Day Trip to Spetses: 6 Must-Know Tips for the Perfect Day

Can you actually take a day trip to Spetses from Athens without spending your entire day on a ferry? Yep, you can, but you need to make sure you plan it right.

I spent 3 days in Spetses, Greece, biking around the island, beach hopping, eating my weight in seafood. To all the other Saronic Islands, I still love you, but Spetses totally won me over.

Since you only have one day, we’re not going to try to see 47 things before the ferry leaves. I’m going to be blunt and tell you what’s actually worth your time and what I’d skip.

Πάμε (Let’s go in Greek)!

Is Spetses Worth Visiting for a Day Trip?

YES. But there always is one: before you start tossing your swimsuit into a tote bag, there’s a catch.

Spetses isn’t exactly next door to Athens like Aegina, so you’ll want an early ferry there and a late one back. Otherwise, you’ll spend more time cruising on the Aegean from a ferry seat than actually exploring the island. Cute views, yes. The point of the trip, no.

Once you finally get there, Spetses makes up for it. You can wander around Dapia and the Old Harbor, indulge in Greek food, get sun-kissed at the beach, and even rent an e-bike to explore beyond the main area.

I’ve been to all the Saronic Islands, and Spetses is my absolute favorite. If you want the easiest island day trip from the city, there are definitely closer options. My best island day trips from Athens has all the deets on them. But I will say, putting in a little extra ferry time for Spetses is totally worth the early alarm.

How to Get to Spetses for a Day Trip

If you’re planning a day trip to Spetses, getting there is pretty easy. The bigger challenge is snagging the right ferry times that don’t leave you approximately 12 minutes to enjoy the island. Okay, I am being a tad dramatic, but you get the point.

Athens to Spetses by Ferry

From Athens, ferries to Spetses leave from Piraeus Port and drop you off in Dapia, the main town. This is VERY convenient for a day trip because you can basically hop off the ferry and start your adventure. No extra bus, taxi, or “where am I now?” moment.

When I visited Spetses, I took Alpha Lines Speed Cat I from Piraeus, and the journey took under two hours, with a stop in Hydra along the way.

For a day trip, go for the earliest ferry you can tolerate and one of the latest ferries back to the city. I know your alarm clock may offend you that morning, but Future You drinking a cocktail by the water in Spetses will get over it quickly.

Be in Piraeus about an hour before departure. The port is huge, and finding your ferry can be a little chaotic. Please don’t casually stroll in five minutes before departure with your freddo espresso hoping for the best.

I have more deets in my Athens to Spetses ferry post, which you should read next.

Getting to Spetses From Kosta or Porto Heli

If you’re already traveling around the Peloponnese, congrats, you’ve unlocked the easy version of a Spetses day trip.

You can get to Spetses from Kosta or Porto Heli, which makes the island much easier to visit for the day rather than from Athens.

If Spetses is high on your Greece wish list, and you’re already staying nearby, don’t skimp and go for it! You’ll spend far less of your day sitting on a ferry and doing more of what you wanted and possibly even pretending you’re house hunting in Spetses. You will believe me once you see those mansions.

How Much Time Do You Need in Spetses?

For a day trip to Spetses, you’ll want at least six hours on the island. Anything less, and you’ll spend half the day watching the clock instead of enjoying your visit. You didn’t go all the way to a Greek island to stress over a ferry schedule every 10 minutes.

With around six hours, you’ll have enough time to hang in Dapia, walk toward the Old Harbor, have a nice lunch with a sea view, and squeeze in some beach time.

If you have closer to eight hours, well, that is even better. You can slow it down a bit, spend more time at the beach, or even rent an e-bike and explore beyond the town.

I spent three days on the island, and trust me, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. But for one day, resist the urge to see EVERYTHING because you won’t. Spetses will still be here when you come back.

One Day in Spetses: My Recommended Itinerary

Okay, you finally made it to Spetses. Now please don’t get off the ferry and immediately start running around trying to tick off 27 attractions before you head back.

