Known as Isola di Spezzie (Island of Spices) under Venetian rule, at just 54 nautical miles from Athens, lies a picturesque, car-free island with a unique architecture, naval history and culture. Spetses flourished during the early 18th century, developing into a significant naval power, dominating the major shipping routes of the Mediterranean. Today, the two-hundred year old captains’ mansions lining the coast are testimony to the vast wealth and grandeur of that time. When Greece rebelled against the rule of the Ottoman Empire in 1821, Spetses was the first of the Greek islands to hoist the revolutionary flag and the unparalleled heroism of the Spetsiot captains became known throughout Europe.
This island off the Peloponnese peninsula and part of the Saronic Islands complex is today a cherished vacation spot for upmarket Athenians. Despite a small taste of international fame from its appearance as the setting in John Fowles’ 60s novel The Magus, Netflix (The Lost Daughter, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery) and Hollywood have recently chosen the island to act as the setting for their shoots. Add to that its unbeatable cosmopolitan flair that was given after 2010, with the wedding of Nicholas, son of the former king Constantine that took place on the island with invited kings and princes from Europe as well as famous Greek businessmen.
Spetses is the perfect location for a short break or long vacation throughout the year. Enjoy a wonderful walk as the distinctive architecture, cobble streets and fragrant gardens filled to the brim with jasmine and bougainvillea make it a joy to discover the island on foot. Discover likewise more many unique museums and great events taking place throughout the year; in September, “Armata”, a truly impressive re-enactment of a naval battle, takes place ever since 1931. If you are a sports lover, don’t miss in April “Spetsathlon” (the biggest triathlon in Greece) and in October “Spetses Mini Marathon“, where thousands of participants take part and enjoy running and swimming races for the young at heart!
At the same time, many luxury villas and hotels, and in particular the Poseidonion Grand Hotel will accommodate VIP guests looking for a vacation in complete isolation. The latter is the island’s symbol par excellence and the first thing that any traveler will admire upon arriving at Dapia, the island’s picturesque port. The Poseidon Grand Hotel was built in 1914 by Sotirios Anargyrios, the island’s key benefactor, was modeled on the Carlton in Cannes and was refurbished in grand style in 2009.
Spetses is also renowned for its local cuisine, which is dominated by locally caught fresh fish and organic vegetables, island herbs, and virgin olive oil, always accompanied by a refreshing glass of ouzo or a Greek wine! Not to be missed are local specialties such as Fish a la Spetsiota (baked fish with lemon, capers, tomatoes, and onions) and Amygdalota (traditional almond cakes). If you enjoy taking part in a unique alfresco dining experience, just climb the hills of verdant Spetses, and be part of the organic Bostani Farm. You will start from learning about traditional organic farming techniques, and then you will hand-pick premium vegetables and herbs for your own meal. Immerse yourselves in the culinary traditions of Greece, where under the watchful eye of the Executive Chef of the Poseidon Grand Hotel, you will prepare your own dinner, under the Greek sun.
You can visit Spetses even if you were just planning to visit Athens either with a catamaran from Piraeus in less than 2h journey or with just 10 minutes of cruising with a water taxi after a couple of hours’ drive from Athens to Porto Heli in the Peloponnese.
Blog post by MissMore
Tags: Greece
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