| The romantic atmosphere - presented by
the neoclassical houses, the horse-drawn carriages (no cars allowed)
and the greeness of the island - is apparent the moment you step foot
on this luminous Argo-Saronic island, which is often called
the noble lady of the Saronic Gulf.
Spetses - like the other Saronic islands - contributed greatly
to the struggle for freedom with its naval power and the heroism
of natives such as: Bouboulina and Botsaris, the most
famous heroine and hero of the War of Independence of 1821.
The ancient name of the island was Pityoussa (meaning pine-covered) and it is true since, even today, most hills are verdant contrasting the dry and barren landscape of the neighboring Hydra.
Take the coastal route which unrolls from both sides of the harbor. |
One direction takes you to the Old Harbor,
where the caiques, sailing vessels and yachts moor. The other direction
leads you to Kounoupitsa Beach and even further to Lighoneri
and Zagheria.
The famous Ntapia Square awaits you for a nice stroll and
a taste of the delicious sweets at the surrounding cafes and pastry
shops. Roussos is famous for waffles, the hang-out
of many young visitors.
Visit Aghios Mamas, with the charming archontika with the
high fences and blossoming yards. The homes of Bouboulina and Botsaris
and that of Hatziyiannis Meksis where the Museum (of heirlooms from
the Revolution) is housed (open Tue-Sun from 8:30am to 3pm).
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The Metropolis of Aghios Nikolaos a Byzantine church - near the harbor - is worth seeing.
The best beaches can be found in the northern part: Saints Anarghyroi and Aghia Paraskevi.
In the west you will encounter Zogheria and if you prefer shorter distances the seashores of Aghios Nikolaos and Kounoupitsa will suffice.
Night life is animated and intensified in the old harbor, where bars - such as: Sailing, Figaro, Bracera, Mouraghio (with Greek music), Padrino, Blueberry's, Beach Bar and more- abound.
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General Information for Spetses