6 Things to Do in Spetses for a Dreamy Island Getaway

Okay, so I’m just gonna say it: Spetses completely, hands down, won me over. I spent three days here, and it somehow managed to knock every other Saronic island out of its top spot. Just so you know, I’ve been to all of them, so I feel like I’ve earned the right to pick a favorite.

There’s just something about Spetses. It’s classy, romantic, whimsical, a little old money, and the lack of cars makes exploring the island exceptionally fun. Rent an e-bike, ride until you find a beach where you can throw your towel down, stop for seafood, then finish the day with a spritz by the water. Honestly, it’s the perfect way to spend three days.

But as I figured out the best things to do in Spetses, I had questions like you. Which beaches are worth riding across the island for? Do you need a scooter or e-bike? What’s there to see in Spetses town besides the waterfront? And should you stay a few nights or squeeze it into one of your island day trips from Athens?

After eating my way through more Spetses restaurants than was necessary and cruising around the island on an e-bike, I have my opinions. So if you’re wondering what to do in Spetses, I’ve got you. And fair warning: you might leave with a new favorite island too.

Πάμε (Let’s go in Greek)!

Spetses at a Glance

Short on time? Here’s my quick take on Spetses after spending three days exploring the island.

• How long I stayed: 3 days, 2 nights
• How long I recommend: Minimum 3 days
• Best for: Beach lovers, couples, slow travelers, including solo travelers
• Overall vibe: Classy, romantic, laid-back, with a little old money energy
• My favorite beach: Kaiki Beach
• My favorite meal: Grilled shrimp at Stelios
• Best way to get around: E-bike
• Best area to stay: Near Dapia
• Don’t miss: Exploring the island by e-bike, the Old Harbor, Bouboulina Museum, and beach hopping.
• My biggest tip: Don’t ride your e-bike in the forested section near the lighthouse. Those tiny thorns and e-bike tires are not friends.
• Would I return? Absolutely. Spetses easily became my favorite island in the Saronic Gulf.

Things to Know About Spetses Before You Go

Before we get into this list of the best things to do in Spetses, you need to know one thing: this island feels very different from its Saronic neighbors.

Spetses sits in the Saronic Gulf, just near the Peloponnese, and while it’s close enough to Athens to make getting there fairly easy, it doesn’t feel like the business of the city. The second I arrived, I noticed how elegant it felt. Just picture grand old mansions, pine trees, waterfront cafes, little streets, and barely a car in sight.

Dapia is the heart of Spetses town and where you’ll arrive by ferry. This is where you’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops. From here, you can easily walk along the waterfront toward the Old Harbor, where things begin to feel a little quieter and a tad more historic.

And that “old money” vibe I kept noticing? I’m not being dramatic. Spetses has a history of wealthy shipowners and powerful maritime families, which helped shape the beautiful mansions and architecture you’ll see around the island. We’ll dabble into that history later because, trust me, there’s a lot more to Spetses than good beaches and expensive-looking houses.

One of the biggest differences on the island, though, is the lack of regular car traffic. You can’t simply bring a rental car over and drive around as you can do on many other Greek islands. You will walk, bike, rent an e-bike or scooter, use the bus, or hop in a water taxi. I rented an e-bike, and spoiler alert: riding around Spetses Island ended up being one of my favorite things to do the entire trip. Just so you know, you will spot some goats and horses along the route!

Best Things to Do in Spetses, Greece

There are plenty of things to do in Spetses, Greece, but what I loved most is that you don’t need to hop around from one attraction to another. Spetses is just as much about exploring without exhausting yourself as ticking off a list. This tiny island is all about stopping when something catches your eye, and enjoying this treasure.

Here’s what I’d actually make time for.

Explore Historic Spetses Town

Spetses Town is one of those places where wandering around with absolutely no plan is actually part of the plan. Start around Dapia, which is the main port and center of town, then get off the waterfront and stroll around some of the smaller streets behind it.

This is where that old money feeling really starts showing itself. There are so many elegant mansions, neoclassical buildings, bougainvillea-covered walls, and homes that had me casually wondering how difficult it would be to acquire a Greek shipping fortune.

