General information about the island of Spetses
Strengths:
-
Average:
Sea and beaches, excursions, prices, crowding, nightlife.
Weaknesses:
Points of interest, connections, not very suitable for families with children.
- Capital: Spetses (Dapia)
- Population: 4500
- Area: 27 km²
- Port: Dapia
- Airport: no
- Public transportation: yes
- Car and motorcycle rental: yes
- Campsites: no
Spetses (from Greek Σπέτσες), with an oval shape, is the southernmost island of the Saronic Islands, located near the coast of the Peloponnese (1.7 nautical miles). Its name derives from the presence of many varieties of spices among its vegetation. It can only be reached by sea and is 52 nautical miles from Piraeus.
It has an area of 27 km² and about 4500 inhabitants.
The island has low and particularly wooded hills (cypresses and pines) and is renowned for its natural beauty. The coasts are both rocky and sandy beaches. The highest point of Spetses is Mount Profitis Ilias at 252 meters. The island is very green and quite fertile with vineyards and olive groves. Its inhabitants are mainly engaged in fishing and tourism. Local craftsmanship is characterized by the construction of model ships.
The capital is Spetses, also known as Dapia, where the island's port is located, which in the past had an important maritime tradition.
In the past, Spetses, like Hydra, distinguished itself for its valor in the War of Independence against the Turks. Now it is an elegant seaside resort, tranquil and frequented mainly by Athenian families and affluent tourists: in summer, the port is full of luxurious yachts, and the town has several villas owned by wealthy seafarers. Unlike other islands in the Saronic Gulf, Spetses enjoys a cool breeze even in summer.
On the island, public transport is provided by horse-drawn carriages, a bus service that reaches the various beaches and main locations on the island, and by sea, by caiques or taxi-boats. In addition to buses, the only motor vehicles allowed on the roads are scooters and motorcycles.
