3 Days in Spetses: Getting Lost in the Island Streets and Resting Your Soul

Surrounded by the blue of the Aegean Sea, Spetses Island enchants you at first sight with its narrow stone streets, horse-drawn carriages lining the coastal road and houses adorned with flowers. The island, which preserves its historical texture, offers tranquility and tranquility on the one hand and a lively atmosphere with its cozy cafes, restaurants along the coast and lively summer evenings on the other. You feel time slowing down as you walk through the narrow streets where cars do not enter, and the serenity of the island penetrates your soul as you sit on the beach and watch the sunset. Whether exploring by bike or cooling off on the beaches, Spetses is an island you'll soon get used to and never want to leave.

Day 1: First Step on the Island and Small Explorations

When the ferry docks at the harbor, the island's unique atmosphere starts to touch you in the first minute. The sound of the engine is replaced by the calm waves of the sea and the crunching wheels of the phaetons can be heard all around. You can take a nostalgic tour of the island in a phaeton or rent a bicycle and make your own route. As you slowly make your way through the narrow streets, the bougainvillea-covered courtyards, whitewashed walls and stone houses where you can see the sea from the windows make you feel like you are really here. When evening comes, be sure to make your way to the old harbor. Just sitting here and ordering a coffee turns into the most special moment of the day. The orange and pink tones of the sunset paint the sky as you listen to the waves lapping against the shore. The harbor is bustling with the gentle rocking of the boats and the preparations of the fishermen. You lean back in your chair and just take in the view. At that moment, the island whispers to you that you shouldn't rush, that everything is more beautiful slowly.

Day 2: Beaches, Sea and Nature's Arms

The second day in Spetses is all about the sea, the sun and the tranquility of nature. When you set off early in the morning and arrive at Agioi Anargyroi, the largest beach on the island, you are greeted by a lively and calm atmosphere. Thanks to the width of the beach, you can find your own private space in any corner. If you have a little courage, don't leave without visiting Bekiris Cave right next to it. When you enter through the narrow entrance and step into the coolness of the cave, you feel like you are in a movie scene. The dim light inside, the sound of the water coming from outside and the mysterious air of the cave make this experience unforgettable. Around noon, Kaiki Beach, one of the more social corners of the island, beckons you. Just five minutes from Dapia, this beach with its sun loungers, café and bar is perfect for spending time with friends. Order a cocktail while sunbathing or have lunch here. The energy is lively and the sea is crystal clear. Your next stop should definitely be Zogeria. When you arrive here, you realize that the title “the most beautiful beach on the island” was not given for nothing. The shade of the pine trees and the turquoise tones of the sea blend together. When you enter the sea, it is as if you are immersed in a painting. Just looking at the scenery around you as you swim in silence is a tranquility in itself. If you want to get away from the crowds, the beaches of Vrellos and Agios Nikolaos are for you. No one is in a hurry here, everything moves in a serene rhythm. You can settle in a corner, read a book and fall asleep to the sound of gentle waves. The sea of Spetses offers a different color every hour of the day and you find your own rhythm. By the end of the day, your body will be refreshed by the freshness of the salty sea and your soul will be renewed by the calm flowing time of the island.

Day 3: History, Culture and the Heart of the Island by Bike

The morning is a different beauty on the island. When you hop on your bicycle at the first light of the day and wander the streets, you are accompanied by the sounds of birds and silence in this place where there are no cars. The stone houses around every corner, the bougainvillea hanging from the white walls and the light scent of the sea keep you company along the way. Cycling is not only a means of transportation here, but also the best way to catch the rhythm of the island. Your first stop is the Bouboulina Museum. Walking through the house of Laskarina Bouboulina, one of the most inspiring female figures in Greek history, you witness the life of a heroine and feel the spirit of those times. Wooden details, old paintings and war-era objects take you back in time for a moment. As you continue on your way, you come across an old lighthouse by the sea. In front of the lighthouse, as the wind touches your hair, watching the infinity of blue gives you a strange peace. For photography enthusiasts, this is one of the most special corners of the island. Pedaling a little further, you reach Kastelli. These old ruins built on the hillsides mesmerize with their view. The small churches along the way make you feel as if you are touching the heart of the island. Seeing a candlelit chapel in silence is a moment of both peace and awe. On a day like this, you don't just visit the island, you feel its spirit. Seeing another side of the island at every turn of the bicycle makes this journey unforgettable.

3-Day Summary: “What to do in Spetses in 3 days?”

