Spetses Day Trip
Spetses: A chic, car-free island escape with elegant mansions, historic charm, and stunning coastal beauty, perfect for a day trip.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Spetses Day Trip
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Spetses: A chic, car-free island escape with elegant mansions, historic charm, and stunning coastal beauty, perfect for a day trip.
"Our boat trip with Lefteris was so amazing! It was honestly the best day of our entire trip!"
🚶♀️ Embrace Car-Free Life
Spetses is mostly car-free! Enjoy walking, cycling, or horse-drawn carriages for a unique island experience.
🚤 Book Boat Tours
Private boat tours offer access to secluded bays and a personalized island experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old Harbor Charm
Old Harbor (Palio Limani)
Wander through the historic Old Harbor, admire the traditional mansions, and soak in the authentic maritime atmosphere.
Bouboulina Museum
Bourtzi
Discover the legacy of Laskarina Bouboulina, a national heroine, at her beautifully preserved mansion.
Secluded Bays & Beaches
Various coastal spots
Explore hidden coves and pristine beaches accessible by boat or bike for a refreshing swim.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Essentials
Island Transport
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Embrace Car-Free Life
Spetses is mostly car-free! Enjoy walking, cycling, or horse-drawn carriages for a unique island experience.
🚤 Book Boat Tours
Private boat tours offer access to secluded bays and a personalized island experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so pack comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets.
☀️ Sun Protection
The Greek sun can be strong. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for your day trip.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Embrace Car-Free Life
Spetses is mostly car-free! Enjoy walking, cycling, or horse-drawn carriages for a unique island experience.
🚤 Book Boat Tours
Private boat tours offer access to secluded bays and a personalized island experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so pack comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets.
☀️ Sun Protection
The Greek sun can be strong. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for your day trip.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Spetses day trips, highlighting the island's beauty, charm, and the exceptional experiences offered by private boat tours, particularly those with Captain Lefteris. The car-free environment and historical significance are also frequently praised.
"Our boat trip with Lefteris was so amazing!
It was honestly the best day of our entire trip!
We had a group of 18 people, so we had a large boat and a small boat organised to accomodate us all.
Both boats were beautiful!
Lefteris took us to some secluded bays, that had no people and more importantly, no wind whatsoever!!!
We snorkelled, had our own platters and drank.
The sunset we watched was also unforgettable!
I would 100% recommend this charter to anyone and I will come back to Spetses specifically for this again!
Couldn’t recommend highly enough!"
Jordan M
"The tour with "KYMA" was amazing! We went around the island and stopped to swim at beautiful beaches! Captain Lefteris was very kind and gave us a lot of information about the island. During the trip he offered us cold refreshments and we also enjoyed an awesome Greek meze with various local dishes. If you visit Spetses you should definitely try it!"
Ουργαντζίδου Γιώτα
"Captain Leftheris is quite simply amazing! His knowledge of Spetses, his love of boats, his sense of filoxenia (Greek hospitality) all made the most fantastic 4 hours on the waves absolutely perfect. Thank you Leftheris, we sincerely hope we’ll meet again."
Lynda Betsch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Spetses for a day trip from Athens is by ferry from Piraeus port. Hydrofoils are faster, taking about 2 hours, while conventional ferries can take 3-4 hours. You can also drive to Kosta on the mainland and take a short 5-10 minute water taxi or ferry across to Spetses. 
There are several ferry companies operating routes to Spetses from Piraeus. It's recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, through websites like Ferryhopper or directly with the ferry companies.
Yes, Spetses is accessible for day trips from nearby islands like Hydra and Poros, though ferry schedules may vary. It's also a popular destination for boat tours from the Peloponnese mainland.
The ferry journey from Piraeus to Spetses typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on whether you choose a high-speed hydrofoil or a slower conventional ferry.
Spetses is a car-free island! The best ways to explore are by walking, renting a bicycle, or using the traditional horse-drawn carriages. Scooters are also available for rent.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need to purchase ferry tickets to reach Spetses. There are no specific entry tickets required for the island itself, but some museums or attractions may have admission fees.
The island of Spetses does not have an entrance fee. You only need to pay for your transportation to the island (ferry tickets) and any activities or attractions you choose to visit.
Ferry ticket prices to Spetses can vary depending on the company, type of ferry (hydrofoil vs. conventional), and time of booking. Expect prices to range from €30-€60 for a one-way trip from Piraeus.
While it's possible to buy ferry tickets on the day of travel, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during summer or holidays, to avoid disappointment and secure your preferred seats.
