Spetses: Shipyards, Culture and Island Life

On Spetses, traditional boatbuilding, a rich cultural heritage and beaches around the island come together. Traditional wooden boatyards are still in operation at the Old Harbour. The island also offers secluded coves and organised beaches, as well as activities on the water such as swimming, sailing and kayaking. When planning your trip, you can choose between days by the water and discoveries of the island’s history and everyday life.

Beaches, Coves and Activities at Sea

The coastline offers different types of beach: alongside organised beaches, there are secluded coves. Many beaches can be reached by boat from Dapia. If you enjoy spending time on the water, swimming, sailing and kayaking are among the main activities at sea on Spetses. If you’re travelling with children, you can take your family’s interests into account when planning, balancing beach days, activities on the water and cultural discoveries as you wish.

Traditional boatbuilding is also part of the island’s maritime identity: boatyards on Spetses take part in the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta with their boats. The Old Harbour is also home to an open-air exhibition of sculptures by Natalia Mela, adding a cultural touch to a pine-covered area. The harbour thus brings together two distinct aspects of the island: wooden boats and visual art.

Discover History and Culture

The Spetses Museum brings together artefacts from different periods and insights into life on the island. On display are ceramics from the Early Helladic and Classical periods, Roman sculptures, Byzantine icons and objects from everyday life on Spetses. The combination of artworks and everyday objects offers different ways to explore the history and culture of the place.

Another historic site is the Monastery of Saint Nicholas, originally a monastery dating from 1700. The Bouboulina House Museum preserves Laskarina Bouboulina’s 300-year-old historic home. The traditional settlement of Spetses remains fully intact. Cultural events are held at Anargyrios School (AKSS), which also has an ancient theatre. Together, these places offer different points of interest for travellers who want to focus on history, architecture and culture as well as the sea.

Getting Around Without Private Cars

Private cars are not permitted on Spetses. Taxis, traditional horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are available for getting around locally, and the island can also be explored on foot. Horse-drawn carriages operate from stands in Dapia and Poseidonio. A ride can take you past the Old Harbour, by Agios Nikolaos and through Dapia. These transport options are an important part of finding your bearings as you consider which experiences you want to shape your trip.

For your journey to the island, daily high-speed boat departures connect the port of Piraeus, Gate E8, with Spetses. The services stop at Poros, Hydra and Ermioni along the way and take 2 to 3 hours. Factor this journey time into your travel plans.

Local Products and Holiday Apartments

Local produce includes olives, oil, grain, grapes, almonds and figs, as well as animal products. Local recipes are based mainly on fresh fish from the island. This adds a culinary dimension to the impressions of the coast and sea.

If you’re looking for a holiday apartment on Spetses, you can base your choice on what matters most for your trip: beaches and activities at sea, cultural sites or a combination of both. This way, your search starts with the experiences that interest you on the island rather than with an accommodation type that implies specific features.

Discover more places: Diakofti, Keramoto, Poros, Ampelakia, Agios Nikolaos, Idhra, Potamós and Methana.

Go to the main travel overview: Islands.