For one day here, focus on Dapia, the Old Harbor, good food, and a beach. That gives you a little bit of everything that made me fall in love with Spetses without needing a vacation from your day trip.

If you end up falling in love with the island and wishing you had stayed longer, welcome to my club. So be sure to save my full Spetses travel guide for round two.

Start Your Day in Dapia

Your ferry drops you right in Dapia, so there isn’t a complicated arrival situation you need to figure out. Step off the ferry and boom, you’re where you need to be to start your day trip.

Take a little time to stroll around the harbor, gawk at the neoclassical buildings, and order a freddo espresso because those are priorities.

Just don’t spend your entire morning here. Dapia is super cute, but some of my favorite parts of Spetses are waiting away from the waterfront.

Walk From Dapia to the Old Harbor

From Dapia, start heading toward the Old Harbor. This was one of my favorite areas to wander because the walk itself is an experience.

It’s a beautiful waterfront stroll where you will pass beautiful houses, little streets, restaurants, and plenty of spots that will have you casually checking Greek real estate prices if you’re anything like me.

Don’t rush this part. Spetses is one of those islands where wandering around without a strict schedule is the fun.

Explore the Old Harbor

Once you get to the Old Harbor, take your time and walk around for a bit. No itinerary, no rushing, just bobbing fishing boats, gorgeous buildings, and me once again wondering why I don’t have a house on a Greek island.

The Old Harbor has that slightly fancy Spetses energy that makes you feel like you should own a yacht. I don’t own a yacht, but for about 30 minutes, I mentally did.

There is a lighthouse farther around the coast, but honestly, skip it if you only have one day in Spetses. I visited it, and while it’s nice, you’ll be better off spending your time exploring the Old Harbor, eating something tasty, or heading to the beach.

Your time is limited here. The lighthouse will survive without you.

Stop for Lunch

Here’s the one annoying thing about the Old Harbor during the day: there aren’t too many places open for lunch. This part of the island really comes alive later and is much better for dinner. But it is too cute not to walk or e-bike through.

If your ferry schedule lets you stay into the evening, I’d eat at Liotrivi Restaurant Spetses. You can sit outside on the deck overlooking the harbor, order some seriously good food, and give yourself one last reason to consider “accidentally” missing your ride back.

If you need lunch earlier in the day, I wouldn’t waste time wandering around the Old Harbor waiting for a restaurant to open magically. Grab something before going there or plan to eat once you make your way back toward Dapia.

And if you do end up back in Dapia around lunchtime, Stelios is one of my top picks. I had the grilled shrimp there and would happily order them again.

Spend the Afternoon at Kaiki Beach

If I only had time for one beach in Spetses, I’d pick Kaiki Beach.

Why? It’s close enough to Dapia that you’re not wasting half your day to get there, but far enough away that you still feel like you’re outside of town. That matters when your ferry back to Athens is already plotting your departure.

Spend a few hours getting sun-kissed, swimming, and questioning why you ever thought one day in Spetses would be enough.

Head Back to Dapia Before Your Ferry

Give yourself plenty of time to get back to Dapia for pickup. This is NOT the moment to squeeze in “just one more thing” and then sprint toward the port.

If you have extra time, wander around Dapia, grab a drink, shop a little, or sit by the harbor and enjoy breathing the last bit of fresh air in Spetses.

Then head back to Athens by ferry and start plotting your return trip. Because yes, I warned you, you’re going to love this island.

Things to Do in Spetses If You Have Extra Time

Still have some time to spare before your ferry? First of all, look at you managing your schedule like a responsible adult on vacation.

There are a few more things to do in Spetses, Greece, but I really don’t recommend trying to cram them all into one day. Pick one based on what interests you.

