Unlike Hydra, Spetses is not car-free but the island has adapted to accommodate visitors with vehicles. Rent a car to explore the countryside, or hop on a horse carriage and enjoy the scenery while being transported to a nearby beachside tavern.
Stay at Orloff Resort, set within the stone walls of a 19th-century mansion. The resort’s rooms appeal to minimalists with thin-framed four-poster beds and ivory-clad walls offset by pops of color.
1. Poseidonion Grand Hotel
For a touch of luxury, look no further than Poseidonion Grand Hotel. Located near the historic district of Spetses Island and a 10-minute drive from Ligoneri Beach, this hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool and rooms with splendid views. Guests can also enjoy the on-site spa center and free WiFi.
The rooms at this renowned hotel are decorated in a Belle Epoque style and feature wooden floors and elegant furnishings. They are also equipped with a flat-screen satellite TV, minibar and a safe. Some have a balcony with sea or garden views.
Guests can indulge in a massage at the on-site spa center, which is complete with hot tubs and steam baths. They can also relax at the hotel’s pool, surrounded by lush greenery and sunbeds. Guests can also dine at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves Greek cuisine.
As one of the oldest hotels in Spetses, the Poseidonion Grand Hotel has been a famous landmark since its first opening in 1914. It represented the cosmopolitan face of the island and became a favourite spot for high society and royalty.
There are a wide variety of places to eat on the car-free island, including waterfront taverns offering Mediterranean classics. There are also a number of cafés and restaurants that offer beautiful seaside views.
The best time to visit Spetses is during the warm summer months from late May to September, when temperatures are perfect for a seaside getaway. The island tends to get busier in summer, though, and prices at hotels increase accordingly. If you’re looking for a more laid-back vacation, try visiting during spring or autumn. These seasons still offer sunny days, but are not as busy as the peak season.
2. Orloff Resort
With its sweeping vistas over the sea and the terracotta rooftops of Spetses Town, Orloff Resort is one of the best places to stay in the island’s capital. Its atypically modern design and cosy apartments, some with their own kitchenettes, set it apart from many other hotels in the area. It also scores top marks for its friendly management and young staff. It’s particularly popular with couples and families and a good choice for those travelling on a budget.
Its cosy, minimalist rooms offer air conditioning, flat-screen satellite TV and private balconies with town, pool or garden views. Families are able to choose from suites and maisonettes that accommodate up to four people. The hotel also has a pool, free Wi-Fi in public areas and a spa/wellness centre where you can relax with a massage or beauty treatment.
The hotel’s ideally situated, within walking distance of the old port and all of the town’s main attractions. It also has a shuttle bus to nearby beaches. You can also hire a bike or motorbike to explore the rest of the island, or take a taxi or water taxi to visit harder-to-reach beaches.
Although Spetses is small, there’s a buzzing nightlife and plenty of gorgeous beaches to enjoy. It’s also criss-crossed with footpaths that link picturesque villages, historic chapels and hilltop viewpoints. Many of these lead to secret beaches that are easy to reach without a car. Private cars are banned on the island, but horse-drawn carriages and buses are available to help you get around. There are also regular ferry services from Piraeus that take just over three hours, and boats to other Saronic Islands including Poros, Hydra and Ermioni.
3. Vaggelis Traditional Homes
Located just a short stroll from Agios Mamas Beach, Vaggelis Traditional Homes offers guests well-appointed apartment accommodation in Spetses. The property boasts mountain views and provides free Wi-Fi, as well as a balcony, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a microwave, plus a washing machine and a dryer. It is also conveniently close to Bouboulina Museum.
The island is criss-crossed with footpaths that take you to picturesque villages, historic chapels and hilltop viewpoints. They also lead to secret beaches where you can cool off after a long hike.
In town, a smattering of narrow flagstone streets are lined with cafes and boutiques. Visitors can also explore the island’s historic old houses and admire restored Venetian mansions.
Package tourism has yet to catch on in Spetses and the island retains its authenticity. The main port is Dapia and it is common to see dozens of luxury yachts anchored here for months at a time.
Getting around is easy on Spetses, and there are numerous buses that run between the island’s ports and the capital. Horse-drawn carriages are a popular way to get around, while scooters and motorbikes are popular among the younger crowd. Taxis are also available for those who prefer to be chauffeured.
There is no shortage of things to do in Spetses, from exploring the historic old houses and walking on the many paths that connect beaches and villages to enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants and traditional taverns. The island is home to several museums, including the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Shipbuilding and Hydrology, which are both worth a visit. There are also a number of cultural events throughout the year, such as summer festivals and dance performances.
4. Aria Apartments
Located within 200 meters from Agios Mamas Beach and a short stroll of Paralia Spetson Beach, Aria Apartments provides guests with an ideal base while visiting Spetses. Its comfortable and airy apartments are equipped with a kitchenette, a refrigerator and a flat-screen TV. Each also includes a private bathroom with a shower and slippers.
For those wishing to see more of the surrounding area, there are a selection of dining venues within walking distance, including Arg-allios and Spetsa Bar. The diachronic Museum of Spetses is just a few steps away.
Aria Apartments are set in the New Port district of Spetses and are a convenient choice for those looking to explore Bouboulina Museum and the local area. There are a variety of popular activities to enjoy in the nearby vicinity, such as diving and sailing.
This luxury rental community is designed with health and wellness in mind, featuring a fully-equipped fitness center and two swimming pools. There are also plenty of opportunities for family and friends to gather, along with a pavilion and grill area for outdoor meals.
This unique property is situated just minutes from the center of town, and has easy access to running and biking trails for active travelers. It is perfect for anyone who wants to live an eco-friendly lifestyle, while enjoying all the amenities of Denver.
This property is located just a short walk from Bouboulina Museum and offers its guests a private garden, an outdoor terrace and non-smoking rooms. It is also conveniently positioned for those interested in exploring the local area, with Bouboulina Statue and the local ferry terminal within walking distance. The hotel is also just a short walk from Orloff.
5. Toula’s House
The capital city of Spetses, aptly called Chora, is like a little Saronic gem, reminiscent of Hydra but without the crowds. Here, picturesque streets are lined with traditional cafes, tavernas, and smart boutiques. The island has a few charming beaches but is mostly a quiet destination that offers an escape from the bustle of everyday life.
The best time to visit Spetses is in summer, from late May until September, when temperatures are warm and ideal for a seaside holiday. However, it is important to note that during this period the hotels and guest houses tend to fill up quickly and prices are higher.
Another great option is to opt for renting an apartment in Spetses, which is also a cost-effective solution and provides the comfort of home away from home. The online catalog of apartments on Spetses contains many options in a variety of price categories, and you can easily find the right one for your vacation.
The upscale Toula’s House is an excellent choice for those who want to stay in a luxury property with a private pool. The hotel is housed within a historic mansion and features a rooftop terrace with stunning sea views, along with an intimate restaurant. Its rooms appeal to minimalists, with thin-framed four-poster beds and ivory-clad walls offset by splashes of red and mustard.
Located in Spetses New Port district, the Toula’s House is only about a 10-minute walk from Bouboulina Museum. Its air conditioned rooms have a kitchenette with an oven and refrigerator, as well as Wi Fi. They are also equipped with a flat-screen TV and a DVD player. Guests can also dine at the property’s sister taverna.