Yes, many boat tours from Athens or the mainland offer Spetses as part of their itinerary, often including stops at other Saronic islands. Private boat charters are also popular for a more customized experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the historic Old Harbor (Palio Limani), the Bouboulina Museum, the elegant waterfront promenade, and the various beautiful beaches and coves.
Absolutely! Spetses is considered an ideal day trip destination from Athens due to its relatively short ferry journey, charming atmosphere, and diverse activities.
You can explore the island by bike or on foot, swim at its beautiful beaches, visit historical sites like the Bouboulina Museum, enjoy delicious food at waterfront tavernas, and take a boat tour around the island. +1
Yes, Spetses offers numerous opportunities for swimming. Popular spots include Agia Paraskevi beach, Agioi Anargyri beach, and many secluded coves accessible by boat or a hike.
Spetses is very family-friendly. The car-free environment makes it safe for children to explore, and there are plenty of beaches and activities to keep them entertained.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The waterfront in Spetses is lined with restaurants offering fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes. The Old Harbor also has charming tavernas.
Expect fresh seafood, local mezes, and classic Greek cuisine. Many restaurants offer delicious dishes made with local ingredients.
Yes, there are many excellent restaurants and cafes along the waterfront and in the main town, perfect for a lunch stop during your day trip.
Most Greek tavernas offer a variety of vegetarian dishes, such as Greek salad, gemista (stuffed vegetables), spanakopita (spinach pie), and various dips.
Highly recommended spots include Tarsanas, Orloff, and Agios on the waterfront, as well as tavernas in the Old Harbor.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the elegant architecture, the charming Old Harbor, the scenic waterfront, and the beautiful beaches. The sunset views are also spectacular.
Spetses is incredibly photogenic with its neoclassical mansions, colorful boats, clear blue waters, and picturesque streets.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, while the golden hour before sunset provides a magical glow for photography.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Spetses.
A versatile camera with a good lens for landscapes and street photography is ideal. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the architecture and coastal views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for beaches with calmer waters, such as Agia Paraskevi or Agioi Anargyri, which are more suitable for younger swimmers. Many boat tours also cater to families, offering stops at shallow bays where children can safely paddle and enjoy the sea. Packing plenty of snacks and water is always a good idea for a day of exploration.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on free activities like exploring the town on foot, swimming at public beaches, and enjoying the scenic views. Renting a bicycle for a few hours is also a cost-effective way to see more of the island than just walking.
💖 Couples
+1A private boat tour around the island, perhaps with a stop at a quiet bay for a swim, is an incredibly romantic experience. The island's sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for couples seeking a picturesque and memorable day out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of a Car-Free Island
+1This car-free environment makes Spetses exceptionally safe and enjoyable for families with children. It encourages a slower pace of life, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the island's beauty and culture. Renting a bicycle is a popular and efficient way to discover hidden beaches and scenic routes at your own pace. For those seeking a more guided experience, the traditional horse-drawn carriages offer a charming tour of the main town and its historical areas.
+1While the main town is easily navigable on foot, exploring further afield might be best done with a rented scooter or by utilizing the island's water taxis. However, the essence of Spetses lies in its pedestrian-friendly nature. The absence of cars contributes to the island's serene ambiance, making it a perfect escape for those looking to relax and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Exploring Spetses by Boat
Captain Lefteris, a highly recommended local guide, is frequently praised for his exceptional knowledge of Spetses and his warm hospitality. His tours often include opportunities for snorkeling, swimming in secluded spots, and enjoying delicious homemade mezes and refreshments onboard. These private tours allow for flexibility, catering to the group's preferences and ensuring a personalized and memorable experience.
Beyond private charters, various boat services operate from the main harbor, offering trips to nearby islets like Atokos or exploring the caves along the coast. Whether you choose a lively group tour or an intimate private charter, a boat excursion is the perfect way to discover the true beauty of Spetses and create lasting memories.
A Glimpse into Spetses' Maritime History
+1The most prominent figure in Spetses' history is Laskarina Bouboulina, a national heroine and the first female admiral in the Greek Navy. Her beautifully preserved mansion, now a museum, offers a fascinating insight into her life and contributions to the revolution. Visiting the Bouboulina Museum is a journey back in time, showcasing artifacts and telling the story of her bravery and leadership.
The island's maritime heritage is also evident in its well-preserved Old Harbor (Palio Limani), which still retains its traditional character. Here, you can admire classic wooden boats and soak in the atmosphere of a bygone era. The island's history is deeply intertwined with the sea, making a visit to Spetses an enriching experience for history enthusiasts.
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