With its easy access from Athens by car and water taxi, or fast and frequent hydrofoils, Spetses is to Athenians what the Hamptons are to New Yorkers. Historic charm, elegant summer guests and weekend visitors and classic yachts.
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Spetses Portrait
An island of pines, bougainvillea and heady jasmine, of grand neo-classical mansions–built with the prosperity from its merchant sailors 200 years ago–an island of proud history, of great contribution to Greece’s 1821/2 Revolution for Independence from domination by the Ottoman Turks, Spetses has long been the playground of influential wealthy Athenian and local families with their house parties. Aristotle Onassis romanced Jackie Kennedy here, way back when.
Spetses radiates out from its picturesque, car-free main port up into gentle hills covered with pine forests. It is easy to get to and easy to get to know. Boating activities, watersports and excellent shopping by day, and a variety of cafes, bars, tavernas and nightspots for sundown offer entertainment for everyone.
As a weekend destination, the island is an ideal choice for off-season visits, when more remote islands can be rather too quiet.
If you are a fan of that 1970s cult novelist, John Fowles, this island was themodel for his mythical Phraxos in“The Magus”. More recently it has becomeknown for its yachting regatta and the annual tweed run, where tweed-cladparticipants cyclethe coastal road, partaking in picnics and good old-fashionedtea breaks in a slightly unexpected nod to the island’s aristocratic past. Carfreefor the main part, silk kaftan-clad women drive around on scooters, and thehorse-drawn carriages still clop and tinkle their way past the high white-washed walls hiding interior courtyards of pebbled mosaics and lush gardens,and the allure of another life.
Water taxis provide fast, fun and glamorous transport to secluded bays and to the archaeological sites of Mycenae, Nafplion and Epidavros. The lovely island of Hydra just half an hour away by hydrofoil. In spite of the intrusions of modern life, the essential character of the island is indestructible, and the place a magnet for those who can afford its real estate prices.
BEST FOR
Accessibility. The climate is mild, and it has activities and interests for everyone year-round. A good off-season choice. The wining, dining and shopping are good, and calm summer seas, traditional caiques for hire and water taxis allow wonderful swimming, boating, fishing and snorkeling. The beekeeping tour and honey tasting-not to be missed.
WORST FOR
Not many good beaches and the ones that are good get very crowded in summer. The island is charming and pleasant rather than scenically dramatic.
WOULD SUIT
Well-heeled sophisticates, visitors interested in Greek history and culture, and those who enjoy social life. Teenagers and young people are well-catered for.
WOULD NOT SUIT
Honeymooners looking for a remote romantic hideaway all to themselves, or guests wanting to discover a rustic and rural Greek island escape.
DON’T MISS
A horse-drawn carriage ride along the waterfront, cheesy? Perhaps a little, but so worth it!
Cocktails at dusk as the sun sets over the sea. From ouzo at the old port at sunset, fresh seafood at Patralis and afternoon tea complete with pianist at the landmark Poseidonion Hotel- Spetses does have something for everyone. A glimpse into the swashbuckling past at Bouboulina’s Museum, and the Marine Archaeological. Sweet treats from local patisseries in town.
ACTIVITIES
One is spoilt for choice on Spetses: sea taxis to wonderful bays and inlets with crystal water, traditional caiques can be hired to go to beaches, a perfect island for bicycling -from the old port to the other end of the town it is 2.5km, the seafront road is completely flat, and one can also do the tour of the island in one and a half hours.
Horse riding, a trip to a theatre – an experience of a lifetime at Ancient Epidavros (July/August festival) across the mainland. Waterskiing and watersports from Aghia Marina beach and Aghioi Anargiri. Don’t miss out on a beekeeping tour with a delicious honey tasting. And for the trill seeker, embark on a 4X4 safari through the Spetses mountain and forest, uncovering hidden trails and breathtaking natural wonders.
HIGH SEASON
July and August are explosively busy -predominantly Greek visitors and the harbour fills up with spectacular yachts.
The Classic Yacht Regatta in late June is fiercely – and sometimes not totally honorably – competed over by historic rivals in wonderful old wooden yachts – great fun.
LOW SEASON
Mild days, balmy nights, warm seas, perfect for a little culture or gentle rambles. If you are here early September, you can join the festivities of the Armata-where a mock battle commemorating the Spetsiots defeat of the Turkish fleet in 1822 is staged, with cardboard Turkish flagships burned in the middle of the harbour, with splendid fireworks and dancing by all. Bouboulina is Greece’s national heroine, a Spetsiot woman who took command of her husband’s ship upon his slaughter, fought as bravely as her fellow male captains, and was also famed for her beauty, strength and love affairs. For the active-inclined, the Spetsathlon in spring and Spetses Mini Marathon are reasons enough to visit during the quieter times.
GETTING TO AND AROUND SPETSES
Noteworthy because of the peaceful absence of cars, Spetses is still serviced by horse-drawn carts and carriages in the old harbour and Dapia, as well as by a bus service and the odd moped. It only takes an hour to cross the island on a moped scooter, should you feel adventurous enough to wander along the pine-lined coast in search of the island’s secret spots. Arrive into Spetses on a ferry (there are thirty-five each week) from Piraeus or from Port Heli, then island hop on to Hydra and Poros from there using the Hellenic Seaways line.
We do not show villa details on our site to protect the exclusivity of our owners’ properties. We offer a unique personal service to locate the perfect villa or yacht for you – to see villa details and get our expert guidance and insight please get in touch.
Our Villas in Spetses
Read about our villas
Rather like Patmos, this is one island where old is desirable, and modern-design-minimal-chrome-driftwood-afro-beach-chic is frowned upon. Comfort needn't be compromised, but whether a beach house, a village house or a summer villa set in gardens with a jetty, authenticity is very much prized here. It is also an island of hidden gems which are not widely publicised. A yacht-villa combo is a great idea here. It is a car-free island so consider whether you want to be in town (noisier but convenient) or not – quieter but needs logistical support).
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