SPETSES
Are you searching for the perfect villa rental in Greece for your next vacation? Look no further than the beautiful island of Spetses. Nestled in the Saronic Gulf, Spetses is a hidden gem that offers a truly authentic Greek island experience.
As you search for your dream villa rental in Greece, it's important to consider factors such as location, amenities, and accessibility. Spetses ticks all the boxes, with a range of stunning properties to choose from, ranging from traditional cottages to luxurious modern villas. And with easy access from Athens, London, and other major cities, it's a convenient and hassle-free destination.
But Spetses is more than just a beautiful location - it's also rich in history and culture. From the charming neoclassical architecture of the old town to the stunning Bouboulina Museum, the island offers a fascinating glimpse into Greece's past. And with a vibrant cultural scene that includes events such as the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta, there's always something to see and do.
Of course, no trip to Greece would be complete without indulging in the delicious local cuisine. Spetses is home to a range of restaurants and tavernas that offer mouth-watering seafood dishes and other Greek specialties. And don't forget to sample the island's famous amigdalota sweets, made from ground almonds, sugar, and rosewater.
When it comes to villa rentals in Greece, Spetses is the perfect choice for those seeking a combination of relaxation, culture, and adventure. So why not start planning your dream vacation today? With a range of properties to choose from and easy accessibility from the USA and London, Spetses is the ultimate destination for your next Greek island getaway.
Town-Dapia-Old Port
The town spreads along the graceful coast between Dapia, the new harbor and center of activity par excellence, and the Old Port with its scenic beauty. Both in Dapia and the Old Port you will find an array of taverns and cafes filled with tourists but locals too. In this booklet you will also find a selection of the best restaurants and night-clubs.
Bougainvillea, hibiscus, plumbago, jasmine and trumpet vines thrive everywhere, spangling white walls with pink, mauve, red, baby blue and orange petals. As you walk down the stone-paved alleys to get to one of the trendy bars or charming restaurants, the horse-drawn carriages, the island’s emblematic means of transport, will pass you by. With car circulation restricted, this is a unique opportunity to get on your bike and explore. The island inside is full of treasures, be they the old villas hidden in their lush environments or the beaches beaming with fun.
History
The island is noted historically for its leading role in the Greek Revolution against the Ottoman rule and the subsequent birth of the modern Greek State. When the Greek Revolution broke out in 1821, Spetses was the first of the Greek islands to raise the flag of the Revolution on the morning of April 3, 1821 in the church of the patron saint, St. Nicholas, located in the old harbour. Every year, the second weekend of September is dedicated to commemorating the events of the battle of September 8, 1822 in which the Turkish flotilla was torched. The events culminate in a re-enactment of the burning of the Turkish flagship in the harbour. Even today, most traditional fishing boats and sea-taxis hoist the blue and red flag of the revolution. The blue signifies freedom and the red signifies blood, along with the words “Freedom or Death”.
“The island of perfumes”, as it was named by the Venetians or “Pityousa” (which in ancient Greek means “full of pine-trees”), is the right place to see and to be seen. Enjoy a long coffee in the chic cafés, soak in the sun in a private boat, or simply walk around in your big, black sunglasses. Then return to one of the Beyond Spaces villas, where more beauty and new experiences await you.
Beyond Spaces Tips
- Take a guided historical tour of the Island. Not to be missed the Hatzigiannis Mexis Mansion and the Bouboulina Museum.
- Enjoy a wonderful walk from the main port of Dapia to the lighthouse of the Palio Limani (Old Harbor). The distinctive architecture with the Captain’s Mansions, cobble streets and fragrant gardens filled to the brim with jarmine and bougainvilleas make a joy to discover the island on foot.
- Cycle around Spetses. Touring the island by bicycle is a great way to experience the lush nature. The charming combination of pine trees and sea, with the little side trails leading down to scenic small bays especially in the island’s southwest area, is best enjoyed by bike.
- Experience a Horse-drawn Carriage ride along the Promenade. Horse carriages are a very traditional mode of transport on Spetses! There are usually favored for sightseeing trips of the old harbor to Dapia harbor and to nearby beaches!
- Visit to the island’s traditional shipyards (tarsanades) in the old port, where craftsmen, having kept alive a centuries-old skill, build and repair wooden vessels.