Spetses Travel guide
Travel guide to Spetses island
The historic island of Spetses is located near the
Argolic peninsula, at the right of the entrance to the
Argolic Gulf, in a distance of 1.5 miles of the
Ermionida and 50 miles from Piraeus. Spetses are made up
from three more islands: Spetsopoula, Agios Ioannis and
mikro Bourmpoulo. Spetses island has an oval shape, with
a coastline of 11 miles, 22.5 sq.km. area. with a
maximum length of 4 miles and a maximum width of 2.5
miles. Spetse is crossed by small mountains with
highest peak the Prophet Elias (291 meters). The capes
of the island is: Sourmpoyti , Kavos - Fanari
, Mafrokavos , Zastano and Bourmpoythi.
The territory of Spetses is mainly pine, while much is
Agricultural. Main products are olives, oil, cereals,
grapes, almonds, figs and some livestock products. The
climate is cool and healthy and offered a place for
holidays. The inhabitants are engaged mainly in shipping
and fisheries.
Capital of Spetses is the homonymous city of the
island with the smaller vilages of Agia Paraskevi, Agioi
Anargyroi, , Adosidon, Vrelon, Elonas, Zogeria, Ligoneri,
Parapola, and the island Spetsopoula
The island of Spetes was is inhabited since the
prehistoric era (2.500 - 2000 BC). Its ancient name was
Pytiousa probably because of all the pine-trees it had.
In the antiquity Spetses was called "Pityonisos" and "Pityousa".
The current name derives from sailors during the Middle
Ages Genoese and Venetians. The Franks called Spetses as
Izola di Spesia .
During the Venetian rule Spetses was occupied by the
Venetians (1220-1460) and after by the Turks. In 17
century the population was mainly from Laconia, Kynouria,
Argolida and Ermionida. The original medieval settlement
was northwest of the city, current position "Kastelli"
where there was a citadel on the hill (current position
the church of St Basil).
The inhabitants of Spetses took part in the
Russian-Turkish war (1770) and have suffered great
destruction by the Turks. After that the people of
Spetses built the city today on the shore
Spetses was one of the first Greek islands to attract
waves of tourists, the island offers visitors beautiful
beaches, picturesque bays, interesting archaeological
and other tourist facilities. It should be noted that
the traffic is limited but not prohibited and that the
island moves us with horses, mules, donkeys and boats by
sea. Because is only two miles away from the Peloponnese
and, specifically the Costa of Hermione, there are
alternative routes to arrive to Spetses. One is by sea
from Piraeus or, alternatively, you can travel by car or
bus from Hermione in the Peloponnese. Spetses has lots
of picturesque villages and a very varied landscape with
areas covered with pine-trees, sandy beaches, rocky sea
sides and mountainous spots that overlook at te sea. A
visitor can see the mansion of Bouboulina , the dashing
heroine of the Revolution of 1821, Meksis mansion that
today is a museum and the church of Holy trinity. Famous
are the beaches of Agioi Anargiroi and Agia Paraskevi.
Spetses due to its vicinity with the coast of
Peloponnese gives you the opportunity to visit the
ancient city and theatre of Epidaurus, where every
summer, ancient dramas and comedies are performed during
the Athens Festival. From this route you can also take
in the ancient city of King Agamemnon, Mycenae and the
ancient city of Tyrins.
Like Hydra, private cars are not permitted on the island
so travel is by horse drawn carriages , donkeys or the
local bus. Alternatively, you can take a tour around the
island's coastline in one the Kaiquies or high-speed
taxi boats. On Spetses the visitor will find
accommodation at Hotels and apartments. The island of
Spetses Greece has everything for a perfect holiday,
it offers accommodations and hotels for every budget,
many wonderful beaches, a vibrant nightlife mainly at
the old port , various restaurants, bars and cafes,
famous not only for its nature but also for its typical
architecture with traditional white washed houses of
different styles ranging from the 17th to the 20th
century, neoclassical villas, beautiful churches and
monasteries.
On Spetses you can have both tranquillity and the lively
bustle of cosmopolitan life. It has a lot of natural
beauty found all over the island, in picturesque small
bays and, in the main town itself, with its museum and
mansions of great historical figures.
Worth mentioning is that, very near to Spetses, is the
island of Spetsopoula, the private island of the Greek
tycoon and long-time rival of the late Onassis, Niarchos.
There are daily ferries and hydrofoils that connect
Spetses island with the other islands of the Saronic
gulf like Hydra,
Poros and
Aegina departing from Piraeus.
Accommodation in Spetses
Villa Tonia is a traditional Spetses building, located
just 5 minutes from the centre of Spetses, the hotel in
ideally location is surrounded by a calm and quiet
environment away from the noise. In the hotel there is
wireless internet access throughout the complex and
there is free private parking. At Villa Tonia, you can
enjoy your holiday with reasonable rates. Many rooms
have been recently renovated with luxury fashion and
each has its own terrace with lovely views. Nearby are a
variety of good restaurants and taverns, pizzerias and
grills Square downtown and the beach. Tel:+3022980 74081
Villa Irene Apartments Spetses. Built around a lush
garden and pool, the Villa Irene offers comfortable
accommodation just 300 meters from the nearest beach.
The apartments located behind the old port of Spetses,
all constructed with great care, keeping the island's
traditional architecture. 500 meters from Villa Pacific,
you will find the beautiful beach of Agia Marina, where
you can enjoy water sports. The unspoilt beach Garifalou,
is only 300 meters away, if you prefer the tranquillity
and quiet. Alternatively, you can enjoy the facilities
of the complex such as the outdoor pool, poolside bar
and friendly service. Non-smoking rooms, 24 hour
reception and pool bar. Tel:+3022980 73137
Hotel Club Zoe Located in the heart of Spetses, in
walking distance from the beach, Zoe Club offers
spectacular views from the outdoor pool. This small
complex consists of luxury apartments and villas,
individually designed and equipped to the highest
standards. There is a pool bar and coffee bar, the hotel
is surrounded by fig trees, olive trees and colourful
flowers. The building is a 19th century mansion restored
with traditional island architecture and local materials
as slate, terra cotta and marble. The hotel offers
comfort, luxury and privacy that assessing and the most
discerning traveller. Services. Babysitting, Laundry,
dry cleaning, fax and copy machines, massage, bar, free
wireless internet in public places. Tel: +3022980 74447
Useful telephone numbers:
City Hall 22982 72225
Port Police 22982 72245
Tourist Police 22982 73744
Health Centre 22982 72472
Horse-drawn carriage hire 22982 73170/1.
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