Spetses: The Greek island of legends

A CURATED GUIDE TO SPETSES ISLAND, GREECE

Last updated: March 2026
This is not a sponsored post and I am not affiliated with any of the businesses or organisations mentioned.

Spetses town looks out towards the horizon. Lined with beautiful neoclassical buildings, it stretches along a remarkable seaside esplanade filled with charming cafés and boutiques. Dapia, the new port, is buzzing with movement and anticipation, yet time seems to stand still among the fortress-like captains’ mansions. Your seaside walk starts at a historic boarding school built for future leaders and finishes at the Pirates of the Caribbean-esque Old Port -a bay within a bay filled with luxury yachts, sailing and fishing boats, all mingling harmoniously among old shipyards, elegant restaurants and simple tavernas.

The combination of that small-island feeling, a place of historical significance, and the perks of an upscale destination sums up the beauty of Spetses. Spetses has long been one of Europe’s most sought-after islands, its enduring appeal tracing back to the birth of the modern Greek state -a defining chapter in the country’s history, deeply shaped by the island itself.

It’s exactly this blend of understated island charm, rich history and refined elegance -one I’ve come to appreciate over multiple visits- that made me choose Spetses as the setting for my wedding. This guide, however, is all about helping you experience the island for yourself. 

Welcome to Spetses island, Greece.

WHAT TO DO IN SPETSES?

WALK FROM THE SCHOOLS ALL THE WAY TO THE EDGE OF THE OLD PORT (& BEYOND)

Spetses town has developed along the seaside and while its original hub was Palio Limani, the Old Port, on the southeast edge of the island, it has organically grown towards the north, past Dapia, the new port, and all the way to Kaiki beach and Anargyrios & Korgialenios School of Spetses.

We shall start our walk from the north, simply because Kaiki beach is, naturally, meant to be visited during the day whereas the Old Port is a charming place all day, but best enjoyed in the evening.

STARTING NORTH: KAIKI BEACH TO DAPIA

Starting from Scholes and walking south along the seaside, you will be able to enjoy all that Spetses has to offer.

Once you finish admiring the beautiful architecture of the Anargyrios & Korgialenios School of Spetses, head to the beach just opposite. Known as Kaiki beach or Scholes (which means schools), it is a great place for swimming, sunbathing and enjoying lunch and drinks (more on that, in the dining section later in this post). 

Continue your seaside walk south and you will pass small coves, elegant restaurants, cafés, bars. A notable stop is at Tiramisu, a charming café which also has tables on the tiny sandy beach, on the other side of the road. Make sure to have a quick dip in the sea before your iced coffee or glass of rosé arrives!

Soon enough you will reach the lively new port of Dapia. Water taxis ferrying people back and forth to the coast dock here making for one of the most iconic photo spots of the island. But Dapia is more than just a disembarkation spot. It’s a lively hub with multiple cafés, restaurants and shops.

Dapia is always buzzing with the anticipation of arrivals and departures but the charming dining venues here are relaxing enough. Nevertheless, if you are in the mood for a more refined experience, the indoor and outdoor restaurants at Poseidonion Grand Hotel will certainly do the trick.

A two minute walk inland will lead to cute Roloi Square (which means clock tower), where a variety of good looking, affordable restaurants and street food eateries can be found.

FROM DAPIA TO THE OLD PORT

Continuing south from Dapia you will come across Agios Mamas beach which sits right next to charming Agios Mamas church.

Sandy Agios Mamas cove is perfect for a dip in the sea just moments away from Dapia. The adjacent concrete pier complete with umbrellas and sun loungers for hire is actually one of my favourite swimming spots. In case you are wondering, even so close to the port, the water is crystal clear.

While you are here, make sure to pop in to the lovely Agios Mamas church to see the adorable collection of miniature boats hanging from the whitewashed ceiling.

