GENERAL INFORMATION
Much of this small island of 22 sq. km. is covered by pine forests that frame its lovely beaches, providing a harmonious combination of green and blue. A beautiful place which provides convenience to all lifestyles, Spetses exude a sense of charm and elegance which seldom can be matched.
HISTORY-CULTURE
The forested land of Spetses was ?not surprisingly- named after the pine tree in the distant past. Though the history of the island runs deep into antiquity, its prominence came much later. Its seafaring inhabitants pioneered the effort of creating the Greek navy, which served bravely in the Greek War of Independence in 1821-1826. The wealthy merchants of Spetses were an important supplier of funds, equipment, and manpower to the revolution. From here Laskarina Bouboulina, a woman of rare courage and patriotic devotion, set forth at the head of the Spetsean fleet, which included many vessels of her own private property. This heroic figure, scion of a renowned merchant family, donated all of her considerable wealth to the nation?s cause at its time of need, and fought bravely in many battles as well. Her statue, proud and modest like the woman herself, stands in one of the main squares of the islands? capital. Spetses also served as a hideout for the revolutionaries in times of trouble. The Bekiri cave housed many war councils under its stalactites.
SIGHTS
Spetses was a center of commerce for many years, a fact which generated a series of wealthy merchant families. These, apart from contributing to the nations? causes at times of war, they also adorned their homeland with numerous neoclassical buildings, including their exquisite homes. The mansions of Laskarina Bouboulina and Hatzigiannis Mexis -another great contributor to the revolution- have become museums, exhibiting artifacts of their troubled times as well as personal items of the heroic woman. A walk in the streets of the capital of Spetses will effortlessly conjure images of the 18th and the 19th century, uninterrupted by the disturbing noise of engines, as vehicular circulation is strictly limited, allowing restricted passage within the city itself and only buses and motorbikes to move around the island. Bicycles will suit well those who revel in sports, while romantics may find that a horse wagon is their transport of choice. A tour of the island by boat along its coastline is well worth the while, and can serve as a preview to spot one?s beach of choice. This may be one of the reclusive beaches of Zogeria, Brellos, Bithistamna, or Kouzouno, or it could be Ligoneri, the beach of lovers, which is said to have mystical love-enhancing qualities. Countless picturesque coves bite into the perimeter of the island, forming innumerable private beaches suitable to seek peace and tranquility. Dapia, the city square, was once the gun emplacement of Spetses, as well as its cultural and social centre.
ENTERTAINMENT-SPORTS-SHOPPING
Walking, though often mandatory due to the aforementioned restricted vehicular circulation, is never tiresome in Spetses. Interesting shops are everywhere, imposing frequent stops to look at their displays, which is usually followed by a visit within. Cafes are never more than a two blocks away, offering refreshments, coffee, and sweets. Many of these transform into bars as the hours grow late, to support the dance clubs in composing the islands? nightlife. Taverns and restaurants are numerous, and the local traditional way of cooking fish ?a la Spetsiota? is well worth a try, as are the local almond cakes. Accommodations can be found within the town itself or on its fringes, and can be suitable for demands of all levels. As most inhabitants live in the capital, most of the island remains unspoiled, with dense forests almost touching the shoreline. This is an ideal place for nature strolls, which may lead to churches dating as far back as the Byzantine era. The view from the monastery of Agioi Pandes -built in the 1800s- is spectacular. Numerous cultural festivities add to the long list of interests on the island: the ?Anargyria? festival, held in August, lasts several days, while a series of activities take place during the festival of ?The Naval Battle of Armata? on the 8th of September. Being a small town of less than 4000 inhabitants, Spetses has no true centre, yet it can be divided into three main areas: the picturesque, peaceful old harbour, home to small boats and yachts; the new port, currently the main port of Spetses, surrounded by cafes and restaurants; and Kounoupitsa, the area which spreads along the seafront road, also adorned with many cafes, taverns, and bars, all the way to the famous Anargyrios College.
ACCESS
Buses from Athens leave daily for Kranidi, and from there ferries lead to Spetses. There are frequent sea routes directly from the port of Piraeus, while there is also the option to drive to Kosta Ermionidos, from where the taxi boat leading to Spetses is less than a 10 minute ride.
CONNECTIONS
Ferries and speed boats link Spetses all year round with Piraeus, Aegina, Poros, Methana, Hydra, Ermioni, Porto Heli, Nafplion, Neapoli, Kyparissia, Leonidio, Monemvassia, Astros, and Tolo.
MUSEUMS
The neoclassical mansion of Hatzigiannis Mexis serves as the local museum, its collection focused on the Greek Revolution of 1821. The mansion of Laskarina Bouboulina, built in the same period, houses the museum of the history of its owner, a tribute to this unique woman who was a leader, a war hero and a national benefactor, and remains an enduring source of inspiration to this day.
ALTERNATIVE TOURISM
Educational, cultural-historical, ecotourism, gastronomy, caving, elderly programmes, sporting (water ski, windsurfing, sailing, trekking).
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Spetses Area Code: 22980-
Municipality: 22980-72225
Telecommunications Org.: 22980-72399, 72199
Tourist Police: 22980-73100
Post Office: 22980-72228
Port Police: 22980-72245
Sea Taxi: 22980-72072
Medical Center: 22980-72472
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