Spetses

Day 1: Arrival, harbour heritage, and setting your sea plan

Arrive to a pine-scented island whose story is written in salt and timber. Your first day is about easing in, absorbing the maritime soul around the Old Harbour, and lining up tomorrow’s time on the water.

• Morning: Disembark at Dapia, grab a coffee on the quay, and watch the ballet of hydrofoils and water taxis. Stroll to the Old Harbour to see the karnagia at work—master shipwrights restoring kaikia—then pop into the Bouboulina Museum to ground yourself in the island’s naval legend.
• Midday: Lunch harbourside in the Old Harbour and linger to observe mooring etiquette (space is tight; rafting and quiet decks are the norm). If you plan to skipper, visit a chandlery and check the forecast on HNMS/Windy; locals start trips against the day’s wind so the return is easier.
• Afternoon: Book a self-drive boat (no licence under 30hp) for tomorrow or secure a skippered cruise; ask for an early start slot. For a dip without leaving town, taxi or cycle to Kaiki or Agia Marina beaches; late-day breezes often freshen, so choose a sheltered spot.
• Evening: Join the volta along the Old Harbour and dine by the water. Seasonal notes: late June often brings Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta energy (book ahead), while early September’s Armata week is festive and very busy around the harbour.

Day 2: Self-drive exploration of coves and caves

With your boat ready, this is the day to trace the “back side” coastline and claim a cove. Start early for glassy seas and the best light—by midday, the meltemi can liven up the strait.

• Morning: Cast off by 08:30 and head northwest to Zogeria Bay; anchor in sand/weed (check set) and snorkel the turquoise shallows. Bring sea shoes—urchins dot rocky patches.
• Midday: Follow the indented coast towards the tiny unnamed coves between Zogeria and Agia Paraskevi; pick a quiet gonia for a picnic swim. Alternatively, lunch at the simple taverna ashore in Zogeria before continuing.
• Afternoon: Run south to Agioi Anargyroi and swim into Bekiri’s Cave from your anchored boat; keep clear of the beach’s watersports lane. Watch for whitecaps towards the mainland—if they appear, expect wind within the hour and plan your return accordingly.
• Evening: Hand back the boat and toast the day in the Old Harbour. Tip: never anchor or loiter in the busy Dapia fairway; water taxis and hydrofoils move fast and often.

Day 3: Active waters and a classic island finale

Choose your flavour: a serene sunrise glide, a lively watersports session, or a loop towards Spetsopoula’s pristine leeward coves. Close with a last harbour night steeped in Spetsiote tradition.

• Morning: For calm conditions, launch a SUP/kayak at first light and watch the sunrise from the water—pure local magic. Alternatively, book a private cruise to circle Spetsopoula (no landings) for clear-water swims and a sense of seclusion.
• Midday: Refuel with a long lunch back in town or at Agia Paraskevi’s beach bar. If you’re a diver, coordinate in advance with a reputable Porto Heli operator for boat pickup and an easy afternoon reef wall (vis is typically excellent in late summer/early autumn).
• Afternoon: Head to Agioi Anargyroi for organised watersports—waterskiing or wakeboarding in the lee if the meltemi pipes up. If the breeze is light, a relaxed coastal sail along the Peloponnesian side offers flatter water and classic Saronic views.
• Evening: Final volta around the Old Harbour and dinner amid classic yachts and kaikia. Seasonal notes: October’s Spetses Mini Marathon adds a festive buzz (and great open-water swims), while winter visits reward experienced sailors with crisp, crowd-free days—always check forecasts and expect changeable southerlies.

By Air

• Nearest major airport: Athens International Airport (ATH).
  • To Piraeus Port for ferries: 60–90 min by X96 express bus (24/7) or 70–90 min by metro (Line 3 + Line 1) depending on connections; taxis take ~50–70 min.
  • To Kosta (Peloponnese) for the short sea crossing: ~2.5–3 hrs by car/taxi via Corinth and Kranidi.
• Alternative: Kalamata (KLX) with seasonal flights; ~3 hrs by car/taxi to Kosta, then a 10–15 min boat to Spetses.
• Helicopter (charter): Athens to the Spetses helipad in ~25–35 min.

By Train

• No rail access to Kosta/Porto Heli. Use the metro/suburban rail only to reach Piraeus for ferries if you are in Athens. For overland access to the Kosta crossing, use bus or car.

By Bus

• From Athens (KTEL Kifissos bus station) to Kranidi or Porto Heli with KTEL Argolida: ~3–3.5 hrs. From there, taxi to Kosta (15–25 min), then short boat to Spetses.
• Frequency is several services daily in high season; check KTEL Argolida timetables.

By Car

• Drive Athens → Kosta via A8 (Athens–Corinth) then via Epidaurus/Kranidi: ~2.5–3 hrs.
• Private cars are not permitted on Spetses for visitors. Park at Kosta (multiple paid car parks) and cross by passenger boat or water taxi (10–15 min).

By Ferry/Sea

• From Piraeus: High-speed hydrofoils/catamarans (e.g., Hellenic Seaways FlyingCat/Flying Dolphin, Alpha Lines) to Spetses in ~2–3 hrs, typically with stops (Poros/Hydra/Ermioni/Porto Heli). Multiple daily departures in summer; fewer in winter—pre-booking advised.
• From Kosta (nearest mainland point):
  • Water taxis on demand 24/7; ~10–15 min crossing to Spetses.
  • Small passenger boats run frequently in season; ~10–15 min.
• From Porto Heli/Ermioni: Short high-speed ferry hops (about 10–30 min) or water taxi. Useful when arriving overland by bus/car to these towns.