Visit the Bouboulina Museum

If you’re interested in Greek history and want to learn more about the island, add the Bouboulina Museum. The museum is dedicated to Laskarina Bouboulina, one of the most important figures of the Greek War of Independence, and it’s even cooler that it is inside her former home.

It’s conveniently located near Dapia, which makes it easy to squeeze into a day trip without feeling like you’re sacrificing half your afternoon.

Rent an E-Bike

This was by far one of my favorite things I did in Spetses.

I rode around the entire island on an e-bike and stopped at beaches along the way. If you love exploring and have plenty of time on Spetses, I highly recommend doing this.

BUT, I probably wouldn’t attempt the entire island loop during a day trip unless your ferry schedule gives you the time. You don’t want to wake up at an ungodly hour to spend your entire visit panic-pedaling back toward Dapia.

Instead, rent an e-bike for a couple of hours and explore part of the coastline. You can easily go beyond the main town, see more of the island, and still have plenty of time for food and a swim.

Go Beach Hopping

If museums aren’t your thing and you saw the word “Greek island” and immediately thought of BEACH, I totally support your priorities.

There are several beautiful beaches in Spetses, but with only one day, you really only have time for one or two. Keep reading because I will tell you which ones actually make sense for a day trip next.

Best Beaches to Visit on a Spetses Day Trip

You’re on a Greek island, so obviously we need to get you into the water at some point. But with only one day in Spetses, this is NOT the time to spend two hours getting to a beach just because it looked cute on Instagram.

I visited several beaches in Spetses, and for a day trip, I’d keep things close to town.

Kaiki Beach

Kaiki Beach would be my first choice, and not just because it was my favorite beach in Spetses.

It’s close enough to Dapia, and with an e-bike, you won’t turn your visit into an ordeal. You can swim, chill for a bit, and still make it back to town without feeling like you’re dramatically chasing your ferry down the harbor.

Agios Mamas Beach

If you’re REALLY short on time, Agios Mamas Beach is the easy option.

It’s literally next door to Spetses Town, so you can squeeze in a swim without sacrificing a huge chunk of your day. Is it the beach I’d choose if I had unlimited time? No. But when your ferry leaves in a few hours, convenience suddenly becomes so very attractive.

What About the Beaches Farther Around the Island?

Spetses has some gorgeous beaches farther from town, and I visited several while exploring the island.

For a day trip, though, I’d save them for when you return unless you have a particularly long stretch between ferries. The round trips eat into the limited time you have for Dapia, the Old Harbor, lunch, and everything else. Just don’t do it.

Basically, don’t spend your entire trip to Spetses traveling across the island. Pick one of the beaches I recommended, take a dip, order something cold, and enjoy it.

How to Get Around Spetses

One of my favorite things about Spetses is that you don’t need to rent a car, and private cars are heavily restricted, so that you can leave the Greek island driving experience for another day. Your blood pressure thanks you.

For a day trip, stick with walking or an e-bike. There are buses, but depending on someone else for your return terrifies me.

Walking

If you’re following my one-day itinerary, your own two feet can do most of the work.

Dapia, Spetses Town, and the Old Harbor are all easy to explore on foot, and honestly, walking is part of the fun.

Just wear comfortable shoes. Cute sandals that start attacking your feet after 20 minutes have no place in your day trip.

E Bikes and Bikes

If you want to venture beyond town, rent an e-bike. This was hands down my favorite way to explore Spetses Island.

I rode around the entire island on mine and did some beach hopping along the way. For a day trip, though, I’d probably explore a smaller section rather than attempting the full loop, which is around 2 hours. Remember, we’re trying to enjoy Spetses, not unlock an achievement badge. In summer, it is a very hot, sun-exposed route. Hopping back on the ferry all sweaty won’t feel ideal.

Personally, I’d choose an e-bike over a regular bike. There are hills, and I came to Spetses to eat fresh seafood, not audition for the Tour de France.

Buses

The bus is another option if you want to reach beaches farther from Dapia if you don’t feel like doing a full cardio workout.

