courtesy of Poseidonion Grand Hotel

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20 Best Things to do in Spetses

Located a little over two hours away from Athens, the luscious island of Spetses is a perfect weekend escape from the Greek capital. This idyllic, car-free island of the Argosaronic Gulf is a favourite spot for affluent Athenians and international jet-setters. Here we share our 20 favourite things to do on Spetses Island.

1. Enjoy an afternoon or evening stroll around the buzzing harbour of Dapia Port. The tiny port of Dapia is surrounded by whitewashed, Neoclassical houses and surrounded by chic cafés, and stylish boutiques.

Insights Greece - 20 Best Things to do in Spetses — Outside the Poseidonion Hotel

2. Stay at the famous Poseidonion Grand Hotel or at least enjoy a coffee, cocktail, or dinner at Poseidonion Restaurant in Spetses Town, an awarded eatery that uses products from its Organic Farm and has a beautiful veranda where you can enjoy the view of the Saronic Gulf.

3. Grab some pastries at Klimis, housed in Klimis Hotel; this long-running family shop is famous for its sokolatina (chocolate pie), galaktoboureko (custard pie), ekmek (cream and kataifi pie) and voutiki (serano dipped in chocolate.)

4. Visit Panagia Armata Church. Surrounded by lush greenery, the white and yellow chapel located on a hill above the old port of Spetses was built between 1824 and 1830 by captain Ioannis Koutsis, to commemorate and honour the defeat of the Ottoman fleet during the naval battle of 1822.

5. Swim at one of the many beautiful beaches including Palaia Garifalos, Paralia Agioi Anargyroi, Agia Marina, or Agia Paraskevi.

6. Eat at Agios, a family-run tavern that offers authentic Greek food and service with a smile.

7. Visit the Cave of Bekiris, located at Agioi Anargyroi beach. Inside the cave, you can make your way by foot to the fountain which has been created naturally from stalactites hanging from the ceiling of the cave.

8. Have a swim in the bay of Zogeria and then head straight to the tavern right on the water and enjoy a small menu with simple but delicious dishes.

9. Head to Bikini Bar for some lush cocktails, lounge music, and a great vibe.

10. For dinner, make your way to Orloff where they serve creative dishes using pure ingredients; highlighting traditional Greek cooking, they offer exceptional hospitality, great service, and a magical view.

11. The House of Bourboulina is an absolute must. Created in honour of the world’s first female admiral, it was built around the end of the 17th Century. Bouboulina was a heroine who played a significant role in the 1821 Greek War of Independence.

12. The Hatzigiannis- Mexis Museum, housed in a beautiful 18th-century mansion, is also well worth a visit. Here you can see relics and letters written in wartime during the 1821 Greek War of Independence.

13. Admire the Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos, Greece’s Holy Patron Saint of the Sea. With a charming white-marble bell tower, the monastery is located at Hydra’s port and it was here that the islanders first raised their flag of independence.

14. Enjoy the car-free island and make the most of cycling around town on a bike or enjoy a romantic horse ride.

15. Sail to Xylokeriza, a secluded beach 8 km from Dapia, on the south-eastern part of the island.

16. Head to Vanilia, a wonderful local patisserie in the centre of town, just behind the church of Agios Antonios, and try one of the island’s famous amigdalota (almond sweets).

17. Explore the Korgialenios School of Spetses. The Anargyrios and Korgialenios School of Spetses is a historical and cultural heritage site of the island of Spetses. It was established in 1923.

18. Try some local honey, as Spetses produces excellent varieties from the many pine trees around the island. This honey has a distinct taste and flavoured aroma that is amazing with a scoop of Greek yogurt.

19. If you are in the mood for some great music and an uplifting vibe head to Kaiki Beach Club restaurant, which has a great atmosphere.

20. Taste the local specialty la Spetsiota– a delicious seafood dish of Spetses Island. Prepared using freshly caught fish fillets that are marinated in lime juice and ground pepper; the dried fillets are spread over breadcrumbs and drizzled with a fresh tomato and garlic sauce.

How to get to Spetses

There are several daily departures of flying dolphins to Spetses from the port of Piraeus in Athens.

The duration of the trip is approximately two hours with the flying dolphins and 2.5 hours with the flying cats.

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Discover our complete travel guide to Spetses – a two-hour catamaran ride from Athens, this pine-scented island is home to white-sand beaches, authentic dining, and waterfront bars where you can elegantly drink the night away.

This spring the stunning island of Spetses will be filled with a retro vibe during a long weekend featuring vintage adventures, a nostalgic atmosphere, and special tweed appearances.

The Athens Guide