Almost next to the port of Spetses, lies the beach Agios Mamas. Although it is close to the harbor, the water is clean and many resort to its small beach to have a quick dip.
Acess is extremely easy as it is located in the center of Spetses.
Towards the Old Harbour and right after Agios Mamas, there is the tiny beach of Agios Nikolaos. The beach has sand and pebbles, and is chosen mainly by locals due to easy access.
Right upon the port of Spetses is Dapia, the old bastion of the island. Here you can still find the cannons used during the Greek revolution.
Dapia is a passage and essentially the main center of the island. With stunning views of the harbor is the ideal place to enjoy coffee, refreshments and drinks or simply gaze. Besides, most people in Spetses arrange to meet in Dapia or end up meeting there without any prior plans.
The famous Old harbour of Spetses is 1.5 km from Dapia. It is a must destination for anyone visiting the island of Spetses, surrounded by beautiful and picturesque island-like houses and big or small boats that sway in the protected waters of the Old Port. Here was the famous "dockyards"(karnaya) where the the famous Spetses ships were built.
The Old Port is synonymous with the island's nightlife, as here lie excellent restaurants and bars to enjoy the food and then drink. Once the sun sets, all those visiting Spetses will at least pass by to set a lovely epilogue to a perfect day. In the Old Port there is also the legendary disco Figaro.
The best advise is to go to Old Port on foot to take in the wonderful scenery.. Otherwise you can go by motorbike, bike, buggy or even water taxi.
The town of Spetses stretches out to an area of almost four km in the north east of the island. In its center is the area of Dapia and the port where ferries dock.
This is the starting point for boats going to the most remote beaches of Spetses and Costa. Behind Dapia, you will find the mansion of a national benefactor (Sotirios Anargyros) and the one of Laskarina Boumpoulina (today known as Museum Boumpoulinas). The Museum of Spetses lies less than a km. Enjoy a stroll in the picturesque alleys, meet your friends
in the central clock square and squander your time without guilt amidst the plenty quality shops.
In Spetses, the visitor will find small hotels of exceptional aesthetic and luxury, as well as several rooms to let. There are also restaurants and taverns for all tastes, cafes and bars. Just note that especially when it comes to drinks, the Old Port is a must.
Based on archaeological findings Spetses were first inhabited probably the third millennium BC.
Spetses in antiquity were called Pityonisos and Pityousa because of the many pine trees the island had. The Franks, from whom it takes its current name, called it "di Izola spezia" or "Izola du spezia , which meant island of aroma.
The island is conquered by the Henets right after the Franks, and then the Turks follow. The original medieval settlement of Spetses was in today's Kastelli area. The modern city was built in the late 18th century.
Spetses in 1770 join the struggle of the rest of Greece to gain their independence. In 1821 Spetses is one of the first islands, along with Hydra and Psara that raised the flag of the revolution and thanks to their large commercial fleet, played a key role in the fight. At the time some fighters from Spetses became distinguished. The most known are Laskarina Bouboulina, Chatzigiannis Mexis and Kosmas Barbatsis, who accomplished heroic deeds like the burning of the Turkish Armata. The commercial fleet of Spetses was until then a source of revenue for the island, but after the revolution it was driven in slow decline and its population was decreased.
Spetses begin to rise again in the early 20th century thanks to the national benefactor Sotirios Anargyros. Thanks to his vision to promote the island, his several projects, like the Poseidonio and Anargyrios Korgialenios School, give Spetses a new life.
This effort is accomplished with the rapid development of tourism that converts the island into the cosmopolitan tourist destination it is today.