Activities in Spetses
Swimming
Spetses is famous for its emerald and transparent waters.
There are a number beaches on the island, some of which can be reached on foot, and all by bicycle, electric bicycle, scooter, quad bike, taxi or water taxi. Some are organised with loungers, umbrellas and restaurants and others are completely undeveloped.
Beaches, starting in Dapia and going around the island clockwise:
Aghios Mamas – in Dapia
Aghios Nikolaos
Garyfalos
Aghia Marina – Paradise with Paradise restaurant
Kouzounos
Xilokeriza - with good souvlaki
Aghii Anargyri - taverna and the famous fresh water Bekiri cave
Aghia Paraskevi
Lazareto
Zogeria - with taverna
Vrellos
Ligoneri
Kaiki – Kaiki Beach Club Beach with Kaiki restaurant
Boat Hire
To visit more remote beaches or swim in coves only accessible by sea, there is a small number of traditional wooden boats, called ‘kaikis’, that can be rented on a daily basis, with their captains. This is an idyllic way to spend a day on the water, swimming in the clear sea, snorkelling and enjoying a picnic. Again, as their number is limited, it is advisable to book them before your arrival on the island.
Water Sports
There are water sports at Kaiki, Aghia Marina and Aghii Anargyri beaches.
Walking and Hiking
Walking in Spetses is exceptional. Most of the coast line and all of the centre of the island is covered in rich pine forests and is completely unspoilt, so that walking throughout the island is a joy. In addition there are 19 marked routes, stretching to about 65 kilometres, part of the Greek Paths of Culture initiative, making Spetses a highlight for hikers.
A wonderful walk is to the church of Prophetes Elias, which is at the highest peak on the island. Along the way there are breath-taking views of the island to all sides.
Cycling and Running
The road that goes around the whole island is 26 kilometres long and is a perfect route for cycling. In part easy and flat, in part hilly and more challenging, this route affords views of the sea and surrounding area. In the hotter summer months, it is advisable to take this route at sunrise or sunset when it is cooler and the colours are beautiful.
Restaurants, Cafés, Nightlife, Shopping
Spetses has a plethora of restaurants, some in the Old Port, some in Dapia town and and some at the beaches.
Restaurants
Tarsanas | Kapeloyiannis | Exedra | Orloff | The Olive Press ‘Liotrivi’ | Mourayo | Aghios | To Nero Tis Agapis | Patralis | Pachni | Kaiki
Cafés, Bars and Shopping
There are many cafés in the Old Harbour, as well as in Dapia, such as Roussos, Roumani and On the Deck, to name but a few, great bars, such as Balcony and Nuovo 1800 and a busy, yet not over-the-top nightlife at places like Booze, Bikini, Throubi and Guzel.
There are also numerous stylish boutiques and local shops, primarily in Dapia.
Cinemas
Spetses has two outdoor cinemas, Cine Marina and Titania Cinema, both in Dapia. They operate in the summer months and generally have two showings every evening, showing a mixture of current films, classics and children’s films.
Horse and Carriages
A unique feature of the island of Spetses are the horse and carriages, ‘amaxas’, which are proudly owned and impeccably and lovingly looked after by their owners. They offer a wonderful way to get around or to tour the Old Harbour, Dapia and the sea front.
Museums and Culture
Bouboulina Museum
This wonderful museum is dedicated to the history of Bouboulina and her family and is a must in order to understand her role and that of Spetses in the Greek War of Independence. It is housed in Bouboulina’s house, still owned by her descendants. Daily tours take place both in Greek and English.
The Sculpture Walk
At the end of the Old Harbour peninsula, near the lighthouse, among the pine trees and down to the sparkling sea, is a stunning walk, where a number of interesting sculptures by the local famous artist Natalia Mela are placed.
Visits to surrounding area
Hydra
Hydra, the neighbouring island to Spetses, is well worth a visit. The hydrofoil goes from Spetses to Hydra a number of times daily and takes 20-30 minutes. Hydra is a stunning island, where the only mode of transport on land is the donkey. It has exquisite architecture, good restaurants, excellent walks and a vibrant artists’ community. Many cultural events take place throughout the year.
Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Further afield, the Epidaurus Festival takes place between May and August in the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, about an hour and a 20 minutes by car from Kosta on the mainland. The performances include mostly theatre and opera. Travel to the Ancient Theatre is by water taxi to the mainland (10 mins) and then by car or taxi (1hr and 20 mins).
Spetses Museum
This interesting museum, housed in the impressive and beautiful Hadjiyianni-Mexi mansion, is dedicated both to the history of Spetses in the Revolution, as well as having fascinating exhibits from the Early Hellenistic and Mycenaean eras.