The seaside promenade continues along the historical captains’ mansions and the occasional sandy beach. This is the quietest part of our walk. The grandeur of the houses and array of marble busts remind you that this island has been blessed with a long tempestuous history filled with times of prosperity and struggle. While you are here, pop to St Nicholas church to admire its beautiful architecture and remarkable cobblestone.

The final twists and turns of the seaside walk lead us to charming Palio Limani (Old Port) which is filled with restaurants, both affordable and upscale, bars and cafés housed in unique historical buildings. Historically, the sheltered bays of the Old Port, used to be the island’s busy harbour, and the reason behind the island’s maritime prowess. Today, it’s a serene marina where luxury yachts and local fishing and excursion caiques bob merrily on the emerald waters.

At the Old Port, you can continue your walk all the way to the tip of the peninsula at the opposite end of all the restaurants. There’s currently no pin on google maps, but the locals know it as the Historic Area of Armata (which is a local word for the island’s revolution against the Ottoman Empire). Keep going until you reach the end of the peninsula. This is a wonderful spot for views of the island surrounded by canons and plenty of stone seating! I got married at that exact spot!

ABOUT SPETSES’ UNIQUE SEASIDE

The walk from Kaiki beach to the Old Port will take you about an hour of fast walking -allow more for a leisurely pace. You will probably need another half hour from the Old Port to the Historic Area of Armata.

Naturally, you don’t have to do this route all at once. After all, you will be doing parts of it anyway to get to dinner, the beach or anything in between. However, the fact that you can have such a long continuous walk along the seaside with so many things to see and experience on the way is a testament to the island’s unique charm. 

A more old-fashioned and charming way of experiencing the seaside promenade is on a horse-drawn carriage! This is a unique feature of Spetses that you definitely need to try at least once. While you can flag one down if it’s empty along the way, it’s best to catch them at their parking spots in front of Poseidonion Hotel in Dapia or the middle of the Old Port just before Liotrivi restaurant. Prices are set and noted in notice boards and are more reasonable that you’d think.

But wait, there is more! Although the seaside is amazing, don’t miss the little alleys and cobblestone streets into the town. They are also charming and filled with boutiques, boulangeries and the occasional historical mansion or two!  

TOP TIP: SPETSES’ ARTISAN COBBLESTONE

While walking in Spetses town, don’t forget to look… down! The island is famous for the artisanship of the patterns in the cobblestone. Wear your most elegant sandals and take a snapshot or two! 

WALK OR TAKE A BOAT TO THE BEACHES & CIRCUMNAVIGATE THE ISLAND

There are quite a few beaches on the island, many of which can be accessed on foot, by bike / bicycle or public bus. During the summer, there are also plenty of boats leaving the new port, Dapia, taking people to beaches further away.

It’s worth mentioning that in Greece, all beaches are public, so even in organised beaches that feature beach clubs, there will be empty spots for people to put their towel down and enjoy the beach free of charge.

BEACHES IN / CLOSE TO TOWN

Spetses town offers a handful of easily accessible swimming spots, ideal for those who want to combine a refreshing dip with the convenience of staying close to cafés, restaurants, and the island’s main promenade.

All of these beaches can be reached on foot, although depending on where you’re staying, the walk can feel longer than expected, particularly under the midday sun. Alternatively, you can get around by bicycle, motorbike, or even one of the island’s iconic horse-drawn carriages, which remain a charming and practical way to move between different parts of town.

On the northern edge of town lies Kaiki Beach, also known as Scholes. This a relaxed, organised stretch popular with both locals and visitors. With sun loungers, umbrellas, and beachside service, it’s a comfortable choice for a full day by the water without venturing far from town.

Closer to Dapia, you’ll find a tiny beach that doesn’t even have a name, yet perfectly captures the effortless charm of Spetses. Just steps from the waterfront, it offers the simple pleasure of slipping into the sea before returning to your table at Tiramisu for a coffee or a chilled glass of wine -a quintessential Mediterranean experience.

