The aristocratic island of romance
“La Isola Di Spezzi”- Sometimes it is difficult to put into words the extensive knowledge and appreciation you have for a certain location. Spetses is one of the beautiful islands located in the Saronic. The island has a reputation for captivating the hearts of those who visit her gorgeous landscapes, crystal clear waters and breathtaking beaches. The smell of nature, multi-colored neoclassical mansions, rich history and wonderful bays you can access with a sailing yacht charter make her an exceptional destination.
The island is renowned for its graceful atmosphere, classy restaurants and variety of wonderful beaches with aquamarine waters. Along with our suggestions, you will also have the in-depth knowledge of our professional skippers. They will not only navigate you safely through the seas, but also be your own personal hosts allowing you to experience the islands as the locals do. Taking in the wonderful aromas, captivating scenery and amazing natural landscape will surely result in you falling in love with this breathtaking location.
Complex of islands:
Saronic islands
Capital:
Dapia
Location:
South Saronic
Distance from Athens:
70 miles
Famous heritage:
Spetses Shipyard
Interesting info:
Armata Festival
SPETSES GREEK ISLAND
Included in our 1 week route for the Saronic Gulf
There is no doubt that a relaxing walk in the Greek Islands is one of the most stress free activities available during your vacation. Enjoy the colorful architecture, cobblestone alleys, neoclassical buildings, beautiful flowers and scenery, which all create a sublime sensation. If you have anchored in the old port, we strongly encourage a walk from there to Dapia (considered the liveliest area of the island). Observe the manors and relax in one of the numerous cafes located on the waterfront. Aftterwards, stroll to the famous Poseidon Hotel located at the end of the new port, where you can enjoy breakfast in the gorgeous garden with little tables and chairs situated right outside of the lobby. The dazzling view of the Saronic Gulf only adds to the whole experience.
Although it might sound touristic, it is really a great experience to hire a horse carriage in Spetses. Children are especially fond of these types of rides. The carriage will take you amongst the islands most colorful alleys and the horseman can show you important buildings and provide interesting historical information. Once you are finished with the ride and you return to the old port, we suggest you to visit the Spetses shipyards, where tradition meets art. Still active, the boat builders specialize in wooden boats and can produce various sizes according to the orders they may receive. Spetses is one of the largest shipbuilding locations of Greece and one of the few still operating until today. We encourage you to take the time to see the origins of the boats which gave the Greeks their independance!
Spetses has some of the best swimming locations available in the Saronic Gulf. This is especially true on the southern side of the island. Whether you are looking for a rocky cove, sandy beach or a turquoise colored bay surrounded by pine trees, you surely will not be disappointed. When sailing with one of our yachts you will have the chance to experience incredible scenery and pristine crystal clear waters. The seas are usually calm as well as the wind, making it an excellent island to explore all her secret coves, private swimming spots and beaches. Combined with the wonderful sights and awesome beaches, everyone is guaranteed to have a memorable time.
PROSTraditional and Authentic
Aquamarine waters, gold, sandy beaches
Variety of venues, restaurants, boutiques
Rich history, interesting sights and attractions
Extremely picturesque
Exceptional seafood
Truly romantic atmosphere
CONSSlightly overpriced
No water or electricity provided by the port
Mostly crowded during peak season
Amazing, amazing, amazing!!! We LOVED our time with the Yachtsailing.gr group!
We just got home from a truly magical one week trip through the Saronic Islands on the Yachtsailing.gr group's Oceanis 54 Blackjack yacht. We visited and explored six spectacular islands and countless beautiful bays in seven days (highlights included Hydra, Aegina, Porto Heli, Mandrila port, and Ermioni). There were two families of four traveling together (the four kids were ages 9-13), so a total of eight people on the boat plus our skipper and we never once felt crowded. It is a great boat for traveling with that many people (4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a large main cabin, a huge deck to spread out on, plus the separate kipper's quarters including his own bathroom) - plenty of space for everyone
You can't go wrong if you charter with Maria and Eugene (and if you sail with George) so don't look any further! The hardest question will be which type of boat to select given their great pricing, large fleet, and variety of sailing routes. We will definitely be back as soon as we can. Thank you Yachtsailing.gr for making our sailing trip better than we ever imagined it could be!
Cheers and hugs from Amy & George (from Australia) and Noortje & Marc (from Holland) and the kids!
Visited July 2016
“Saronic islands and Peloponnesian coast! Trip of a life time!”
We departed Athens and sailed Poros, Hydra, Hermano, Spetses, Methana, Epidaurus! An incredible adventure with our great Capitan Appo and really beautiful 42’catamaran! This is really is a trip of a lifetime, the islands are extremely beautiful, the food in every port was really exceptional! Let’s see favorite things… jockeying for spots in Hydra(you’ll know why you hired a skipper, but way too fun to watch) swimming in perfect blue lagoons every day, hiking the volcano in Methana, diving on the sunken city, my nephew catching a nice Amber Jack, getting a dolphin escort, getting some really great sailing days in and meeting really warm and engaging people in every port and all over Athens! Would I do it again, yes heading back again next year!
