Athens Tours

Spetses is one of the most cosmopolitan and picturesque islands of Greece. Located in the Saronic Gulf, just two hours away from Athens, Spetses is far enough to escape the day-trippers of the capital and sufficiently close so as not to get tired from the trip. The island with its beauty and traditional charm has inspired many artists and writers. In fact, it became famous abroad for being the setting of John Fowles' novel The Magus.

As the hydrofoil arrives at the port, visitors see the small bay surrounded by tall Venetian mansions and some cannons. These cannons used to protect the island in times of war and pirate attacks. In fact, Spetses played an important role during the Greek War of Independence helping the struggle of the Greeks against the Ottomans with war ships and gunpower. The most famous fighter from Spetses is actually a woman, Lascarina Bouboulina, who played the leading part in sea battles and sieges of castles. Her house, close to the new port (Dapia), has now turned into a private museum and gives a clear view of a rich 18th century house in Spetses. Such elegant mansions can be seen all over the town, such as the mansion of Hatzigiannis-Mexis that houses today the Municipal Museum and the mansion of Sotirios Anargyros, next to Bouboulina Museum.

Activities on Spetses are mostly concentrated around Dapia, the new port. The old port is located on the other side of the town and seems to turn into a quiet quarter of the town. As this is the only village on the island, Spetses Town has all the facilities you may need. It is prohibited that vehicles enter the town, expect for bicycles and motorbikes.
Transportation is done by boat, bus or bicycle. Boats from Dapia go round the island to organized beaches and beautiful coves to swim. Buses also leave from outside the town and go to beaches through the pine-forested inland. Traditional horse-carriages also run the waterfront and give a nice tour of the town.

Beaches on Spetses are small but lovely. The green environment and the crystal water create the perfect setting for relaxing. The most popular beach is Agioi Anargyri, while beautiful bays are also Agia Marina, Agia Paraskevi and Vrellos.