At the southern end of Dapia, Agios Mamas unfolds as a sheltered cove with a sandy seabed, making it one of the most approachable swimming spots in town. A concrete pier extends into the water, organised with sun loungers and umbrellas, offering a balance between comfort and a laid-back atmosphere. Its central location also makes it particularly convenient for a spontaneous swim at any time of day.

Further south, beyond the Old Port, the coastline becomes a little more expansive. Agia Marina Beach offers clearer, deeper waters framed by pine trees, while nearby Paradise Beach Club adds a livelier, more curated beach experience with music, service, and a polished setting. This area feels slightly removed from the town, making it a natural progression for those looking to spend a longer, more indulgent afternoon by the sea.

BEACHES FURTHER AWAY

Agioi Anargyroi and Agia Paraskevi, the beaches on the south side of the island, can be accessed by hopping on the boats which do the circumnavigation of the island. It is a quick and easy day trip as Spetses is roughly round and not too big. The boats leave Dapia in the morning, sail along one side of the island and drop you off at the beach. In the afternoon, they pick you up and get you back to town by sailing along the other side of the island. The route is about 40-50mins each way.

This is an excellent opportunity to get a nice view of the whole town from the sea, and to admire the dense pine tree forest that the island is famous for, along with some very extravagant villas perched on the cliffs.

Apart from the obvious bonus of getting to see the entire coastline of the island, in my opinion, Agioi Anargyroi and Agia Paraskevi are also amongst the best beaches for enjoying a refreshing swim. Both beaches are organised with sun loungers and umbrellas and a seaside taverna or two.

VISIT THE BOUBOULINA MUSEUM 

The 300-year old mansion of legendary revolutionary heroine Laskarina Bouboulina is a must see. While the house and artefacts are quite interesting, it is the story of the famous daughter of Spetses, succinctly narrated while on guided tour that will definitely impress you.

Naval commander and businesswoman, Bouboulina spent her immense fortune in support of the Greek revolution. However, her main contribution to the cause was her patriotism, spirit and astounding leadership skills. Her life’s story is a truly inspiring one, especially considering that it takes place in a time when Greek people were desperately fighting to free the nation after 400 years of occupation (Bouboulina herself was born in a prison in Constantinople) and… she lived in a man’s world.

After Bouboulina’s death, Russian Tsar Alexander I granted her the honorary rank of Admiral of the Russian Navy. This makes her, until recently, the only woman in world naval history to hold this title. In 2018, she was granted the title of Rear Admiral in the Hellenic Navy. Her face and largest warship Agamemnon were depicted on the two sides of the Drachma (Greek currency prior to Euro).

If you are remotely interested in world history or just incredible life stories, this will be an hour of your day very well spent!

The Bouboulina museum is situated in the centre of Spetses town. You will be able to find the timetable with the guided tours slots posted in quite a few places around town. In the beginning of the tour, the guide will ask if you wish for the narration to be done in English too.

POP TO THE MAINLAND AND WATCH A PERFORMANCE IN THE ANCIENT THEATRE OF EPIDAVROS

The open air amphitheatre of Epidavros is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek structures in existence. This 4^th century BC, 14000 seat capacity theatre is an undisputed highlight renowned for its amazing acoustics; a coin dropped in the theatre’s centre can be heard from the highest seat. Imagine sitting on the ancient pews, under the night sky, on a warm night…experiencing the same wonder as people did over 2000 years ago!

During the summer, there are several performances of ancient Greek tragedies and comedies. No need to worry about not understanding Greek, there is a screen with English subtitles. There are several companies organising the boat to the mainland, usually to Kosta or Porto Heli, and then the taxi to Epidavros. Check with your hotel -performances are usually in the weekends. The boat journey to Kosta is about 15min and then it is about an hour drive inland to the theatre. All performances are in the evening but boats between Kosta to Spetses do run until quite late in the night.

