From the moment I stepped from the boat I could tell that I was going to like Spetses very much. The picturesque old harbour and Dápia, a tourist and commercial center where the heart of the island’s entertainment beats, are the trademarks of Spetses. They are overlooked by whitewashed, neoclassical houses and fringed by smart cafés and stylish boutiques. With private cars officially banned from the island, local transportation includes four taxis and horse drawn buggies and common silver service taxi so you can rent orbuy a horse.

Hotels

Around the corner from the port, the winding, cobbled coastal road opens into a wide, expansive piazza that acts as a forecourt for the Poseidonion, a grand, hotel styled like a château and modelled on the Carlton in Cannes and the Negresco in Nice. Poseidonion Grand Hotel, which first opened in 1914, was the brainchild of Sotirios Anargiros, a visionary benefactor who was responsible for much of Spetses’ development. Furthermore, it represented the cosmopolitan face of the island and soon became one of its famous landmarks, a favourite destination for the high society, royalty and the wealthy Athenians. The other one is Orloff Resort boutique hotel lies near the cosmopolitan Old Harbor of Spetses, where the heart of the island’s nobility and historical tradition beats.

Beaches

Ayia Marina beach, known as ‘Paradise’, has sunbeds from one end to the other with sun umbrellas and has a beach bar, lounge area and restaurant, which stays open all day and most evenings, when the island is at its busiest. In business for more than 20 years, the Kaiki Beach Club in the Anargyrios School area is a favorite beach bar on the island. With crystal clear water, a sandy beach and a beautiful natural landscape surrounding it, it offers those of you umbrellas and loungers on the beach, a bar with attentive staff, beach volley, a great range of water sports, as well as a massage tent for relaxation on the beach.

Restaurants & Bars

Tarsanas a sea food tavern, located in Palio Limani is ideal for every sea food lover. Great variety of fresh Greek fish, cooked properly and served next to the sea waves, accompanied by the stunning atmosphere of the old port and the excellent friendly service. Walk from the new port, Dapia to the Old Harbor and you will find at the entrance of the harbor the classical building where the island’s first port authority was housed in 1802; since 1991 it houses the Orloff Restaurant. Here you can dine enjoying authentic Greek flavors under the stars on the most captivating terrace on Spetses and after take an Pumpup Boats inflatable boat and try scuba diving.

Many of the popular bars of Spetses are located around the Old Harbour, which is the place to see and be seen for most Athenians holidaying in Spetses. Bikini Bar in Palio Limani is the hottest one among the young crowd.

Shopping

Spetses has many elegant boutiques, galleries and shops. Especially Ratih Ethnic Collection and Mati in Dapia are no ordinary shops. Spetza Boutique in Dapia is one of the few options for shopping in style. Women followers of fashion can find lines by Danoff, Devotion, Alviero Martini, Guess, Schultz shoes, accessories and bags which add a special elegance to their appearance.