Dapia itself is lively and filled with cafes, shops, restaurants, and cute spots to order a freddo and people-watch. But don’t just stick to the waterfront. One of my favorite moments was simply riding the e-bike and seeing the architecture away from the busier areas.

Spetses has a long maritime history, and many of the impressive homes you see belonged to wealthy captains and shipowners. Once you know a little about the island’s past, the town makes much more sense. It isn’t pretty just for the sake of being pretty; its elegance has a story behind it.

Wander without Google Maps bossing you around. Spetses is small enough that getting a little lost is a low risk, and you’ll see that is the fun!

Walk From Dapia to the Old Harbor

If you only take one walk in Spetses, let it be from Dapia to the Old Harbor. And yes, I realize telling you exactly where to walk makes it slightly less aimless, but I’m sure you get the idea.

The route follows the waterfront and is one of the easiest ways to see the island’s different sides. Dapia is busy, ferries are coming and going, cafes are packed, and plenty is going on around the port. As you continue toward the Old Harbor, things get quieter, more residential, and even more elegant.

Along the way, you’ll pass beautiful old homes, little swimming spots, boats bobbing on the water, and plenty of places that will make you stop for a photo.

When you arrive at the Old Harbor, you’ll see another side of Spetses’ maritime history. Traditional wooden boats, old shipyards, grand captains’ houses, and waterfront restaurants all decorate the harbor, and the whole area has a mix of slightly fancy and slightly sleepy that Spetses does so well.

I’d also recommend visiting in the evening. The Old Harbor feels super romantic once the sun settles, when dinner tables fill up, and the waterfront lights come on. Please be aware that it’s the kind of place where going for a quick walk somehow rolls into dinner, wine, and getting back to your hotel much later than you planned.

Visit the Bouboulina Museum

You can’t really talk about Spetses without mentioning Laskarina Bouboulina. You will see her name everywhere on the island, and once you learn her story, you’ll know why.

Bouboulina was a naval commander and a major figure in the Greek War of Independence. She applied her wealth and ships to support the revolution against the Ottoman Empire, which is pretty impressive considering women weren’t exactly being given naval fleets to command in the 1800s.

At the Bouboulina Museum, you can step inside her former home in Spetses town, so you’re not walking through some random building covered with information boards. You’re actually stepping inside the mansion that was her home.

Even if you’re usually more “beach and cocktails” than “museum on vacation,” I’d say you should make time for this one. Spetses has so much history tied to the sea, rich shipping families, and the Greek Revolution that visiting the museum gives you insight into the island you’ve been visiting.

And don’t worry, I’m not saying to give up an entire beach day. You can easily fit it in while you’re there.

Get Sun-Kissed at One of The Spetses Beaches

Obviously, you’re visiting a Greek island, so at some point you need to stop sightseeing and take a dip in the water.

The Spetses beaches were actually one of the things that surprised me most about the island. You have a nice mix of organized beaches with sunbeds and beach bars to little stretches of coast where you can throw down a towel.

And this is another reason I loved having an e-bike. Instead of choosing one beach and staying there, I could ride around the island, stop when somewhere caught my eye, swim, then keep moving on somewhere else. Beach hopping without having to follow a bus schedule? Yes!

Some beaches are close enough to Spetses town that you can easily reach them just by walking, while others are a bit farther and much easier to visit with your own wheels. I’ll break down the beaches I recommend later in this post, including the organized ones, the quieter ones, and the ones I think are actually worth the trip.

My advice? Don’t automatically pick the closest beach and think you’ve seen the best of Spetses. Exploring the coastline was half the fun.

Try Watersports in Spetses

If lying on a sunbed for six hours starts to feel too unproductive, a few of the organized beaches around the island offer watersports during the summer season.

Depending on the beach and weather conditions, you can find activities like water skiing, wakeboarding, and paddleboarding to get out on the water. Kaiki Beach and Agia Marina are two places worth seeing if watersports are your thing.

I was perfectly happy exploring the coastline and hopping between beaches, so watersports wasn’t the focus of my trip. But if you’re someone who gets restless after lying on a sunbed for 20 minutes, this is an easy way to mix up a beach day without sacrificing your time by the sea.

Slow Down With a Freddo or Spritz

One thing you absolutely should do in Spetses? Stop trying to do anything for a minute.

