Spetses Geography
Spetses is part of a group of islands called the Saronic Islands, along with Hydra, Poros, Aegina and Agistri. It is the southernmost island of the group, lying at the entrance of the Argolic Gulf. Located in the so-called Myrtoan Sea, it lies in a distance of 52 nautical miles from Piraeus and only 1,5 nautical miles from the Peloponnese.
The shape of the island is curved and ellipsoidal, reminiscent of a turtle shell. Its area is about 20 square km and its coastline is approximately 43 km long. A low mountain called Prophet Elias occupies the land area almost entirely. A large part of the island is covered by a thick pine forest. This forest is considered a protected environment and is part of the island's great beauty. It is not the original forest that used to cover Spetses during antiquity (that is why it was called Pitioussa, which means "pine-covered") but the one after the reforestation financed by Sotiris Anargyros, a Spetsiote who made a fortune in America and came back to help his homeland develop.
Bays and little coves surround Spetses, forming some very nice pebbly and sandy beaches usually boarded to tall pine trees.
The capital is Spetses Town, extending on the northeastern coast of the island, showing how the central points of the settlement changed throughout history. The small town is built on the slopes above the natural harbor and comprises five districts - Kasteli, Kokkinaria, Kounoupitsa, Pitioussa and Sourbouti). It is formed by various districts all concentrated over the eastern coast, facing Porto Heli and Kosta, two seaside towns in Peloponnese.
Spetses has two harbors: the new one is called Dapia, which is the center of the capital. and the Old Harbor is located in the fishing settlement of Analipsi.
The island's road network consists of a single axis, whose branches are few and short, yet serve many beaches.
The Municipality of Spetses includes Spetses Island and the uninhabited islets of Spetsopoula, Falkonera, and Velopoula.
According to the 2021 census, the permanent population of Spetses is about 3,800 residents.
Discover the Map of Spetses
View the map of Spetses with the main villages, beaches, and sights, as well as the location of the port.
View: Map of Spetses