While it will take you more than 1.5h each way, I would absolutely recommend visiting Epidavros. An all time classic Greek experience! If there is no performance or you are not interested in sitting through a performance, it is also totally worth going on a day trip. This way, you will be able to admire the theatre in daylight. I visited Epidavros on a school trip -I am Greek by the way- and if a bunch of 16-year olds were impressed by an ancient monument, I bet you will be too!

Note: Performances are only held during the summer as part of a combined summer festival with the Odeon of Herodes in Athens. The official programme is announced a few months in advance.

SPECIAL EVENTS IN SPETSES

A WEEKEND IN TWEED | LATE MARCH OR APRIL

A Weekend in Tweed is one of the island’s most charming spring traditions organised by Poseidonion Grand Hotel and the Hellenic Bicycle Museum. Inspired by the original London Tweed Run, participants dress in elegant vintage attire and cycle leisurely around the island, celebrating style, nostalgia, and simple pleasures.

SPETSES CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA | JUNE

Over 75 historical classic timber sailing boats gather for the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta every year to showcase the beauty of the vessels and the maritime prowess required to sail them. A truly impressive sight and an exciting time to visit the island with many parties and events accompanying the race.

ARMATA | 1ST WEEKEND AFTER SEPTEMBER 8TH

On the second weekend of September, the popular Armata celebrations are being held. The island’s revolutionary history comes back to life with historic re-enactments and celebratory festivities all culminating in the burning of a replica of the Ottoman flagship in the port.

This is a super popular time to visit; I had to book my accommodation many months in advance but it was worth it. The festivities are quite cool and there is a definite excitement in the air!

HOW TO GET AROUND IN SPETSES?

Spetses is a (private) car free island. Note that you will still need to be careful when crossing the street; there are all sorts of bikes and 2 or 3-wheeled vehicles on the streets as well as normal taxis. There are plenty of rental places in town where you can hire a moped, ATV or bike.

One of the highlights of visiting the island is taking a ride with a horse-drawn carriage! This is a great way of viewing the entirety of the town’s seaside promenade, especially if you don’t feel like doing the whole walk.

WHERE TO STAY IN SPETSES?

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve visited Spetses multiple times over the years -most recently for my wedding- which has given me the chance to experience a range of stays across the island.

On my first visits as a student, budget was very much a consideration. I stayed at Hotel Klimis before its renovation and, while the rooms were simple, the views were truly extraordinary. Now that it has been updated, it feels like even better value for money—well worth considering if you’re looking for an affordable yet well-located option. A few summers later, I stayed at Twin House Spetses as well as Kastro Hotel; both are no frills, affordable options.

More recently, I stayed at Orloff Boutique Hotel, which I still feel slightly ambivalent about. The service was warm and attentive, and the courtyard pool area undeniably charming, but the rooms themselves were quite small and rather pared-back. For the price point, I found myself expecting a little more. I had a similar impression of Spetses Hotel at the time of my visit, which felt very tired -though it has great potential should it undergo a thoughtful renovation.

For our wedding, our family stayed at Villa Calisti through Olive Rentals -a completely different experience. The villa is expansive and enjoys sweeping views over Spetses Town, a perspective I hadn’t experienced before. It’s a wonderful option for groups or special occasions, though it’s worth noting that the walk back from the seafront is uphill. Olive Rentals have multiple properties on the island, so it’s worth checking them out if you are interested in a villa; we were happy with the service overall.

Last but certainly not least, I spent the morning of my wedding and our first night as newlyweds at Poseidonion Grand Hotel -a stay that felt entirely fitting for the occasion. Booked last minute in peak August, the only room available was a classic entry-level room in the historic wing. Though modest in size, the room was elegantly appointed and thoughtfully equipped with every comfort, its proportions a natural reflection of the building’s historic character. The pool, too, is on the smaller side, but with the sea always within easy reach, it feels almost beside the point.

All in all, Poseidonion remains the most elegant address on the island. Waking up to iconic sea views and beginning the day with breakfast in its serene indoor salons or shaded terraces is, quite simply, a pleasure.