I know, slightly ridiculous advice in a post about the best things to do, but Spetses is an island meant for slowing down. Between beach hopping, riding around the island, and strolling around town, give yourself time to grab a freddo or spritz and sit.

I loved Vavel Spetses for this. It has a rooftop overlooking the waterfront and was the perfect place to take a much-needed break. Later on, Balconi was one of my favorite spots to grab an after-dinner drink and recap the day.

These were simply two spots I really enjoyed and would happily return to.

To be honest, sitting somewhere with a cold drink and nowhere you need to be is a super underrated Greek island activity.

Experience Spetses After Dark

Don’t disappear back to your hotel when you finish dinner. Spetses is way too pretty at night to call it a night.

Once the sun goes down, the island develops an even more romantic feel. The waterfront twinkles, dinner tables fill, and Spetses town has this polished evening energy.

Take a slow walk around Dapia, hang around the waterfront, or head toward the Old Harbor for cocktails. I loved how different the island felt at night compared with midday. Everything moves even slower, but there’s still enough going on that you’ll want to stay out.

Be sure to stop at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel for drinks. Sitting outside this gorgeous historic hotel with a cocktail feels totally appropriate for Spetses. It’s elegant, a tad fancy, and fits perfectly with that old money atmosphere I mention here.

You don’t need an elaborate nighttime itinerary. Dinner, a cocktail, and a long walk by the water will be more than enough. Spetses does romantic evenings very, very well.

Visit the Spetses Lighthouse

If you’re already exploring the Old Harbor, keep following the harbor trail toward the Spetses Lighthouse. The walk guides you away from the waterfront and into a quiet, forested area that feels completely different from the busy streets.

Just know you can’t go inside the lighthouse because the gate is locked, so don’t come expecting to climb to the top for a unique view of Spetses. You can still see it from a distance, though, and really, I loved the area around it just as much. It’s shady, peaceful, enclosed by trees, and there’s a small church nearby that’s worth stopping to see.

One warning from someone who learned the hard way: don’t ride your e-bike through here. Tiny thorns from the trees are scattered on the ground, and you won’t even notice them. I rode through them, got a flat tire, and suddenly my peaceful little lighthouse adventure needed roadside assistance.

Walk the last part instead. Your tires will be extremely grateful.

I wouldn’t call the lighthouse a must-see attraction on its own, especially since you can’t go inside, but combined with the harbor trail, church, and peaceful wooded surroundings, it’s a really pretty detour.

A Little History of Spetses

You can’t spend much time on Spetses without realizing this island has serious history behind all those gorgeous mansions.

Spetses developed its wealth through shipping and trade, and by the early 1800s, the island had developed a powerful fleet. In 1821, when the Greek War of Independence began, Spetses was among the first islands to join the revolution, using its ships, money, and experienced sailors to fight the Ottoman Empire.

And then you must mention Laskarina Bouboulina, easily the most famous name connected to Spetses. She was a wealthy shipowner who used her own fortune and ships to support the Greek Revolution. Her story remains a significant part of the island’s identity, which is why I think visiting the Bouboulina Museum earlier in your trip makes everything you see around the island feel more connected.

Why Spetses Has That Old Money Feel

I know I keep describing Spetses as having an “old money” feel, and once you start looking at its history, it will totally make sense.

Wealthy captains and shipping families built super impressive homes around the island, and many of those historic mansions are still there today. You’ll notice them especially while roaming through Spetses town and around the Old Harbor and even peeking through other parts of the island.

That maritime wealth helped give Spetses the elegant character you see now. Add the grand waterfront buildings, traditional wooden boats, pine-covered landscape, and the fact that regular tourist cars aren’t buzzing through town, and the whole place feels like you stepped into another era.

The Armata Festival

If you’re planning to visit Spetses in September, more than likely you will hear about Armata, which is one of the island’s biggest annual celebrations. The festival honors the Battle of Spetses, a naval battle fought during the Greek War of Independence in 1822.

The celebrations span several days, with events leading up to the main display in the Old Harbor. What makes it unique is that a model ship is set on fire as part of the reenactment, followed by fireworks over the water.

Best Beaches in Spetses

Spetses won me over so quickly with the beaches. You can find organized beaches where you can claim a sunbed and order a drink to quiet little coves where you’re basically there on your own.

