Discover the fantastic island of Spetses

http://www.aroundspetses.com/
Discover the fantastic island of Spetses
Spetses has an area of 25 sq km, and a shoreline of about 27 km. Spetses has 2 main harbours; the newer being Dapia (which means 'fortress') that is found in the centre of Spetses Town (the island's capital) and the older, Palio Limani, situated nearby in the fishing village of Analipsi.

The population of Spetses is around 3500 and 4000. The majority of Spetses is covered by a heavy pine forest, that is part of the island's great beauty, and is regarded as a protected environment. There's only one town, Spetses Town, which extends along the coast facing Argolida in the Peloponnse.The rest of the island is practically uninhabited.

Spetses Town now has its fair share of watering holes and fastfood places, there is however also Paleo Limani (Old Harbor), which is a bit more traditional: 18th-century Italian-style mansions (archontika) which are now the property of rich Athenian families who come back to Spetses every summer are what prevails there.

Spetses is accessible by vessel or Flying Dolphin from the port of Piraeus or from the attractive close by islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra..

Spetses is famous for its charming idyllic villages, as well as a rich naval history and the key role it played in the Greek War of Independence. It is also the birthplace of the well-known female war hero Bouboulina, whose home is now a museum.

Visitors have the opportunity to re-live those brave times, surrounded by remarkable historic sites which are maintained with care and love.

Spetses town (aka Kastelli) is found along side harbor and inland in a lazy style, with many of its neoclassical mansions partly hidden from envious eyes by high walls and greenery. A lot of the town's street life takes place on the primary square, the Dapia, the name also given to the harbor in which the ferries and hydrofoils now arrive. The massive bulk of the 19th-century Poseidon Hotel dominates the west end of the harbour.

Spetses is an exclusive Greek island, only 2 hours from Athens, has been elected the favored summer home location by the Athenian elite. Cars are not permitted on Spetses, and also have been replaced by horse-drawn carriages and licensed taxis.

The Greek mainland is a ten-minute water-taxi ride from Spetses. This means that you can easily check out the ancient theatre of Epidavros, the old capital city of Greece and perhaps Mycenae (one hour's drive away). Last but not least, half an hour away by speedy hovercraft is the picturesque and sophisticated island of Hydra. More compact traveller boats sail from the island of Spetses to the village of Kosta on the mainland, where you can find a nice beach.