Spetses
Spetses is a picturesque, car-free island with a unique architecture, cosmopolitan nightlife, naval history and culture at just 54 nautical miles from Athens. The island flourished during the early 18th century, developing into a significant naval power, dominating the major shipping routes of the Mediterranean. Today, the two-hundred year old captains’ mansions lining the coast are testimony to the vast wealth and grandeur of that time.
Spetses is the perfect place to enjoy a wonderful walk as the distinctive architecture, cobble streets and fragrant gardens filled to the brim with jasmine and bougainvillea make it a joy to discover the island on foot. If walking is not your thing, be sure to take a romantic evening ride in any of the horse-drawn carts that operate on the island, passing the picturesque Old Harbour, Agios Nikolaos and back to the main town, Dapia. Horse-drawn carriages, bicycle and walking will be your only modes of transport on Spetses.
If you are a sports lover, you definitely don’t want to miss the unique athletic events organised every year in April “Spetsathlon” (the biggest triathlon in Greece) and October “Spetses Mini Marathon”, where thousands of participants take part and enjoy running and swimming races for the young at heart!
Plenty of fish tavernas and restaurants on the island offer visitors a culinary experience. Kapelogiannis for Greek meze, Tarsanas, Patralis and Mourayo for seafood are a few places in the Old Harbor (Palio Limani). Oh! And don’t miss to enjoy a cocktail by the sea at Bikini. The Orloff restaurant in Agios Nicolaos is ideal for a romantic dinner. Taste the seafood pasta at Nero tis Agapis (means water of love in Greek) in Kounoupitsa.