The beaches in Spetses are also spread around the island, so having an e-bike or scooter really comes in handy. Beach hopping became part of the fun for me. I rode along the coast, stopped at one for a quick swim, then hopped back on the bike and went to the next one along the route.

Some Spetses beaches have sunbeds, food, and drinks, while others have very little. So it really depends on what your ideal beach day looks like. Is it someone bringing you a freddo, or you showing up with your own towel, water, and a few snacks?

It isn’t necessary to visit every beach on the island. Just pick a few that offer different experiences and spend your time actually enjoying them, not racing around trying to collect beaches like Pokémon.

Beaches of Spetses

The beaches were another reason Spetses won me over so quickly. You’ll find everything from organized beaches where you can claim a sunbed and order lunch to little stretches of coast where you’re basically on your own.

The beaches of Spetses are spread around the island, which is where having an e-bike or scooter really comes in handy. Beach hopping became part of the fun for me. We’d ride along the coast, stop somewhere for a swim, then hop back on the bike and keep exploring.

You definitely don’t need to visit every beach on the island. These are the Spetses beaches I visited and the ones I’d recommend depending on the kind of beach day you want.

Beach	Organized?	Food & Drinks?	Best For
Kaiki Beach	Yes	Yes	My overall fav
Agia Marina	Yes	Yes	Staying near town
Ayia Anargyroi	Yes	Cafe	Shade and longer beach days
Xilokeriza	Yes	Yes	Exploring farther around the island
Ayia Paraskevi	Mixed	Beach bar nearby	A pretty, cove-like setting
Pigadaki	No	No	A simple beach close to town
Ligoneri	No	No	Beautiful water without the extras

Kaiki Beach, My Favorite Beach in Spetses

If you asked me what my favorite beach in Spetses is, it’s Kaiki Beach, hands down.

It’s organized and home to Kaiki Beach Club, so it is definitely more of a get-cozy-in-a-sunbed, order-food, and-stay-a-while kind of beach. It is a bit more crowded than some of the others I visited, but I didn’t mind because the whole setup was perfect for my bougie self.

The food also exceeded my expectations for a beach club. I had the dumplings and sushi because apparently I came to a Greek island to eat sushi, and both were super tasty.

Right next door is Aqua Marine, which is a great alternative if you prefer a quieter option. Their menu doesn’t have as much variety, but the sunbeds were cheaper, and the atmosphere is more relaxed.

If you want an organized beach day close to town with food, drinks, and sunbeds, this would totally be my pick.

Agia Marina, Best Beach Close to Spetses Town

Agia Marina is another easy option if you don’t want to go too far from Spetses town.

It’s an organized beach that does have sunbeds, and there’s even a restaurant where you can stop for a bite instead of surviving on the random snacks you threw into your beach bag before leaving your hotel.

Because it’s so close to town, this is a good choice if you don’t have too much time on the island and don’t want to spend a big chunk of your beach day getting somewhere.

Ayia Anargyroi, Best for a Longer Beach Day

On the western side of the island, Ayia Anargyroi is one of the largest beaches in Spetses and feels different from the smaller beaches that are near town.

There’s plenty of shade, which is always welcome during summer, plus a cafe where you can grab something to eat or drink. It’s a great beach if you want to stay for a few hours rather than stopping for a quick swim and hopping to another beach.

Xilokeriza, Worth the Adventure

Getting to Xilokeriza Beach is part of the experience.

The road down is winding and turns into a dirt road, so this one feels a tad more adventurous to get there. Once you arrive, you will be greatly rewarded with sunbeds, so you’re not making that journey to sit on a rock with your towel.

If this road doesn’t sound like your idea of vacation fun, you can also reach Xilokeriza by taking a water taxi.

Ayia Paraskevi, Best Cove-Like Setting

Ayia Paraskevi was one of the prettiest settings in my opinion. The beach has more of a little cove feel and is surrounded by trees, which gives it a completely different vibe from the other beaches around the island.

There’s an unorganized section if you want to bring your own towel, but sunbeds and a beach bar are nearby. I loved the laid-back beach experience without being completely cut off from somewhere to grab a drink.

Pigadaki, For Something Completely Unorganized

If beach clubs really aren’t your thing, Pigadaki Beach is much simpler.