For our next visit to Spetses -if we decide not to splurge on Poseidonion- I’d be curious to try Nissia Traditional Residences, Yayaki Boutique Hotel, Lumiere, Mare Monte Luxury Suites or Porto Vecchio Luxury Suites -all of which seem to strike a compelling balance between style, location, and atmosphere.

WHERE & WHAT TO EAT IN SPETSES?

FOR BREAKFAST

For breakfast, we enjoyed trying different delicacies from the various boulangeries in town -grab and go.

If you would like to have breakfast while gazing at the blue sea, we really enjoyed our Greek brunch in Mosquito (along the seaside, north of Dapia). 

LUNCH ON THE BEACH

For lunch, the majority of the beaches in Spetses are organised so you will be able to grab lunch and drinks there.

While most beaches feature either small tavernas with traditional Greek cuisine or beach huts with sandwiches, Kaiki Beach Club is -as the title says- a proper beach club with a large bar and restaurant and also the option to be served on your sunbed. We had a very enjoyable lunch there, so I would definitely recommend it. 

When we visited Agia Marina beach, we didn’t have lunch at Paradise Beach Club as we were craving traditional cooking. So, we popped to Tzortzis taverna nearby. It’s a simple roadside taverna which offers traditional Greek dishes at very affordable prices. It reminded me of the little tavernas you can find all over Greece in neighbourhoods, towns and villages that tourists never go, so if you are feeling those vibes, pay them a visit.

DINNER IN TOWN

For dinner, there is a plethora of options in Dapia and further north, and, obviously, around the Old Port. There are many Greek tavernas with seafood and local meat along with more elegant seafood restaurants. There is also a couple of restaurants featuring Italian cuisine, as well as plenty of affordable options. The list of places below is by no means exhaustive!

In high summer and weekends, I’d recommend booking a table. Calling the day before should be enough and you won’t have trouble communicating in English. 

At the Old Port

For a more upscale dining experience in the Old Port, my top choices would be Tarsanas, Liotrivi and Orloff. All of them are situated on the waterfront in quite unique locations.

Tarsanas used to be an old shipyard. Liotrivi is located in a 300-year-old olive press built on its own private dock. Orloff is opposite the marina in a perfect location for passeggiata! We hosted our wedding party at Orloff’s private pier, and the food was delicious! All three restaurants serve Greek or Mediterranean plates with emphasis on fresh fish and seafood. We enjoyed our meals tremendously in all of them; prices are above average.

From the many tavernas in town, we particularly enjoyed our more affordable meal in Kapelogiannis, where we had plenty of meze (tapas) and local wine on the seaside. 

In Dapia and further north

Towards the north side of the town, we really enjoyed our dinner at Nero Tis Agapis (Water of Love) which is owned by the people who own Tarsanas. In fact, they have their own fishing boats; they go out every day and supply their restaurants and the local fish market.

Located right next to Nero tis Agapis, another iconic fish and seafood restaurant is Patralis which is, in fact, the oldest restaurant in Spetses. Still family owned and always busy, it’s the main contender for best fish restaurant on the island.

If you are in the mood for some Italian pasta or pitsa, head to Nebbiolo for a refined setting and a good dose of Italian cuisine.

Last but certainly not least, the restaurants and street food eateries (including some souvlaki spots, of course) around Roloi Square are a great choice for a casual and affordable meal.

And a great find for hearty, home-cooked food

Small restaurants that prepare home-cooked traditional dishes are always a great find when you travel around Greece. You will mostly find them away from the tourist sights and are typically family run, offering mostly takeaway (though some have tables too) and serve the kind of recipes that Greeks actually eat at home. This is the best and most affordable way of experiencing authentic Greek home cooking which is far more hearty and healthy than a lot of the fried meze you’ll taste in tavernas, as delicious as those may be!

