Spetses is a picturesque island in the Saronic Gulf, known for its rich maritime history, beautiful beaches, and charming car-free streets. Explore everything this enchanting destination has to offer.

Getting There & Around

How to Get There

By Boat

Daily itineraries using flying cats and flying dolphins depart from Piraeus port (gate 8).

Hellenic Seaways: hellenicseaways.com
Travel agency in Piraeus: +30 210 4199000
Travel agency in Spetses: +30 22980 73142

By Car

Route from Athens: Korinthos → Epidavrus → Kranidi → Porto Heli → Kosta (approximately 2.5 hours, 180 km). Private cars are not allowed within the island of Spetses.

Ferry Boat from Kosta (€2.50/person):
Spetses → Kosta: 7:20am, 10:00am, 1:00pm, 4:30pm
Kosta → Spetses: 8:00am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, 3:00pm

Sea Taxis: +30 22980 72072
€23 for up to 8 people (Kosta to Spetses)
€25 to Kounoupitsa pier (3-4 min walk to resort)

Transportation on the Island

On Foot

Distances within the main settlement of Spetses are short and pleasant. The coastal road offers picturesque views of the harbor and historic captains' houses.

Bike or Motorbike

Spetses is a great destination for cyclists since there are very few cars. Multiple rental stores are available along the coastal road. Explore the 25-km ring road or take on the full 30-km island tour.

Horse-Carriage

A charming way to get around the island. Three pick-up points available:

Bouboulina square (in front of Posidoneio hotel)
Port of Dapia
Old Harbor (in front of Mouragio)

Taxis & Buses

7 taxis available with pick-up at the Port of Dapia. In summer months, buses run two routes — western beaches (Kaiki, Ligoneri, Vrellos, Zogeria) and eastern beaches (Xylokeriza, Agioi Anargyroi, Agia Paraskeui).

Taxi info: spetses.gr/el/transportation

Travelling Around by Boat

Tourist Boats

Daily itineraries departing from the Port of Dapia to multiple beaches around the island.

Sea Taxis

Available from the Port of Dapia and from Kounoupitsa pier, just a short walk from Melivea resort.

Traditional Fishing Boats

Rent a traditional kaiki to visit isolated beaches on the island or along the Peloponnesus coast.

Beaches

Popular Main Beaches

Kaiki Beach

Located just a 10-minute walk from Melivea resort. Offers umbrellas, sunbeds, beach bars, and water sports for a perfect day by the sea.

Agia Marina

Situated on the east side of the island, this beautiful beach requires transportation to reach but is well worth the journey.

Agioi Anargyroi

Located in the southern part of the island, featuring the famous Bekiris Cave with fascinating stalagmites and a small sandy beach.

Coastal Beaches

Pine-Shaded Beaches

Vrellos, Zogeria, Agia Paraskeui, and Xylokeriza feature beautiful pebble settings under pine trees, complete with umbrellas and beach bars for your comfort.

Secluded Spots

Ligoneri, Kouzounos, and Garifalos are popular beaches for those seeking a more peaceful experience, though they lack nearby dining options.

Activities

Hiking

Discover a network of inland paths winding through pine forests, aromatic plants, and wildflowers that connect to the coastal areas. The trails offer stunning views and a chance to experience the island's natural beauty.

Trail information available at spetses.gr/el/roots

Cycling

Explore the island on two wheels with the 25-km ring road or take on the full 30-km island tour. Routes traverse coastal paths and inland areas through charming settlements and scenic forest roads.

Food & Entertainment

Restaurants

Patralis

Fresh fish and seafood, located near the resort.

Nero tis Agapis

Located in the Kounoupitsa neighborhood.

Tarsanas & Orloff

Upscale dining options at the Old Harbor.

Exedra

Traditional Greek cuisine.

Bars & Nightlife

Palio Limani (Old Harbor) hosts numerous tavernas and is the heart of the island's nightlife. Don't miss Spetsa Bar, an old rock bar and local favorite that has been serving visitors for decades.

Entertainment

Open-Air Cinemas

Experience movies under the stars at one of the island's outdoor cinemas.

Cine Marina: +30 22980 72110
Cine Titania: +30 22980 72516

Theatre

The Ancient Theatre of Epidavrus, just one hour's drive away, hosts remarkable summer performances in an iconic ancient setting.

History & Culture

Museums

Spetses Museum

Located in the Hatzigiannis-Mexis mansion built in 1875, displaying ancient, modern, and folklore collections that tell the story of the island.

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 08:30-14:00
Phone: +30 22980 72994

Bouboulina Museum

Houses artifacts in a 300-year-old mansion belonging to Laskarina Bouboulina, a legendary figure of the Greek War of Independence.

Phone: 22980 72416
Email: bouboulinamuseum@gmail.com

Historic Buildings

Sotiris Anargyros Mansion

A two-storey neoclassical building built in 1904, located at the Dapia center.

Currently closed for restoration.

Poseidonio Grand Hotel

Established in 1914, one of the oldest hotels in South Eastern Europe, featuring stunning Côte d'Azur-inspired architecture.

Anargyreios & Korialenios School

Founded in 1927 by benefactor Sotirios Anargyros, this was a pioneering educational institution in the Balkans until its closure in 1983.

Churches & Landmarks

Churches & Monasteries

Fifty-four churches and monasteries are scattered across the island. Notable sites include Saint Nicholas Church at the Old Harbor and Saint John Baptist Church in Kounoupitsa, which celebrates its feast day on June 24th.

Saint John Baptist Church

Located in the Kounoupitsa neighbourhood, this church celebrates its feast day on June 24th and is one of the island's most beloved landmarks.

The Lighthouse

Located on the northeast of the island, dating back to 1837. It symbolizes the island's rich naval tradition and offers beautiful views.

Karnaya (Shipbuildings)

A museum at the Old Port displaying the history of ship carpentry, showcasing the island's maritime heritage.

Natalia Mela Sculptures

A remarkable collection of sculptures by Natalia Mela, reflecting the island's deep appreciation for art and its rich cultural heritage.

Festivals & Events

Armata Festival

The annual commemoration of the September 8, 1822 naval battle against Ottoman forces. The highlight is the dramatic reenactment featuring the burning of the Ottoman flagship, attracting visitors from around the world.

Visit spetses.gr/el/armataspetses for details