It’s unorganized and has little shade, so bring what you need. An old boat sits on the shore, giving the beach a slightly rugged feel and making it different from more polished, organized beaches.

It’s also super close to town, making this an easy stop if you’re exploring the coastline rather than planning an entire beach day around it.

Ligoneri Beach, For Beautiful Water Without the Extras

Ligoneri Beach is another unorganized option, but the water is beautiful.

You won’t find the full sunbed, restaurant, and beach club setup here, which is exactly why some people will prefer it. Bring your towel, water, and whatever else you want, then come for the sea.

If you prioritize beautiful water over someone delivering a spritz to your sunbed, Ligoneri is worth visiting.

And if beaches are the main reason you’re coming to Greece, Spetses isn’t the only island I’ve spent way too much time beach hopping. I have a full guide to the beaches in Serifos if you’re planning to add the Cyclades too.

Where to Eat in Spetses

I was only in Spetses for three days and somehow still managed to fit in an impressive amount of eating. I take this travel research very seriously.

The Spetses restaurants I actually ate at ranged from traditional Greek food and seafood to Italian, breakfast, and surprisingly good beach club food. And of course I have favorites.

Bouboulina

If you want traditional Greek food, add Bouboulina to your list.

If you have read my other posts, then you know I absolutely love dolmades. The dolmades were really tasty here, but the spicy sausage was another favorite. Order a Mamos beer, and it is pure Greek bliss! This is a good place to order a few different dishes for the table and share, which is pretty much how the Greeks do meals anyway.

Nebbiolo Spetses

Not going to lie, sometimes I need a break from Greek food.

Nebbiolo Spetses serves Italian food and is tucked away from the more obvious waterfront restaurant scene. It had a more off-the-beaten-path vibe, and it’s a great spot if you’ve reached the point in your Greece trip where your body suddenly begs for pasta.

Be sure to order the focaccia; not going to lie, one bite and next thing you know the basket will suddenly disappear.

Stelios

Go to Stelios for the grilled shrimp. That’s it. That’s my review.

Okay, slightly more context, but these were genuinely some of the best grilled shrimp I have ever eaten in Greece. Sounds like I am exaggerating, but I’m not. I would go back to order them again, which should tell you everything you need to know.

If you love seafood, go!

Liotrivi

Liotrivi is another great seafood choice, especially if you want to pair dinner with a good bottle of wine and dine right on the harbor.

Spetses and seafood obviously go together, so I knew I wanted to try a few different places during my visit. Liotrivi was one of the restaurants I enjoyed; it is a little pricey, but why not splurge since you’re on a Greek island, right?

Kaiki Beach Club

Normally, I don’t expect beach club food to be one of the meals I remember from a trip, but Kaiki Beach Club did surprise me.

You can find a good variety on their menu, and the food was really tasty. I had the dumplings and sushi, which might not be the first things you imagine eating while sitting on a beach in Greece, but I have no regrets whatsoever.

Since Kaiki ended up being my favorite beach in Spetses, having good food there made it easy to stay longer than I expected.

Cielo Mar

I am always down for a good breakfast, and Cielo Mar delivered. If you want to sit down for a bigger breakfast before spending the day exploring, go here. Be sure to sit outside because the view of the water is pretty incredible.

I stayed at Klimis Hotel, and breakfast was included, so I didn’t need to venture out every morning. Their breakfast was more of a light meal, with sliced tomatoes, different carbs, a boiled egg, yogurt with honey and fruit, and a small glass of orange juice.

It was enough for me to get my day started, but if you wake up hungry for a serious breakfast, you’d be happy with somewhere like Cielo Mar instead.

Where to Go for Drinks

For a daytime freddo or spritz fix, I really enjoyed Vavel Spetses. It’s right along the waterfront and has a rooftop where you can take a break when exploring.

At night, Balconi was one of my favorite places to grab a drink and recap the day before heading to the hotel.

Votsalo is another spot to add to your list for drinks while you’re out in Spetses town. It’s near Balconi, and the decor is super adorable.

And if you want something a little more fancy, stop at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel for a cocktail. The beautiful historic building and waterfront setting fit the whole Spetses vibe. Pick a comfy spot, order a cocktail, and why not pretend your family has owned ships for generations? Your secret is safe with me.

