A lovely island of the Saronic Gulf, Spetses island is a popular weekend destination due to its closeness to Athens. It’s location, only 2 hours by road or by sea from Athens, the frequent connections with Pireus and the proximity of the Peloponnese (1,3 miles) make it easily accessible.
The mansions of the captains of the last century with the local architecture, the picturesque Byzantine churches, the historic museums, the streets with the famous Spetsiotic cobblestones, the picturesque carriages are traditional elements that manage to fascinate the visitors.
Dapia, the main port of Spetses island, is surrounded by canons and provides a romantic place for a day coffee or an evening drink.
In the Medieval times, the island flourished with trade and the locals constructed elegant mansions that survive till today. When the Greek Revolution of 1821 broke out, the local commercial ships were turned into military ships and contributed to setting the country free.
One can visit the mansions of Chatzigianni Mexi, Boumboulina, Sotirios Anargirou, the Anargyrios – Korialeneio School, the Kapodistrian Spiritual House, the church of Panagia Armata, the cave Bekiris.
The historical hotel «Poseidonion» borders the inside part of the square. Sotiris Anargyros had it built at the beginning of this century and since then the hotel has been visited by thousands of well-known politicians, businessmen, and artists. Its fine architecture and its nicely decorated interior attract till today the admiration of a different architectural view.
Many beautiful beaches are found around the island, accessible by boat or bus. Around the town of Spetses, there are scattered beautiful, blue beaches, but you can also go outside the town of Spetses, where you can find organized beaches in beautiful natural coves with blue-green waters.
The best known traditional event in the island, that attracts thousands of visitors, is the re-enactment of the naval battle of Spetses of September 1822. On the second weekend of September, the Armata Festival, that peaks with the burning of a boat in commemoration of a naval flight between Greeks and Turks.