Just check the schedule before planning your entire afternoon around it, especially outside the busiest summer months. With only one day, you don’t want to be standing at a bus stop wondering whether your ride back to Dapia exists.

Water Taxis

Water taxis can get you to beaches and other parts of Spetses by sea, and they can be handy if you want to explore beyond town without the bus.

They’re a lot pricier than public transportation, though, so for a day trip I’d only use one if it genuinely saves you time or gets you somewhere you REALLY want to go.

Otherwise, keep that money for food. You know which one I’m choosing.

Horse-Drawn Carriages

You’ll definitely see horse-drawn carriages around Dapia. Tourists use them more often to get around and see parts of the island.

Personally, I really don’t recommend them. I’m not comfortable with horses pulling tourists around, so this is one Spetses experience I was more than happy to skip.

Between walking, e-bikes, buses, and water taxis, you have plenty of other ways to explore the island. Let the horses have the day off.

Where to Eat During Your Day in Spetses

Listen, I’m all for seeing as much of Spetses as possible, but I will NEVER skip a good Greek meal to squeeze in another attraction. I do have my standards.

The biggest thing to know is that Dapia is better for lunch, while the Old Harbor has more going on in the evening. So where you eat will probably depend on your ferry schedule and how late you’re staying.

Where to Have Lunch

For lunch, if you love seafood, go to Stelios in Dapia.

I had the grilled shrimp here, and they were one of my favorite things I ate in Spetses. The seafood was really fresh, with a waterfront view.

Since you’ll already be around Dapia at some point during your day, it’s also an easy choice when you have limited time.

Where to Have Dinner

If your ferry schedule lets you stay for dinner, where you eat depends on where you are at the end of the day.

If you’re still around the Old Harbor, dine at Liotrivi Restaurant Spetses. This is where I ate when I visited, and it’s a great option if you have time before heading back toward Dapia.

If your ferry departure is getting a little too close for comfort, Nebbiolo Spetses is closer to the port. The food is GOOD, and you won’t have quite as far to go when it’s time to catch your ferry. Oh, please order the focaccia as an appetizer; you won’t regret it, and you’ll probably order one to take to munch on while on the ferry back.

Where to Grab a Drink

If you have time for a drink before heading back, Votsalo is another spot I loved grabbing a cocktail. It’s super aesthetically pleasing. Picture totally Greek island vibes here.

And if your ferry schedule gives you a little breathing room, this is exactly how I’d end the day. Sit down, order your favorite cocktail, and start convincing yourself that staying overnight would have been a much better idea.

How Much Does a Day Trip to Spetses Cost?

A day trip to Spetses from Athens isn’t your cheapest Greek island day trip, mostly because of the ferry.

When I visited, I paid around $130 round trip for my ferries. Prices vary by ferry company and season, but definitely check the ferry cost before deciding Spetses is going to be your “cheap little day trip.”

Spoiler: she might not be.

Then budget for food, drinks, and whatever you decide to do once you arrive. If you rent an e-bike, visit a museum, take a water taxi, or spend the afternoon at an organized beach, obviously your total is going to add up a bit.

Personally, I think Spetses is worth spending a little more to visit, but if your main goal is to get from Athens to a Greek island as cheaply and quickly as possible, you may want to look at one of the other island day trips from Athens instead.

What to Know Before Taking a Day Trip to Spetses

Spetses is easy to explore once you get there, but there are a few things to know before attempting it as a day trip from Athens.

Book an early ferry there and a late ferry back. I know I’ve said this approximately 1,000 times already, but it really matters. You’re already spending close to two hours getting there, so give yourself as much time on the island as possible.

Give yourself extra time at Piraeus. I recommend arriving about an hour before your ferry. Piraeus is HUGE, and you don’t want to start your morning with a small panic attack trying to figure out where your ferry is.