Luckily, I recently discovered one of this type of eateries in Spetses. The lovely ladies at Esmero prepared a variety of scrumptious, traditional dishes for locals and visitors to eat in or take away. They even held a few portions on the side for us to have later in the day as dishes disappear quite quickly as the day goes by! Along with plenty of hearty, hot dishes, you will also find the iconic spinach and cheese pies that can be had hot or cold, for breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner.

TOP TIP: SPETSES’ MUST TRY RECIPE

Spetses’ local recipe is fish ‘a la Spetsiota’ which is white fish cooked in the oven with fresh tomato sauce. This is a very beloved recipe which is reproduced throughout the whole of Greece. Nevertheless, when in Spetses, well, you have to try it! It is really tasty and quite healthy. 

HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I STAY IN SPETSES?

Spetses is a perfect island weekend getaway from Athens, due the island’s close proximity to the capital.

However, I have visited Spetses multiple times now and I am always tempted to go back. The island is lively enough to keep you entertained for many days. If you wish to relax, slow down and slip into the blissful pace of island life, stay for a week… or more.

HOW TO GET TO SPETSES? ISLAND HOPPING TIPS & ITINERARIES

Spetses is only a short hydrofoil ride away (about 2.5-3h) from Athens’ main port, Piraeus, on the same route as Hydra island. There are several boats throughout the day every day during the summer, but I would recommend booking in advance.

Have a look at my post on transiting through Athens airport and ports FAQs which covers everything you need to know about Athens International Airport and Piraeus port along with the connections to each other and the city centre.

ISLAND HOPPING: HYDRA & SPETSES CLASSIC COMBO

Spetses and Hydra are less than an hour apart. So, you can pop to Hydra for a day visit if you are short on time. I have to say though that, in my opinion, it is worth staying in Hydra for longer than a day.

READ MORE:
Travelling to the Greek islands -How to book ferries & flights

Our trip from London to Hydra & Spetses:

We travelled from London to Hydra and Spetses on a 9-day holiday: 5 days of annual leave + 2 weekends. Our stay was equally split between the two islands.

We flew from London to Athens on a Friday evening flight (both British Airways and Aegean Airlines offer one). We arrived in Athens at around 3-4am -tiring, I know. However, the airport in Athens does not shut down during the night, so we spent a few hours in a bakery there. We then took a taxi to Piraeus (about 45min) where we got on the morning hydrofoil to Hydra.

On the way back, we took a midday hydrofoil from Spetses to Athens and an evening flight back to London.

Sounds complicated but it really is not too bad. The moment you step foot on the island, you will be instantly rejuvanated! 

SPETSES / HYDRA + PELOPONNESE PENINSULA ROAD TRIP

Lastly, another great idea is to combine Spetses (and Hydra) with a road trip to the Peloponnese peninsula.

Starting from Athens, drive over the Isthmus of Corinth (Corinth canal) and visit the ancient theatre of Epidavros.

Afterwards, you can take the boat to Hydra from Ermioni (where you will have to leave the car) or to Spetses from the port of Kosta.

Once you are back on the mainland, why not explore the historical city of Nafplion for a day or two? Lastly, on your way back to Athens, make sure to pop to the archaeological site of Mycanae.

A road trip for culture vultures!

…AND SOME IDEAS FOR LUXURY TRAVELLERS

For those of you fancying a bit more decadence… Infamous Nikki Beach resort as well as illustrious Amanzoe are located near Porto Heli, on the mainland, just opposite Spetses.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY VISIT SPETSES?

My innate travel bug does not allow me to visit the same Greek island every summer. Yet, when researching my next destination I always think, why don’t I just go to Spetses again? And I have done so, five times now, one of which was for my own wedding, held at one of the most special locations on the island…

Every time I visit Spetses, I secretly hope that one day I will be able to buy a house and live there for half the year… I love this island, and I am sure that no matter your age and traveling preferences, once you visit it, it will hold a special place in your heart too.