Spetses Maps

Spetses is an island in the Saronic Gulf, located south of the Argolic peninsula. The island covers 10 square miles and has a permanent population of approximately 4,000 residents. Spetses Town (Dapia) spreads along the northeast coast and inland, featuring grand archontika (captain's mansions) built during the island's prosperous maritime era in the 18th and 19th centuries, elegant waterfront promenades, and well-maintained neoclassical buildings.

Spetses played a significant role in the Greek War of Independence, contributing ships and resources to the naval effort. The island's heroine, Laskarina Bouboulina, a wealthy shipowner who commanded her own warship, is commemorated by a museum in her former mansion. The island celebrates its naval heritage annually with a festival recreating the burning of the Turkish flagship in September 1822. Motor vehicles are restricted in Spetses Town center, with horse-drawn carriages providing traditional transport along with bicycles and scooters.

The island's pine forests were largely planted through reforestation efforts by wealthy local benefactor Sotirios Anargyrios, who also founded the Anargyrios and Korgialenios School, a prestigious preparatory school modeled on English public schools. The island has several beaches, including Agioi Anargyroi, Agia Paraskevi, and Zogeria Bay. Spetses maintains an elegant, somewhat exclusive atmosphere and is popular with Athenian weekenders. Access is by hydrofoil or ferry from Piraeus, or via water taxi from Porto Heli on the mainland.