Spetses

Spetses Overview

In antiquity, Spetses was called Pityoussa, or the “Pine Tree” island. It almost lost its pines when over the centuries they became the hulls and masts for successive fleets of commercial, military and fishing vessels. Thanks to a local philanthropist who purchased more than half the island in the early 1900s, replanting barren slopes with pine trees, the island retains its wonderful piney scent and lush appearance. The island’s groves of pine trees and its magnificent architecture are considered its greatest treasures. One of the most elegant Greek islands, Spetses flourished greatly from its marine and cultural traditions between the 17^th– and 19^th-centuries, as one can see in its many architectural gems. The capital is characterized by cobbled streets lined with aristocratic facades and mansions with pebbled yards, contrasting with the Cycladic whitewashed style. Gorgeous Neoclassical buildings rise over fine marble squares, with many homes influenced significantly by the Venetians during the Renaissance period.

This island enjoys a surprisingly authentic charm, having remained practically undiscovered by visitors despite being just a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus. Spectacular nature, postcard-perfect beaches and a rich, complex history, Spetses offers it all, yet it’s close enough to the capital city to be enjoyed as a day trip while offering plenty to see and do to those who want to stick around longer.

Spetses History in a Nutshell

According to archaeological findings, Spetses was first inhabited around 2300 BC during the Hellenic Era though many ancient historians believe it was occupied as far back as 8000 BC. Thanks to its numerous wells and geographic location, the island was used as a provision station for ships traveling to the Peloponnesian coasts. There were at three natural harbors, or possibly more, that served as a refuge for ships that carried goods to and from the Argolis Gulf around 2300 BC when the State of Lerna was at its peak, but after its collapse, Spetses fell into a period of decline. Mention of it was made by Pausanias in the 2^nd-century AD and by Strabo in the 1^st-century BC, with the Goths raiding, which led to waves of refugees fleeing here, ultimately resulting in the island’s resettlement. It became one of Argolis’ three largest cities, focused around the Old Port.

Spetses came under Venetian control in 1200 and was given the name Spezia. Much of its architecture is owed to the Venetian overlords who brought Italian finesse and incredible attention to detail, along with Arab craftsmen who also left their mark. Today there are some stunning Venetian mansions with wooden balconies and tiled roofs painted in vibrant colors still standing. Turkish occupation followed for 400 years in 1460. When the conquest of the Peloponnese from the Turks and the occurrence of the Venetian expulsion took place in the 18^th century, many Arvanites took refuge while escaping Turkish persecution. The old village of Spetses was created by these refugees in the area of Kastelli. It was fortified by a wall that further reinforced the natural protection the terrain provided. Walls surrounded this settlement and the acropolis on the hill where the church of St. Basil can be seen today. The golden era began during this time, continuing through the War of Independence.

Spetses is historically noted for its leading role in the Greek War of Independence from the Turks. The local heroine who gave her fortune to the cause, Laskarina Bouboulina, together with countless other island revolutionaries helped it to achieve eventual success in the 1821 revolution. It was at its peak now, but at the dawn of the 20^th-century, the island’s economy declined, and the two World Wars left it in poverty, leading many to abandon it. But it wasn’t long before it was brought back to life again as a cosmopolitan resort, frequented by leading political figures and kings. Today, the locals’ traditional art of wooden shipbuilding continues, with father passing skills to a son while tourists arrive from across the globe to experience it.