Visited June 2016
A part of Spetses island town, Greece; traditional houses, a small beach, and a lighthouse can be seen by Georgios Alexandris.
A view of the port of the beautiful Greek Island, Spetses by f8grapher
Docked boat for repairs in Spetses island, Greece by kokixx
Spetses port by Haris vythoulkas
Sailing and fishing boats in Spetses island in Greece on Jun 21, 2014 by imagIN
Photo by Zoran Milosavljevic
When visiting by sailing yacht or catamaran, Zogeria is one of the best beaches to anchor on the island. Surrounded by lush green pine trees and golden sand, which lead to sapphire waters, amaze all who visit this lovely beach. This is also a great place to relax and spent the night, because the water is smooth and the weather is calm most of the time. When you have had enough of the beach you can stop by the tavern and chapel located close by.
This is possibly the most beautiful beach on the island, with golden sand and a gorgeous green surroundings. It is an organized beach with a small beach bar serving snacks and refreshments. Here you may relax onboard, dive into the crystal clear waters, or simply take in the natural scenery.
One of the most famous and crowded beaches of the island with amenities (sun beds, umbrellas) is located on the southeast side of Spetses. Long, sandy and pebbled beach with a beach bar where you can enjoy your coffee as well as have something for lunch.
Located on the south eastern segment of the island, this beach offers its exclusivity for those seeking more private moments bathing in the sea. Mainly accessible by boat, you will have the chance to relax and enjoy yourself in the presence of nature avoiding the many crowds present on more popular beaches on the island.
Spetsopoula is a gorgeous densely green island southeast of Spetses. It belongs to the Stavros Niarchos family, who was a shipping tycoon. Although it is prohibited to visit the island, it is a truly magnificent sight to see during your sails around Spetses.
Laskarina Bouboulina was a Greek naval commander and heroine of the Greek War of Independence. She was born on the island of Spetses and is the most famous female in modern Greek history. She was a successful businesswoman, philanthropist and naval strategist remembered for her bravery and courage in leading Greek forces against the Ottoman Empire during the Greek War of Independence. She also provided financial support to the Greek cause being the first woman to command a warship in the Mediterranean. After her death, a monument was erected to pay tribute to her many accomplishments.
One of the most beautiful sights on the island, hidden from plain sight the cave will dazzle visitors with its beauty. Difficult to reach but accessible by boat, you will have the opportunity to enter and explore one of the most beautiful caves in Greece. Stalactites, stalagmites and crystal waters fill the interior and are a sight to behold. It is said that this cave was used to hide women and children from Turkish invaders. Some also believe that if two lovers drink from its waters they will forever be in love.
This is one of the oldest lighthouses in the country, it was first lit in 1837 and operated with oil. It has been automated with electricity since 1986 and still operates till this day. It is located on the right side of the old port and is surrounded by beautiful pine trees. We suggest going to take a look and the lighthouse as well as the excellent view on offer where it is located.
The Armata Festival is an annual celebration that takes place in September to commemorate the Greek War of Independence. An important battle took place between the Greek and Ottoman navy in 1822, on the 8th of September. During the festival, the town of Spetses celebrates with a parade, live music, traditional Greek food and festivities. One of the main spectacles is a recreated wooden ship prepared specifically for this occasion. The locals then set this boat alight in remembrance of this historical Greek victory.
Amigdalota is a traditional Greek sweet made from ground almonds, sugar and egg whites. It is often served at important events such as weddings, baptisms and other festive occasions. The dough is rolled into small balls and then deep-fried until golden-brown. Amigdalota is usually coated with a light dusting of powdered sugar and served with a glass of cold water. This is a delicious treat which should not be missed when visiting the Greek islands.
As seafood is one of the specialties of the island, there are plenty of seafood restaurants in Spetses that offer a variety of delicious dishes, ranging from fresh fish and seafood platters to traditional Greek recipes such as shrimp saganaki and fried calamari."Fish alla spetsiota" is a very special classical dish and is made with fish, garlic, onions, parsley, tomato sauce and white wine. The fish is usually pan-fried and served with the sauce over it. If you enjoy fish, this dish is definitely one you would not like to miss.
From my point of view, Spetses is one of the most breathtaking islands of the Saronic. Her amazing atmosphere and unique natural landscapes should enhance your overall experience while exploring on a sailing yacht or catamaran in the Greek Islands. The charming old port is a perfect place to seek homage from any big swells created by passenger ships bringing people to her shores. Here you can also decide to take a stroll and try the island's famous dish “Fish alla Spetsiota”, definitely a delicious treat after a day of sailing.
-Eugene suggests