Guide to Spetses

An air of quiet elegance encompasses Spetses, with hotels, bars and restaurants ranging from luxe to modest – all embracing a dash of Greek-island boho. Located in the Saronic Gulf, it is one of the Saronic Islands as well as triangle of beautiful islands to include Nafplion, Hydra, Monemvasia, Elafonisos, Ermioni and Porto Heli that are being dubbed the new Greek Riviera.

A historic and important maritime centre of Greece, you can reach Spetses by luxury charter yacht in around two-and-a-half hours from Athens or Piraeus. Welcoming you into the port is the century-old Poseidonion Grand Hotel which has played host to silver screen sirens such as Marilyn Monroe, Ingrid Bergman and Elizabeth Taylor. Now, like the town itself, the hotel has undergone a modern refresh to offer a luxurious setting for Athenian weekenders and the global superyacht set, providing a majestic backdrop to the superyachts that occupy the docks.

As you venture further through the winding streets, past the fish market and the stylish boutiques, the surroundings become classically picturesque and the cobbled lanes are lined with traditional shops, barbers and tavernas. There are a number of iconic and culturally significant statues dotted around the island including a unique metal mermaid that commands the Old Port and most famously the effigy of historic Greek heroin Bouboulina who watches over the main port.

Punctuating the coast of Spetses are an array of both sandy and pebbled beaches as well as secluded coves and bays which are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and watersports. The season starts around Easter time, when the island comes alive with celebrations, and carries on until mid-October. During September an annual re-enactment (Armata) of the island's greatest naval victory in 1822 takes place followed by a two-week festival which culminates in a sea battle and the burning of an Ottoman warship to the backdrop of a spectacular firework display.

If you are interested in book and Greek luxury yacht charter vacation that includes the island of Spetses, contact your preferred yacht charter broker who can advise you on the best itinerary options and times to visit.