Just a couple of hours from Athens, Spetses is a summer daydream wrapped in pine trees, marble-paved lanes, and seaside mansions. It’s not just a place—it’s a mood: elegant, laid-back, and effortlessly charming. With no cars allowed in the main town, horse carriages clip-clop by as bougainvillea cascades over stone walls, and the scent of saltwater mixes with jasmine in the air.
If you’re thinking about visiting this island gem during the summer, here’s how to enjoy Spetses at its best—through its beaches, bougainvillea-filled corners, and hidden backstreets.
Stroll Through the Old Town & Backstreets
The heart of Spetses is its Old Harbor (Palio Limani) and the Dapia port. But what makes the island unforgettable are its quiet backstreets, where time seems to pause.
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Wander through Agios Nikolaos and Kastelli neighborhoods, where whitewashed houses with deep blue shutters sit beneath flowering balconies.
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Admire neoclassical mansions, once home to naval captains and Greek independence heroes.
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Stop by Bouboulina’s Mansion, a museum dedicated to the island’s most famous resident and naval commander.
💡 Mornings are magical—quiet, cool, and perfect for photography or a peaceful coffee in a hidden square.
Dive into the Best Beaches
Spetses may be small, but its coastline offers a mix of secluded coves and lively beach bars.
Top Beaches to Visit:
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Agia Paraskevi: A gorgeous pine-backed beach with turquoise water and golden sand.
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Zogeria: A quiet cove surrounded by forest—perfect for a tranquil swim.
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Kaiki Beach: A more organized beach close to town with sunbeds, drinks, and music.
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Agioi Anargyroi: One of the island’s longest beaches with a sea cave you can swim into—Bekiri’s Cave.
🛥️ Most remote beaches are best accessed by water taxis or scooters.
Getting Around Spetses
Cars are mostly banned from the town, which adds to Spetses’ charm.
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Rent a bicycle, scooter, or electric bike to explore the island at your own pace.
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Horse-drawn carriages are a romantic (and very Spetsiot) way to see the waterfront in the evening.
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Water taxis are the locals’ favorite way to beach-hop.
Eat & Drink Like a Local
Summer nights in Spetses are for slow dinners, sea views, and local flavors.
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Dapia waterfront offers stylish tavernas and ouzeri spots.
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Hidden gems like Patralis or Tarsanas serve seafood caught just hours earlier.
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Local dishes to try: Fish a la Spetsiota, almond sweets (amygdalota), and anything with fresh lobster or shrimp.
Pair your meal with a glass of tsipouro or chilled white wine—and enjoy it slowly.
Summer Tips for First-Timers
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Pack light layers: Days are hot, but sea breezes cool the evenings.
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Book accommodation early: Summer weekends fill fast with Athenians and yachters.
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Walk the coastal path: The scenic promenade from the old harbor to the town center is magical at sunset.
Spetses in Summer: A Place You’ll Return To
Spetses doesn’t try too hard—and it doesn’t need to. Whether you’re swimming in hidden coves, biking through shaded backroads, or drinking coffee beside a horse carriage, this island quietly weaves its way into your memory.
And once you’ve been, one visit is never enough.