Get lost in the narrow streets, experience nostalgia with a phaeton

Enjoy the sunset in the historic harbor

The 3 most beautiful beaches: Agioi Anargyroi (with cave experience), Kaiki and Zogeria

Island tour by bike + Bouboulina Museum + Lighthouse + Kastelli

Chance to catch a festival in September (Armata)

Spetses Food & Drink & Entertainment Guide

Exploring the flavors that the island offers throughout the day alongside nature in Spetses is a unique pleasure. At the first light of morning, you can stop by the small, charming cafés around the harbor. Fresh jams on stone tables, cheeses brought from nearby villages, and warm bread make for a perfect start to the day. As you sip your coffee, the calm of the harbor and the gentle sound of the waves slowly set the pace for your day.

Around noon, after some time enjoying the sun and the sea, heading to the beachside spots is a great idea. Kaiki Beach Bar, very close to Dapia Beach, offers direct access from the shore. Here, you can enjoy a plate of meze or a light sandwich with a view of the sea, recharging after water sports. Similarly, the small cafés and bars around Agia Marina are perfect for lunch, providing delicious food in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.

As the afternoon turns into evening, it’s time to explore the island’s romantic and elegant venues. Dante, just five hundred meters from the Old Port, serves some of the best Italian cuisine. Their carpaccio and fresh pasta make dinner unforgettable, and the wine list complements the experience perfectly. Tole, located along Palaio Limani, offers a peaceful evening by the sea. Sitting in the garden with a gentle breeze while enjoying your meal is a rare pleasure. For those seeking a quieter and more romantic night, Nero Tis Agapis in the Kounoupitsa area invites you to a table filled with love, offering fresh meze and seafood alongside breathtaking views.

If you want to add some energy to your night, the island’s bars are ready to welcome you. Library Lounge & Café in New Port provides a modern setting where you can relax with a coffee or, as the evening progresses, enjoy a drink accompanied by soft lounge music. For night owls looking for more lively vibes, Guzel Bar, near Tole, shows the island’s energetic side. The rhythm starts after midnight, blending conversation, music, and dancing.

Accommodation Suggestions in Spetses

Staying in Spetses is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the island. Small boutique hotels near the harbor, pensions hidden among the narrow stone streets, or comfortable hotels along the beach, cater to everyone's taste and pace. Waking up in the morning to the light scent of the sea, watching the sunset from your balcony

in the evening, or even listening to the silence at night makes your vacation that much more special. If you like walking along the narrow streets, you can choose small, cozy hotels around the Old Port. There are usually fewer rooms and the hosts are very warm, making you feel like you are staying in your own home. For those who want to stay along the coast, hotels with sea views are a great option. Here it is easy to start the day with a coffee, take an afternoon walk and end the night with the lights of the harbor. Staying in Spetses is not just about staying in one place, it's about feeling the spirit of the island. Whatever style you choose, getting lost in the narrow streets, taking a coffee break in small cafes and getting in tune with the calm rhythm of the island will make your vacation unforgettable.

1. Orloff Resort: A clean, tastefully decorated choice close to the center. Just 500 meters from Agia Marina beach in Spetses, this modernly designed resort features an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers. It has a balcony with city, pool or garden views.
2. Villa Nika: A selection of luxury suites and apartments, Villa Nika is conveniently located in Agia Marina, 200 meters from the beach and a 5-minute walk from the old port of Spetses. 
3. Poseidonion Grand Hotel: A prestigious option with historic building, luxurious atmosphere and sea-facing location.

Getting to Spetses from Turkey

It is not possible to go to Spetses directly by ferry from Turkey. First of all, you need to reach Athens. There are flights from Istanbul to Athens almost every day and the journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. After arriving in Athens, the most practical way to Spetses is to take the ferries departing from Piraeus Port. You can easily reach the port from the city center by metro or taxi. Ferry tickets cost between 39 and 52 euros and the journey takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Along the way, you can enjoy the view of the Saronic Gulf.

The idea of stopping by other islands on the way to Spetses is also very attractive. For example, it takes about 1 hour to get from Hydra to Spetses and the average ticket price is 16 euros. Likewise, it is possible to go from Spetses to Suluça, or Idra in Greek. This line takes about 35 minutes and costs around 16 euros. If you want to spend your vacation island hopping, these crossings can be a good opportunity for you.

If you take an early morning flight from Turkey to Athens and take the ferry in the afternoon, you can be in Spetses by late afternoon. In other words, it is possible to leave Turkey and reach the island in one day. There is just one thing to keep in mind, you need a Schengen visa to enter Greece. It is definitely useful to take this into consideration when making your plan.