Spetses

Spetses, an island boasting a long naval tradition, is famous for its significant contribution to the 1821 War of Independence. It was here that the revolution flag was raised on 3rd April 1821. The island has managed to retain its individual traditional character thanks to its well-preserved grand captain mansions, still bearing eloquent witness to the island’s glorious past. The picturesque old harbour and Dápia, a tourist and commercial centre where the heart of the island’s entertainment beats, are the trademarks of the town of Spetses. Take a romantic trip around the island in horse-drawn carriages and admire the grand mansions adorning the narrow cobbled streets of the island. The best time to visit Spetses is during September, when “Armata”, a truly impressive re-enactment of a naval battle takes place ever since 1931. In the video above skip to 2:18 for the part about spetses. We are one of the only tour operators to book people to Spetses in the UK, you can check the prices and book your holiday on the online booking engine. The rich history and naval tradition of the island is reflected on numerous sites that are definitely worth visiting:

• The House of Bouboulina

Built around the end of the 17th Century, the building is shaped like a Π, a detail which at that time indicated the importance of the owner. Bouboulina was a heroine that played a significant role in the 1821 War of Independence. Visit her house, which now operates as a museum to admire its wood-carved Florentine ceiling, 18th and 19th century furniture, interesting collection of old weapons, fine porcelain and rare books.

• The House of Hatzigiannis Mexis

Today the house hosts a museum exhibiting relics from the War of Independence, letters written by war heroes like Kolokotronis and Athanasios Diakos, a folk art collection and the relics of Bouboulina. The house was built between 1795 and 1798, and was donated to the Greek state in 1938 by the heirs of the Mexis family. The objects on display represent more than 4,000 years of the island’s history.

• Church of Panayia Armata

This rural church was built between 1824 and 1830 to honour the victory of the Greek warriors against the Ottoman fleet.

• Cathedral of Ayios Nikolaos

The island's Cathedral is of great historical importance as it was here where the island's Independence flag was raised on 3rd April 1821. It was also here where the dead body of Paul Bonaparte, nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte who came to Greece to fight on the side of Greeks, was kept in a barrel of rum for three whole years!

Other sites worth a visit are: the War Memorial of the Spetses Navy, the Clock in Rologioú Square, and the Anargyreios Korgialeneios School. Situated in the area of Kounoupitsa, today it houses the Centre of Environmental Education.

Head to the island’s sun-drenched beaches and swim in blue waters with a beautiful pine-forest as backdrop:

• Ayioi Anargyroi: One of the largest beaches on the southwest of the island with clean and deep waters. It offers also water sport facilities.
• Ayia Paraskevi: A sandy beach situated on the west part of the island, 12 km away from Dápia. It took its name from the near-by chapel of Ayia Paraskevi. Water sport facilities are also available.
• Ayia Marina: 2 km south-east of Dapia, this is the most famous beach of the island! Sandy, organized with many beach bars, and restaurants. Sun lovers as well as water sport funs arrive here either by boat or by bus.
• Xylokériza: A secluded beach 8 km from Dapia, on the south-eastern part of the island, mainly accessible by boat.
• Vréllos: A beautiful sandy beach on the west part of the island. Surrounded by a dense pine forest, it’s no wonder it is called “Paradise”. The beach is also an ideal starting point for following a beautiful walking route towards Profitis Elias, the highest spot of the island.
• Zogeriá: With pine trees that stretch down to the beach and azure waters, the locals consider it the most beautiful beach on the island. Weather permitting, you can enjoy a breathtaking view all the way to Nafplio!

Information: http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/spetses

There are a few options available to get to the island.

By car or taxi from Athens the journey is approx 2 ½ hours to Kosta, and then a short 5 minute water taxi across to Spetses. At a extra supplement. Price depends on number of passengers booked.

By hydrofoil from Zea Marina takes approx 2 hours with hydrofoil leaving almost every hour and by Catamaran from Pireaus the direct crossing is only 1 ½ hours.

Refer to brochure/online package prices for this.

There is also the ferry boat which leaves Pireaus main port at 08:00hrs every morning (journey time approx 4hours which stops at other Saronic islands on the way) 

Useful info: Taxi driver meets the clients and takes them to the catamaran/boat/hydrofoil - also giving the clients the tickets 

Welcome at the Airport

English escort welcomes clients at the Airport with signs ''Anemone Holidays'' in co-operation with ''Alasia Travel'' and transfers clients by taxi to the port. Also giving information on the island and a welcome Envelope to the guest. All clients will be given welcome Envelopes with information on Athens and Spetses...FREE

 Tel 0208 889 9207 or book online

Pictures: 

Jean Housen