Don’t try to see the entire island. I mean, technically you can, but you won’t experience it that way during a day trip. With one day, see Dapia, the Old Harbor, one beach, and maybe one extra activity if you have time.

Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll likely do a lot of walking between Dapia and the Old Harbor, and while wandering around town. Your cute shoes are allowed to come to Greece. They just don’t need to participate in everything.

Bring your swimsuit. Even if you swear you’re “just going to explore.” You’re on a Greek island, and the water is ridiculously inviting. We both know how this ends.

Check the last ferry before making dinner plans. If you want to eat dinner in Spetses, make sure you actually have a ferry back to reach Athens. Otherwise, congratulations, your day trip just became an overnight trip, which you may have “accidentally” missed after seeing the island.

Most importantly, please don’t overplan your visit. Pick a few things you REALLY want to do and save time to wander, eat, swim, and actually enjoy being in Spetses. Nobody is handing out awards for seeing the most things before the ferry leaves.

Day Trip to Spetses or Hydra?

Trying to decide between a day trip to Spetses or Hydra? I’ve been to both, and while Hydra is super adorable, I personally prefer Spetses.

There. I said it.

In Spetses, you have more freedom to explore and get around. You can rent an e-bike, take a bus, or take a water taxi.

Hydra is gorgeous, essentially car-free for visitors, and extremely photogenic, but I found Spetses more fun to explore, actually. And Spetses has plenty of options if beach time is high on your ‘must’ list.

That said, Hydra is the easier choice for a day trip from Athens because you can get there in a little over an hour if you choose the right ferry. If you don’t want to spend as much of your day on ferries, Hydra makes more sense.

But if you have an early ferry, a late return, and don’t mind the extra travel time?

Go with Spetses.

If you’re having anxiety picking between the two, I have a full Hydra or Spetses comparison post that gives you the overall vibe of both islands.

FAQs About Taking a Day Trip to Spetses

Is Spetses Island Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, Spetses Island is worth visiting. It has beautiful beaches, a walkable town, and more ways to explore than some other Saronic Islands. It easily became my favorite Saronic Island after my trip.

How Do You Spend One Day in Spetses?

To spend one day in Spetses, Dapia is a must; walk along the waterfront to the Old Harbor, stop for lunch, and spend part of the afternoon at a beach nearby. If you have extra time, visit the Bouboulina Museum or rent an e-bike. Keep your plans simple so you aren’t racing back to the ferry.

How Much Does a Ferry Ticket From Athens to Spetses Cost?

Ferry ticket prices from Athens to Spetses vary depending on the ferry company, the seat you choose, and when you visit. My ticket was around $130 round trip when I visited Spetses. Since ferry prices and schedules can change, check your exact travel dates before budgeting, and don’t rely on one fixed price.

Do You Need a Car to Get Around Spetses?

Nope! For a day trip, you can explore Dapia and the Old Harbor on foot, rent an e-bike to cover more of the island, or take buses and water taxis to reach parts of the island that are a bit farther away.

Is It Better to Visit Spetses for a Day or Stay Overnight?

Whether you should visit Spetses for a day or stay overnight depends on how much time you have in Greece, but if you can, stay overnight. A day trip is still worth it, but staying overnight lets you explore beyond the main sites without watching the ferry clock all day.

Would I Take a Day Trip to Spetses?

Yep. After visiting, Spetses became my favorite Saronic Island for a reason, and even with only one day, you can get a pretty good taste of what makes it special.

Should you stay a few nights? Obviously, duh. You will have way more time for more beaches, seafood, and other adventures without your ferry departure haunting you all day.

But if one day is all you’ve got, grab an early ferry, don’t try to see EVERYTHING, and enjoy the island. You will have an excuse to come back and stay longer.

And since your camera roll is about to be 90 percent blue water, colorful bobbing fishing boats, and “casually walking through the Spetses alleys” photos, you’re going to need something to write underneath them. Steal one from my Greek island captions before you post.

Πολλά φιλιά (Many kisses)!