8 best things to do in Spetses

Without doubt the best way to get a feeling for Spetses. Start at the iconic Poseidonion Grand Hotel in Dapia, the architectural masterpiece that has been greeting visitors to the island since 1914. From here, you follow the coast road, listening out for the horse-drawn carriages that clip-clop by with a rhythm from another age. On one side, you’ll pass the protective walls of Kapetanospita (Captains’ Houses) and on the other, occasional local swimming spots, such as tiny Agios Mamas beach… until you arrive at the Church of Agios Nikolaos, the island’s patron saint. Its bell tower is a work of art and it was here, in 1812, that the flag of the Greek Revolution was raised, announcing Spetses’ participation in the revolt against the Ottomans. The church courtyard is one of the best examples of the island’s famous votsalota pebble mosaics. Opposite is a monument commemorating heroes lost in battle.

The church sits above one of the most idyllic spots in Spetses, by the entrance of the Old Harbour. Continuing into the port, you pass the yachts and motorboats moored there, arcing around the peninsula until you arrive at the traditional shipyards, also known as the karnagia, where wooden boats are still built by hand. If you’re lucky, you’ll see ZΩH (ZOE), an eco-friendly electric kaiki (wooden boat). The landscape changes as you reach the end of the peninsula. Among the pine trees are bronze works by sculptor Natalia Mela, which make up an open-air exhibition including animals and mythical creatures, such as a mermaid, that welcome boats into the harbour. You eventually reach the restored old cannon station beneath the lighthouse (Faros) from which the area takes its name. The walk here (3km) takes around 40 minutes and the best experience by far is to reach the lighthouse at sunset – you can thank us later.

Local tip: Other strolls from Dapia include the Kasteli neighbourhood above the port, which has panoramic views and one of the island’s oldest churches, the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. To the east is the Kounoupitsa neighbourhood, with elegant neoclassical buildings and well-tended gardens, and just above Kaiki beach is the Anargirios and Korgialenios School.

The best way to discover the beaches of Spetses is to hire a motorbike, quad bike or bicycle, or catch a traditional kaiki or water taxi from the port. There are options close to town, including Agia Marina, just a couple of kilometres away from the Old Harbour and equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, a beach bar and a range of water sports. It’s one of the most popular beaches in Spetses, so it does get busy during the high season. Alternatively, Kaiki beach is a short walk from Dapia and attracts a younger crowd.

But the real joy is exploring the quieter coves and remote swimming spots. Zogeria, on the northeast tip, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Spetses, shaded by pine trees and with crystal-clear waters and a fantastic taverna. Nearby is Vrellos, also framed by pine trees and with a mixture of sand and pebbles. Another favourite is Agii Anargiri, on the west coast, which is the biggest beach on the island and has plenty of sunbeds and a taverna. It’s named after a chapel by the beach and there’s a trail that leads to Bekiris Cave, which was used to shelter women and children during Ottoman times. There’s a selection of water sports on the beach and you can swim round to the cave. Drifting into the cave, you’ll find a tiny beach. Finally, nearby Agia Paraskevi beach has a picturesque little church and is considered among the most beautiful beaches on the island. With pine trees almost reaching the water, it has thick pebbles and beautifully clear water, as well as a beach bar. You can reach it by bus or kaiki.

It’s time to venture along the coastal road or inland as your list of things to do in Spetses gets active. Hiring a motorbike or quad bike is the easiest way to circle the island (24km in total), stopping at secluded swimming spots and traditional tavernas with sea views along the way. But the best experience is to hire a bike in Dapia. And if the thought of pedalling the full loop sounds daunting, you’ll also find e-bikes.

Hiking is also growing in popularity, with the Greek Culture Paths of Spetses forming 19 trails that cover a total of 65km and linking many points of interest. Some begin in Dapia and others from the ring road, and all offer a chance to experience the natural beauty and heritage of Spetses at a slower pace. Highlights include routes such as Dapia to Ktima Chara, Dapia to Synantisi Kynigion (Hunters’ Meeting Point), the Anargyrios School to Profitis Ilias, and Agii Anargyri to Rigani peak – each offering its own perspective of the island. Just remember to follow the basic tips for hiking in Greece (see below for details).

Local tip: The Greek Culture Paths of Spetses has an info kiosk in a building close to Plateia Rologiou and an app available for download on the App Store and Play Store.

The beauty of visiting Spetses for one of its annual events is that you often get to enjoy the island at a quieter time of year, but with a festive atmosphere. The Armata Festival commemorates the 1822 naval victory over the Ottomans with a week of concerts, folk dancing and performances, culminating in a fireworks display and the dramatic re-enactment of the burning of the Ottoman flagship on the Saturday closest to 8 September. Likewise, the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta features a parade of elegant wooden yachts and caiques in the Old Harbour, with crews from Greece and beyond.

For sports lovers, the island comes alive during the Spetsathlon (spring) and Spetses Mini Marathon (October), combining running, open-water swimming and other events that attract participants from around the world. And in July and August, the Music Academy of the Anargyrios and Korgialenios School (once a rare example of a Greek boarding school) adds a cultural dimension, with concerts at the school’s impressive amphitheatre (built in the style of an ancient theatre) and other venues.

Local Tip: Perhaps the most unexpected event in Spetses is the Tweed Adventures at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel. Participants are invited to put on their best tweeds and compete with retro bicycles.

The last of your things to do in Spetses takes you beyond the island itself – hopping over to a neighbouring island in the Saronic Gulf for the day. In under an hour, you can reach Hydra, with a harbour framed by elegant stone mansions once owned by shipping families. A favourite of artists and writers, its cobbled alleys, sea-view tavernas and rocky swimming spots make a few hours here feel timeless.

Continue a little further and you’ll reach Poros in about 1 hour 15 minutes. Pine forests spill down to sandy beaches around the island, while Poros town welcomes you with a lively waterfront of cafes and tavernas. Both islands are easy day trips, offering fresh scenery and atmosphere before you return to Spetses for the night.