Spetses

The island of aromas, Spetses is blanketed with pine-covered hills, while lemon trees dot winding lanes and the scent of the salty sea wafts through the air. The Venetians named it “Speciz” which translates to “spice,” due to its position on a major spice route. It’s practically vehicle-free, with cars banned on the island’s town. While some get around by motorcycle, many get around via horse and buggy, bicycle or their own two feet. It’s everything an idyllic island retreat should be: postcard-perfect beaches, authentic wooden fishing boats, and fishermen selling their fresh catch while people enjoy dining on the fresh catch at one of the outstanding restaurants along the seaside promenade.

 

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Spetses At A Glance


Population of Spetses
4,000

What to See in Spetses
Experience Bekiri Cave, Visit the Church of Agios Nikolaos & Spetses Museum, Take a horse & carriage to the lighthouse for breathtaking views, Relax on Ayia Paraskevi Beach

Towns or islands to visit near Spetses  Athens, Hydra, Poros, Peloponnese Region,

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Things to do in Spetses

Church of Agios Nikolaos

Visit Spetses Most Famous Church

The most famous church on the island, Church of Agios Nikolaos is just a short walk from the port, distinguished by its tall bell tower made from Tinian marble. Inside is a massive painting of Koutsis narrating the 1822 sea battle against the Turks that makes it worth the visit alone.

Bouboulina Museum

Learn about the Greek Revolution at the Bouboulina Museum

This museum is housed inside a historic mansion that once served as the residence of one of the Greek Revolution’s famous female fighters, Laskarina Bouboulina. It operates as a historical and cultural center as well to promote research about the 1821 revolution and the life of Bouboulina herself. She was born in 1771, lost two husbands from pirate attacks and managed to use the ships and fortune of the second to help in the fight for independence.

the old port of Spetses island in Greece

Stroll Through the Old Port

The old port is one of the most scenic spots on the island, made up of classical, neoclassical and modern buildings that were constructed in harmony with the natural landscape. Wander through to enjoy the sights and the vibe, stopping in at one of the seaside cafes, restaurants, bars or clubs.

Bekiris Cave

Swim into Bekiri’s Cave

On the west side of the island near Agioi Anargyri beach is one of the island’s top attractions. Best reached by swimming in due to the low ceiling, when inside Bekiri’s Cave, you’ll be able to take in a breathtaking sight that includes a small sandy beach, brilliant blue waters and stalagmites. The cave once served as a hideout for women and children during Turkish attacks.

spetses-museum

Explore the Spetses Museum

Built between 1795 and 1798, this museum was once the home of a leading local shipowner, Hatzigiannis Mexis. The mansion was converted into a museum in 1939 to showcase a collection of the historical and folklore heritage of Spetses. Exhibits include everything from the Classical and Roman periods to Byzantine times and the Greek Revolution in 1821.

Our Favorite Restaurants & Bars

Patralis Psarotaverna, Spetses

Patralis Psarotaverna

A fabulous fish taverna founded in 1935 by Barbas Panos the fisherman, Patralis Psarotaverna continues the tradition through his son and grandchildren, providing quality, unique and traditional Greek dishes. It’s the whole experience from the warmest of welcomes that will greet you to gracious service and incredible food.

Expect fresher than fresh fish and items like octopus salad, grilled calamari and tzatziki. Pair them with outstanding high-value wine and top them off with a lovely dessert, perhaps apple cake or baclava, on the house, of course.

Vinoterra Spetses

Vinoterra Spetses

Vinoterra also offers high quality at reasonable prices. Located along the seafront, it’s a restaurant and wine cellar – at the latter you’ll find an impressive selection of more than 1500 wine and other alcoholic beverage labels from across Greek and international vineyards.

The perfect match to each meal can easily be found thanks to the expert sommelier who might even take you to help pick a bottle out at the onsite shop. The menu features lots of dishes from the sea like ceviche, seabass and tempura cod, along with classic meat plates like moussaka.

On The Verandah, Spetses

On the Verandah

A highly lauded restaurant that’s consistently ranked at No. 1 on TripAdvisor, On the Verandah provides fine dining along the seafront. Located at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel, known for its coastal glamour and idyllic sunset views, it features creative contemporary Greek fare infused with local gastronomic ingredients and traditions.

Enjoy dining inside or out in a setting so stunning it completes with fabulously flavorful dishes, including plenty of fish and seafood with Spetses classics served with a contemporary twist. You’ll find everything from tzatziki balls to sea urchin and beef carpaccio.

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