How to Get Around Spetses

Getting around Spetses is a little different from other Greek islands because regular car traffic is restricted. You’re not going to be able to rent a car and cruise around.

And truthfully? I think that’s part of what makes Spetses pretty cool.

You can walk around Spetses town, rent an e-bike or scooter to explore farther, take the bus to some of the beaches, or use a water taxi when you want to reach somewhere along the coast.

Walking Around Spetses

If you’re staying around Dapia or the Old Harbor, you can do a lot on foot.

Spetses town is very walkable, and I recommend walking whenever you can because you’ll see a lot. You can wander through the little streets easily, stroll along the waterfront, and make your way from Dapia toward the Old Harbor.

You definitely won’t need transportation every time you leave your hotel.

Renting an E-Bike or Scooter

For exploring beyond town, I loved renting an e-bike.

I rented mine from Ilias Moto ATV Rentals for €25 per day, and I had the freedom to explore the coastline and hop around to different beaches.

If you want to beach hop and see more of Spetses island, this would be my first choice.

Just don’t forget my lighthouse incident. If you ride through the forested area near the lighthouse, get off your e-bike before going through. Learn from my mistakes and avoid unpleasant vacation extravaganzas.

Getting Around Spetses by Bus

If you don’t want to rent an e-bike or scooter, buses are another way to reach beaches outside of town.

Routes and schedules can vary by season, so I wouldn’t build a super tight itinerary around them without getting the latest timetable when you arrive.

For a relaxed beach day, though, the bus can be an easy alternative if you’d rather let someone else do the driving.

I saw them around the island, but I can’t personally comment since I didn’t take them.

Using Water Taxis

Water taxis are another very Spetses way to get around, especially if you want to explore beaches farther from town without renting anything.

I didn’t take one, but I do see them as useful for beaches along the coast that take more effort to reach by land. Xilokeriza, for example, is reachable by water taxi if you’d rather ditch that winding dirt road I mentioned earlier.

They’ll cost more than taking the bus, but you’re also cruising on a little boat, which I’m never going to complain about on a Greek island.

Horse-Drawn Carriages

You’ll also see horse-drawn carriages around Dapia.

I personally chose not to use them because I have concerns about the horses’ welfare, so I don’t recommend them for getting around the island.

Between walking, e-bikes, scooters, buses, and water taxis, you have plenty of other ways to explore Spetses without using this one.

How to Get to Spetses From Athens

Getting from Athens to Spetses is pretty easy and quick, which is one reason the island works so well if you want to add a Saronic island to your Greece itinerary.

The simplest way is to take a ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens directly to Spetses. Ferries arrive in Dapia, which is the main port in Spetses town, so once you get off the boat, you’re already right in the middle of the action. And if you’re hanging a bit in the capital, check out my guide for what to do in Athens before you head to the island.

The journey generally takes around two to three hours depending on which ferry you choose. You do need to book ahead if you’re traveling during the busy summer months.

Another option, if you’re up for an adventure, is to drive or take a bus from Athens to the Peloponnese, then take a short boat from Kosta to Spetses. This makes more sense if Spetses is part of a larger mainland Greece road trip rather than your only destination after visiting Athens.

For most travelers staying in Athens, though, save time and take the ferry from Piraeus.

And while you technically can take a day trip to Spetses, I personally wouldn’t rush it if you have the time. I stayed for three days and two nights, and those extra evenings on the island were a big part as to why I fell in love with Spetses.

Where to Stay in Spetses

If it’s your first time visiting Spetses, stay in or near Spetses town. You’ll be steps away from Dapia, restaurants, cafes, shops, and the waterfront, and you won’t have to think about how to get there every time you want to go out for dinner.

I stayed at Klimis Hotel during my visit to Spetses and really enjoyed the location.

Klimis Hotel

Klimis Hotel is right on the waterfront and close to Dapia, which made it convenient for a quick stay. I easily walked around town, headed toward the Old Harbor, went out for dinner, and easily got back to the hotel and only needed my feet.

One of my favorite things about the hotel was simply being able to sit along the waterfront and people-watch when I wasn’t ready to head back to the room.

For a first trip to Spetses, I highly recommend staying around this part of the island. You’re really close to everything when you want to walk, but you can easily grab an e-bike or scooter when you’re ready to go beyond town.

