EG | Spetses

Spetses

One of the most historic and beautiful islands in Greece, closely connected with the Revolution of 1821. The use of private cars is forbidden on the island (except with special authorization for selected hours, roads and time periods). However, motorcycles and bicycles are allowed (and they are everywhere). A characteristic feature of the island is its traditional means of transport: horse-drawn buggies.

Its proximity to Athens (both by road and by sea), its small size (a 24 kilometer road circuit), its good roads, the architecture of its houses, its natural beauty and crystal clear sea, its social life with plenty of good lodgings, restaurants, and entertainment spots--the combination of all these (and several more) makes it an ideal place for all types of vacations.

Perhaps the most important person from the island, its main benefactor and factor in its development, was Sotirios Anargiros. One of his greatest contributions was the creation of the Anargyrios and Korgialenios School of Spetses, which aimed to educate leaders of a national caliber. Construction began in 1923, and the school was in operation until 1983.

A second important project for Spetses, which was launched by Sotirios Anargiros in 1914, was the imposing Poseidonion, which evokes memories of times past. A luxurious hotel comparable to the "palaces" of the French Côte d'Azur, it first opened its doors in 1914 and became a favorite summer vacation destination for wealthy and cosmopolitan Athenians.

Sources

Spetses

Including links of interest to tourists and in general basic texts by third parties about the Saronic Gulf area on Exploring Greece

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How to Get to Spetses

Beware: Spetses does NOT allow passenger car traffic

From Piraeus (Gate E8) via ferry, flying dolphins (hydrofoils), and high speed boats (journey time from 2.5 to 3 hours)
From Kosta
Kosta is located in the Peloponnese, just across from the island of Poros and approximately 180 km from Athens. To get there, get on the National Road (Ethniki Odos) that runs from Athens to Corinth, take the exit for Epidaurus, and then follow the signs for Ermioni / Kranidi / Kosta / Spetses.
From Hydra, Poros, Porto Heli

Getting Around on Spetses

Since private cars are forbidden, you can travel around Spetses by bus, by taxi, by water taxi, or in a very popular traditional manner: by horse and buggy. You can also rent bicycles and motorcycles.

Taxi 22980-72072
Ferry Schedules 22980-73141
Water Taxi 22980-72072
Horse-Drawn Carriage Service 22980-73171

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History

The most important moment in the history of the island is its participation in the Liberation War of 1821. In 1821, Spetses had a strong shipping industry, wealthy ship owners, and crews prepared for war. Although they had paid a heavy price for their participation in the Orlov Revolt in 1770, the people of Spetses were among the first Greeks to join in the struggle for freedom without considering the possible consequences.

Splendid figures made a true difference in those years, such as Laskarina Bouboulina, Hatzigiannis Mexis, the fire ship captain Barbatsis, the brave Matrozos, and many other Spetsiot fighters.

The greatest moment in the struggle of the Spetsiots was the 1822 battle between the Greek fleet (comprising vessels from Spetses, Hydra and Psara) and the Turks in the open sea of the Argolic Gulf. According to the history of Chatzianargyros, 140 ships took part in this naval battle. At the most critical point in the battle, Spetsiot fire ship captain Kosmas Barbatsis managed to set fire to the Turkish flagship and force the Turkish fleet to retreat. In commemoration of this historic event, Spetsiots built the church of the Virgin Mary Armata in the vicinity of the lighthouse of Spetses.

The anniversary of the naval battle is celebrated on the second Sunday of September each year with large variety of events that begin a week in advance. The climax of the celebration is the re-enactment of the explosion of the Turkish flagship, accompanied by many spectacular fireworks.