Traditional wooden boatbuilding is no mere memory on Spetses: shipyards for wooden boatbuilding are still operating at the Old Harbour. Visits there take place mainly during the summer months. In addition, a museum with collections spanning several eras, historic cultural sites and activities by the sea shape the trip. Planning also includes getting there by high-speed boat and getting around locally.
Culture, Shipyards and Historic Sites
The traditional settlement of Spetses has been fully preserved. The shipyards take part in the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta with their boats. An open-air exhibition of sculptures by Natalia Mela is located in a pine-covered area at the Old Harbour. On Spetses, both traditional craftsmanship and an outdoor exhibition offer cultural discoveries.
The Spetses Museum displays ceramics from the Early Helladic and Classical periods, Roman sculptures, Byzantine icons and objects from everyday life on Spetses. The collection thus includes objects from different eras as well as evidence of daily life. The Monastery of Saint Nicholas was originally a monastery dating from 1700. The Anargyrios School (AKSS) hosts cultural events and has an ancient theatre. The Bouboulina House Museum preserves the 300-year-old historic home of Laskarina Bouboulina.
Beaches and Sea Activities
Spetses has organized beaches and secluded coves. Many beaches can be reached by boat from Dapia. Swimming, sailing and kayaking are the main sea activities on Spetses. When planning time by the water, you can consider two questions separately: what kind of coastal spot interests you, and which activity would you like to combine with a beach visit? The information about beaches and activities offers different ways to spend your days by the sea.
Getting to the Island and Getting Around
Daily high-speed boat departures connect Piraeus port, Gate E8, with Spetses. The services stop in Poros, Hydra and Ermioni and take two to three hours. Check the timetable before travelling; the stated journey time can help you plan when to set off.
Private cars are not allowed to circulate freely on Spetses. Local transport is by taxi, traditional horse-drawn carriage, bicycle or on foot. Carriages operate from stands in Dapia and Poseidonio. A ride can take you past the Old Harbour, by Agios Nikolaos and through Dapia. When choosing a hotel, it is worth considering your planned activities and the transport options mentioned together.
Local Produce and Cuisine
Local products include olives, oil, grains, grapes, almonds, figs and animal products. Local recipes are based mainly on fresh fish from the island. Spetses’ culinary scene therefore includes both a wide range of produce and a cuisine centred on fish—another aspect to consider in your trip planning alongside culture and time by the sea.
Discover more destinations: Platia Ammos, Ampelakia, Avlemonas, Fratsia, Perdhika, Diakofti, Agios Nikolaos, Methana
Return to the main travel overview: Islands.
