Below, you will find information about how to get to Spetses by ferry, where to buy your tickets, information about the island and its port, the best things to do there, and many photos.
Located in the Argolic Gulf, right opposite the scenic resort of Porto Heli, Spetses is a cosmopolitan island with fabulous beaches, stunning architecture and history-steeped sights. Thanks to its proximity to Athens, it is ideal for short city breaks throughout the year, while during the summer months, it is an excellent destination for a relaxing vacation. Moreover, its advantageous geographical position makes it perfect not only for day trips to the beguiling islands of Hydra and Poros, but also for excursions around the eastern Peloponnese!
HOW TO TRAVEL THERE
As there is no airport in Spetses, the only way to get there from Athens, the northeastern Peloponnese or the other islands of the Saronic Gulf is by taking the ferry.
Ferry Connections
The island is connected to Piraeus, the main port of the Greek capital, as well as to the popular resorts of Porto Heli and Ermioni on the eastern coasts of the Peloponnese. Additionally, there are frequent ferry routes from Hydra and Poros, the closest Saronic Islands to Spetses.
If you’re coming from abroad, the most convenient route is the one from Athens to Spetses, as you can fly directly to the International Airport of Athens and then take the ferry from Piraeus.
On the other hand, if you would rather do some sightseeing around the eastern Peloponnese before heading for the Saronic, the best routes are from Porto Heli to Spetses or from Ermioni to Spetses.
To combine Spetses with yet more enchanting destinations in the Saronic Gulf, you can consider sailing from Hydra to Spetses or from Poros to Spetses.
Routes are operated exclusively by high-speed/catamaran vessels belonging to Blue Star, Alpha Lines and Magic Sea Ferries.
Please note that these ferries do not have a garage, so it will not be possible for you to take your vehicle with you.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR FERRY TICKETS
Booking your ferry tickets is one of the first and most important steps in organizing your holidays in Spetses!
We make this step the easiest and most exciting one, as booking your ferry tickets with ferriesingreece.com comes with lots of perks:
The experience we provide our customers with has been awarded (Tourism Awards 2018).
You can compare all the available ticket fares with just one click.
The booking process is simple, quick, and comes with a 100% secure payment system.
Interactive live maps show you every detail of your ride.
Our agents are experienced, informative, and always happy to help you with any question or request you may have regarding your tickets and trip!
Situated in the mouth of the Argolic Gulf, right opposite the cosmopolitan Porto Heli, the elegant Spetses is one of the most alluring Greek islands. Having emerged as one of the most powerful shipping and trading centers in the Aegean during the 18th and 19th centuries, it boasts a rich history that has impregnated its modern identity. Around the quaint cobblestone alleys of Spetses Town, visitors will find aristocratic neoclassical mansions with flowery balconies and mosaic courtyards, as well as interesting museums and sights reflecting the island’s glorious past. Because of this architectural heritage, Spetses is a virtually car-free island that promises a truly relaxing stay! Moreover, its advantageous geographical position makes Spetses ideally suited for both short getaways and memorable longer stays.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Spetses is between June and August, when the weather is sunny and dry, and the sea is pleasantly warm. However, if you would rather enjoy the island’s beauties in a quieter season, we recommend going there in May or September, when the weather conditions are nearly summer-like.
Best things to do
In brief, the best things to do in Spetses are to stroll around the picture-postcard streets of Spetses Town and the Old Port, go on a romantic horse carriage tour, and relax on dreamy beaches such as the golden-sanded Agia Paraskevi, the immensely popular Agia Marina or the idyllic Agii Anargiri. Enjoy the island’s vibrant nightlife in lovely bars and clubs, and immerse yourself in the local history through a visit to the Museum of Spetses, the Bouboulina Museum, or the traditional boatyards.
Is Spetses for you?
Thanks to its unique combination of heavenly beaches and picturesque sites, Spetses is sure to enchant families with children, as well as anyone looking for a relaxing seaside vacation.
Facts
Learn what you don't know about Spetses!
Spetses owes its name to the Italian phrase isola di spezie due to the great number of aromatic plants that grow on the island.
One of the most prominent Spetsiotan figures that emerged during the 1821 Greek War of Independence was Laskarina Bouboulina, probably the first woman to attain the rank of admiral.
During the second week of September, the island hosts an annual festival known as Armata, which comprises various cultural events and culminates in a reenactment of a major naval battle that took place there in 1822.
Between 1951 and 1953, the acclaimed British author John Fowles worked as a teacher at the Anargyrios and Korgialeneios School in Spetses, an experience that inspired him to write his novel The Magus.
Used as a refuge during the Greek War of Independence, the lovely Bekiri Cave has been the setting of a 1966 Greek comedy film. Legend has it that whoever drinks water from its spring will have a love affair that will last forever!
Island-hopping: Where to go next?
Spetses can serve as a base for island-hopping to some of the other islands of the Saronic Gulf. From there, you can reach the picturesque Hydra and the serene Poros, both of which boast magnificent beaches.
Photos of Spetses
Map
ABOUT SPETSES PORT
Port description
Ferries arrive at and depart from Dapia, the new port of Spetses, which is located in the heart of Spetses Town. It is connected by ferry with Piraeus (Athens) and the resorts of Porto Heli and Ermioni in the Peloponnese, as well as with the Saronic islands of Hydra and Poros. Fishing boats and pleasure craft moor mostly at Baltiza, the old port, which lies at the eastern edge of Spetses Town, around 2 kilometers away from Dapia.
Around the port, visitors can find all the necessary amenities, including taverns, cafes, and various accommodation options. Please note that there are no car rental agencies around the port, as cars are not allowed on the island.
During the summer months, there may be traffic around the port, so it is recommended that you get there 1-1.5 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Athens, Piraeus - Ermioni - Hydra - Poros - Porto Heli
Directions
There are several ways to leave from/get to Spetses Port.
Buses are the most affordable way of moving around when traveling on a budget. Running exclusively during the high season, they operate itineraries to some of the island’s remotest yet no less enchanting beaches.
Taxis are another convenient mode of transport, as private vehicles are not allowed on the island. They can definitely be a great choice if you’re carrying heavy luggage, but the number of cabs available is limited, so contacting a local driver in advance to arrange a pickup is strongly recommended.
The water taxis and traditional boats operating routes to the top beaches are one of the fastest and most enjoyable ways of moving around Spetses.
Lastly, if you’re into cycling, bikes can be another great way of exploring the island.
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