How Many Days Do You Need in Spetses?

For a first trip, at least spend three days in Spetses. That’s how long I stayed, and it gave me enough time to explore without feeling like I rushed.

With three days, you can do a lot, like wander around Spetses town and the Old Harbor, visit the Bouboulina Museum, lounge at a few beaches, go around the entire island on an e-bike, and still have plenty of time for those long Greek dinners and drinks.

Could you visit Spetses on a day trip? Yes. But honestly, you would be disappointed leaving so early.

Spetses is especially beautiful in the evening, when the day trippers have left, dinner tables start filling up, and you can wander along the waterfront without worrying about catching your ferry.

If you only have one night, I’d still choose that over a day visit. But if your Greece itinerary allows it, three days is my sweet spot recommendation for Spetses.

It’s enough time to actually enjoy the island rather than turning your visit into a marathon through a very classy Greek island.

Is Spetses Worth Visiting?

Yes, Spetses is absolutely worth visiting, and after visiting, it quickly became my favorite island in the Saronic Gulf.

That’s saying something because I’ve been to all of the Saronic islands.

What made Spetses stand out for me was how it has a bit of everything. You have beautiful beaches, elegant historic buildings, incredible restaurants, hardly any car traffic, and enough things to do in Spetses that you won’t get bored, without feeling like you need an itinerary scheduled down to every minute.

Spetses feels classy and romantic without losing that laid-back Greek island feeling. There’s a reason I kept describing it as having an old money vibe throughout this Spetses guide.

If you love Greek islands but are craving one that feels a little different from the Cyclades, Spetses is an island for you. It’s also especially easy to add to a trip that already includes Athens.

Would I go back? Absolutely, and I will.

I still have beaches to revisit, restaurants to eat my way through, and an e-bike tire that deserves redemption.

FAQ About Spetses

Is Spetses Island Worth Visiting?

Totally! Spetses is absolutely worth visiting. I adore this island, and it’s my fav in the Saronic. I loved its beautiful beaches, classic mansions, the food, and almost car-free atmosphere. It’s elegant and romantic, but still relaxed enough to spend your days beach hopping.

Is Hydra or Spetses Better?

Well, I do love both. But if you’re deciding between Hydra or Spetses, I personally prefer Spetses. Hydra is beautiful and completely car-free, making it perfect for wandering around the harbor and town. Spetses gives you more freedom to explore with an e-bike or scooter and has more accessible beaches. Hydra, you need to take a boat to reach the beaches. If beaches and exploring are priorities, I’d choose Spetses.

Can You Walk Around Spetses?

Yes, and I highly recommend you do, especially around Spetses town. Dapia, the Old Harbor, restaurants, shops, and several attractions are easy to get around on foot. However, Spetses is larger than you might think. If you want to visit beaches farther around the island, I recommend renting some wheels like an e-bike or scooter, taking the bus, or using a water taxi.

What to Do on Spetses Island?

Some of the best things to do in Spetses include walking around historic Spetses town, strolling from Dapia to the Old Harbor, visiting the Bouboulina Museum, getting sun-kissed at the beaches, and exploring the coastline by e-bike. Be sure to eat some seafood and have an evening walk along the waterfront too.

Where to Go After Spetses

If Spetses is your first taste of the Saronic islands, I beg you don’t stop here.

One thing I love about this part of Greece is how different the islands feel from one another despite being so close. Spetses has a totally classy, old-money vibe, while nearby islands offer completely different reasons to go.

If you’re still on the fence about which islands to tag onto your trip, see my post on the best Greek islands to visit for the first time. But if you only have room for one Saronic island and you’re curious whether I’d choose Spetses again, the answer is obviously yes.

After visiting every island in the Saronic Gulf, Spetses somehow became my fav. Give me an e-bike, a beautiful beach, grilled shrimp, and a cocktail at the end of the day, and apparently I’m very easy to please. At least I think so.

Hopefully this Spetses guide answered all your questions. Now all that’s left is deciding how many days you can squeeze into your Greece visit.

And whatever you do, keep your e-bike away from the lighthouse. I’ve already sacrificed one tire for the team.

Πολλά φιλιά (Many kisses)!