Spetses

Spetses island in the Saronic & Argolic sailing area:

Spetses (or Spetsai) island lies off the Southwest coast of Argolida/ Argolic Gulf. It is in fact, one of the islands that form the (so called) “Argo-Saronic” sailing area in the Aegean Sea. Due to its proximity to Athens, Spetses is very popular summer destination & the ideal vacation spot for calm summer sailing holidays in Greece.
Spetses is a small island (only 12km circuit) that offers green landscapes with pine-tree forests and hilly mountains. It also has nice infrastructure, stunning beaches and hospitable inhabitants. The colourful capital, Spetses town, is built on the gentle slopes above a wide bay. It is surrounded by white-washed & blue-roofed houses, romantic alleys and the new harbour of Spetses (Dapia for locals). Baltiza, the oldest harbour of Spetses, is also really beautiful spot and a walk from there to the new Dapia port is a must! Apart from the main town, there are also nice villages such as Kastelli, Kounoupitsa and Analipsi.
Note: Since motor vehicles are restricted in Spetses island, the local transportation is provided by bus rides, water taxis, donkeys and carriages.

Spetses features several sandy, pebbly beaches and coves. In most bays though, tourists can delight in the natural shade created by thousands pine trees. In addition to this, there are many secluded bays where yachtsmen can anchor enjoying private moments. The most famous beaches in Spetses are Agia Marina, Zogeria, Agioi Anargiroi, Ligoneri, Xilokeriza, Agia Paraskevi, Vrellos and Bekiri’s Cave.
Restaurants, tavernas, cafes, bars and various commercial shops selling local products & souvenirs are gathered mainly around the capital, new & old port of Spetses.

Weather conditions / Climate in Spetses island:

The prevailing wind in Spetses island blows from SE direction at 3-5 beaufort scale (occasionally more) during summertime. For the period of spring & autumn though the wind usually blows weak from S.
Spetses has warm & sunny climate almost all year round. The days are hot with lots of sunshine during summer while in the winter, they are mild with low rainfalls. During spring and autumn, the temperature is ideal and the whole atmosphere very tempting, which makes Spetses a fantastic sailing destination!

Moorings & Anchorages in Spetses island/ Saronic and Argolic Gulf:

Baltiza, the old harbour of Spetses, is sheltered point from the wind. One can either moor in the inner part or drop anchor in the outer part of the harbour, Baltiza is usually full during summer though.
Note: Dapia (Spetses) main harbour is reserved for the ferries & local caiques.
Anchorages in Spetses: Ormos Zoyioryia (NW of Spetses).
Keep in mind: Alimos marina and Lavrion port both in Athens are our charter bases for the Saronic & Argolic Gulf and Peloponnese East coast.

History / Places of interest in Spetses island:

According to archaeological findings, Spetses was originally inhabited in the Early Bronze Age around 2500 BC.
During the 15th century, the island suffered severely by frequent pirate attacks that created a lot of problems.
Over the years, Spetses’ fleet became very powerful and its shipbuilding activity increased a lot.
Spetses was one of the first islands that participated in the Greek War of Independence against the Turks in 1821. The navy of Spetses played a vital role during this period. For that reason a redo of a battle is still celebrated in Spetses every September (Armada festival). One of the most famous persons during the Greek war against Turks, was Captain Lascarina Bouboulina who, after her husband’s death, took charge of his fleet and fought in several significant battles. She became an active member of the underground revolutionary organisation “Filiki Etairia” preparing the Greek revolution and also spent almost all her fortune to support the war. The great female returned back to Spetses in 1824 where killed one year later during a family argument.

Places of interest in Spetses island:
The island of Spetses has many museums, churches & monasteries to present. Visit the museums of Spetses & Bouboulina, the monastery of Agios Nikolaos and the church of Agia Marina.
Do not miss Spetses’ architectural style that is a mixture of 17th, 18th, 19th and early 20th century. Mansions (such as Sotirios Anargyros Mansion) & traditional houses offer good time to the viewer.

Activities in Spetses island:

Spetses island is perfect for all kind of watersports which can be found mostly at the beaches of Agia Marina, Agia Paraskevi and Agioi Anargiroi. There is also a water ski academy in Kaiki beach (1,5 km from the old harbour of Spetses).
Bicycling and walking through the lush and dense pine-tree forests will be a lovely and entertaining way to pass the day.
Pay a visit to mount Profitis Ilias (the highest point of Spetses) with its breathtaking panoramic view over Spetses, the surrounding islands & Peloponnese coast.