The Little-Known Island of Spetses is Greece’s Most Sophisticated Summer Escape

With horse-drawn carriages and a colorful Old Port, the Greek Island of Spetses is the elegant summer escape you didn’t even know you needed. 

Tucked away in the Saronic Gulf, the Greek island of Spetses is a charming, nearly car-free escape within easy reach of Athens. Known for its rich maritime history, elegant architecture, and pine forests, Spetses is a luxe retreat that remains mostly off the tourist radar. 

Unlike its bustling counterparts Mykonos and Santorini, stylish Spetses is a serene and sophisticated island experience.

That’s why it’s a favorite with well-heeled Athenians looking for an exclusive getaway from the city. With stunning beaches and a colorful Old Port, Spetses is the chic summer escape you didn’t even know you needed. 

When my husband and I went island-hopping in Greece last summer, the Saronic islands were a surprising favorite. Between Spetses and neighboring Hydra, it was a wealth of Greek Island beauty with an unexpected perk – very few tourists.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle).  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

Read More: Car-Free Hydra is This Summer’s Chic Greek Island Escape

Looking for a romantic escape? Spetses is a great choice.

Looking for a lovely beach to soak up the Mediterranean sun? Spetses has you covered there, too.

Whether you’re strolling through Spetses Town, enjoying fresh seafood by the waterfront, or exploring the pine forest-covered hills, this small island is a unique experience.

And very different from Greece’s more popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini.

How to Get to Spetses

Spetses doesn’t have an airport but it’s easily accessible from Athens by ferry.

• From Athens International Airport (ATH): Land at Athens International Airport and head to Piraeus Port by taxi or metro.
• By Ferry from Piraeus Port: Ferries to Spetses depart multiple times daily, taking around a couple of hours. Companies like Hellenic Seaways operate hydrofoils that make the journey quick and scenic.
• By Car and Water Taxi: Drive to Porto Heli, a mainland town near Spetses, and take a water taxi or sea taxi across the Saronic Gulf. This is a convenient option for those traveling with family or luggage.

Tip: The absolute best site for booking ferries in Greece is FerryHopper.com.

Since private cars are not allowed on Spetses, visitors rely on bicycles, mopeds, water taxis, and horse-drawn carriages to get around.

Where to Stay

Spetses has a great mix of luxury hotels, charming boutique stays, and budget-friendly options. Here are a few of my top picks:

Poseidonion Grand Hotel – The first thing you see when the ferry arrives on the island, this historic landmark oozes old-world charm and luxury. With 5-star amenities and stunning sea views, this elegant hotel is the place to see and be seen in Spetses Town.

Spetses Center Comfy Apartment – For our stay, we were looking for a little more space and chose this lovely 1-bedroom apartment just a short stroll from the water. It turned out to be the perfect home base and the mid-range price was perfect for our budget.

Villa Margarita – A terrific budget-friendly pick, this hotel has sparkling clean rooms, a lovely pool, and it’s just a 5-minute walk from Agios Mamas Beach.

Where to Eat

The island of Spetses is a good place to indulge in fresh seafood and traditional Greek cuisine. Here are just a few of my favorite spots to eat:

• Tarsanas – Located in the Old Port, this tavern is famous for grilled octopus and fresh fish.
• To Pachni – A hidden gem serving traditional Saronic Gulf dishes in a cozy setting.
• Dapia Porto Cafe – Known for its freshly baked pastries and local Greek coffee.
• Bikini – This trendy cocktail bar in the Old Port is a must-stop for an evening aperitif.

Things to Do on Spetses

Spetses is packed with history and natural beauty. To get the lay of the land, remember that there are two primary harbors (or ports) in Spetses. The new port (where ferries arrive and where most hotels are located) is also called Dapia.

While the Old Harbor (or old port) is also called “Baltiza” and is full of historic charm and cozy restaurants and cocktail bars.

You can walk between ports but after a long day, a horse-drawn carriage is the best way to travel between them.

Here are some of the best things to do around Spetses:

1. Hire a Water Taxi to Explore

Take a stroll through the Dapia Harbor and it’s hard to miss the tethered line of water taxis just waiting for a fare. With limited vehicles allowed on the island, a taxi boat is one of the best ways to explore the island.

We hired a boat for a half-day tour around the island with a visit to a couple of beaches and it was the perfect way to spend the day.

2. Take a Taxi Boat to Zogerias Beach

A picturesque beach surrounded by pine trees, Zogerias Beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. For lunch, there’s one family-run taverna on the beach.

There’s one organized boat trip daily to the island that departs in the morning and returns in the afternoon. But it’s easy enough to hire your a taxi boat to visit on your own schedule.

3. Stroll the Old Harbor

When the sun begins to set, the Old Harbor is one of the best places to experience Spetses’ sophisticated charm. Admire the elegant mansions, enjoy a sunset drink at Bikini, and watch traditional wooden boats bobbing in the water.

4. Visit Bouboulina’s House

The former home of Laskarina Bouboulina is now a museum dedicated to her life and contributions to Greece’s War of Independence.

5. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Since private cars are restricted on Spetses, one of the most unique ways to explore the town is by horse-drawn carriage. It’s a nostalgic and scenic way to take in the island’s beauty and if you only have time for one thing when you visit Spetses, this should be it.

When to Visit

Like most of the Greek islands, the ideal time to visit Spetses is from May to October. I typically recommend avoiding the Greek Islands during the peak tourist months of July and August. But we visited Spetses in July and thanks to its popularity with Greeks versus tourists, we didn’t find it to be crowded or touristy at all.

A September visit is a special treat due to the Armata Festival, which commemorates the Greek victory in the naval battle of Spetses in 1822. The festival includes a re-enactment of the battle, fireworks, and traditional dances and it’s held annually on the weekend closest to September 8th. 

So don’t miss out on Spetses!

The island of Spetses is a rare blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty.

Whether you’re exploring the pine-covered hills, relaxing on quiet beaches, or soaking in the charm of the Old Port, Spetses is a throwback to old world sophistication.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Greece this summer, add this stylish gem to your island-hopping itinerary.

And if you’re looking for more terrific Greek Islands, start here:

Stunning Koufonisia Island is Where Greeks Vacation (& You’ve Never Heard of It)

Forget Santorini: Stunning Syros is the True Cyclades Gem in the Greek Islands

5 Best Things to Do on Marvelous Milos Greece

7 Reasons Naxos is the Best Greek Island (for pretty much everything)

Sparkling Symi is the Best Greek Island You’ve Never Heard Of