Spetses is the island of shipwrights and seafarers — a small, pine-covered island in the Saronic Gulf, just 2 hours from Athens by hydrofoil, famous for its role in the Greek War of Independence and its long tradition of wooden boat-building. It is a car-free island — the only vehicles allowed are taxis, delivery trucks, and a few buses. The main transport is by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle, or on foot. But you can hire a car on the mainland (in Kosta or Porto Heli) to explore the Argolid before or after your visit, and the island itself has plenty to discover on two wheels or two feet. Spetses is elegant, historic, and surprisingly peaceful for an island so close to Athens.

We compare operators in Kosta on the mainland, a 5-minute water taxi ride from Spetses. Compact cars start around €22/day. The hydrofoil from Piraeus takes 2 hours.

Why Visit Spetses

• The Town: Spetses Town is a harbour of neoclassical mansions, waterfront cafes, and horse-drawn carriages. The Old Harbour (Baltiza) is where wooden boats are still built and repaired, and the Museum of Spetses has exhibits on the island’s maritime history and the revolution of 1821.
• Bouboulina’s Mansion: The house of Laskarina Bouboulina, the heroine of the Greek War of Independence and one of the few female admirals in history. The mansion is now a museum, with her personal belongings, weapons, and a secret hatch for ammunition.
• The Beaches: Spetses has beaches for every taste — the organised Kaiki Beach, the family-friendly Agia Paraskevi, the secluded Vrellos, and the pebble coves of the west coast. The water is clean and warm.
• The Armata Festival: Held every September, this festival commemorates a naval battle of 1822 with a spectacular re-enactment and the burning of a Turkish flagship in the harbour. It is one of the most important festivals in Greece.
• The Interior: The centre of the island is covered in pine forest, with walking and cycling trails. The route from the town to the beaches on the south coast passes through scented woods of pine and eucalyptus.
• Ermioni and Porto Heli: On the mainland, 10–20 minutes by water taxi. These towns have car hire, beaches, and access to the ancient sites of Epidaurus and Mycenae.

Getting to Spetses

Cars are not allowed on Spetses (except taxis and delivery vehicles). The island is small enough to explore on foot, by bicycle, or by water taxi. Horse-drawn carriages are a charming way to get around the town.

Booking Tips for Spetses

• Book hydrofoil tickets in advance in summer — the boats fill up.
• If you want a car for the mainland, hire in Kosta or Porto Heli before taking the water taxi.
• Accommodation in Spetses is expensive — book months ahead for summer.
• Bring comfortable shoes — the cobbled streets and hills are hard on feet.
• If combining with Epidaurus, the theatre is 1 hour from Porto Heli by car.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spetses

Is Spetses worth visiting? Yes — it is elegant, historic, and close to Athens. But it is not for those who want nightlife or budget accommodation.

Can I bring a car to Spetses? No — cars are banned for visitors. You can hire a car on the mainland (Kosta or Porto Heli) and take the water taxi as a foot passenger.

Is Spetses expensive? Yes — it is one of the most upscale islands near Athens.