Spetses Yacht Charter Guide

A quietly glamorous Greek island that retains its traditional feel, Spetses is just two hours from Athens and has grown into a stylish destination for weekend breaks, with a perfect blend of high-end restaurants, shops and boutique hotels and charming family-owned taverns. The villages and towns are full of classic Greek architecture – houses with wooden balconies and colored walls dot the narrow stone-paved alleys. The picturesque old harbor and Dápia are the trademarks of the island, which has a strong boating history and has been a secret haven for the yachting crowd for decades. 

Best time to visit: Spetses has a Mediterranean climate so offers lovely sunshine and warm temperatures throughout the year. The most popular times to visit are between June and August. 

Key cruising areas: Spetses is a wonderful place to explore on a yacht or tender. The ports on the island are well established and very safe, as well as moments from the action. For day trips, the tranquil bay of Zogeria has an excellent beach and calm, blue waters – it’s a perfect place to drop anchor and spend the day snorkeling. The bay of Vrellos beach is another great option and benefits from a beach bar to enjoy a mid-afternoon glass of wine. 
Spetses is also an ideal destination to begin a charter through the Saronic Gulf, where you can island-hop to Aegina, Hydra, and Poros. A wonderful mix of sleepy fishing villages and cosmopolitan towns await you in this blue water paradise.

Don't miss: Take a romantic trip around the main town and along the waterfront in a horse-drawn carriage to admire the grand mansions that line the narrow cobbled streets of the island. It is a truly unforgettable experience and allows you to see the town’s character in a completely different way. 

Best spots for wining and dining: Fish Tavern Patralis has been serving its iconic fish dishes for over 80 years. Using the freshest ingredients, its menu of seafood risotto, shrimp spaghetti and bouillabaisse is famous on the island. Another excellent option for high-quality fresh seafood is Tarsanas, a stylish restaurant located in the old port. After dinner, visit Tôle, a club and bar where Jackie Kennedy is rumored to have partied with Aristotle Onassis.

Best local dish: Many islands of Spetses serve traditional 'mezze' dishes of fresh fish, salad and grilled local vegetables. Fish is an integral part of the local cuisine and often restaurants will display the ‘catch of the day’ that was delivered by a fisherman that morning. Souvlaki is a traditional dish of grilled meat that makes a perfect light lunch or snack and Saganaki cheese is a rich delicacy on the island. 

Local culture: The history of Spetses is epitomized in its well-preserved architecture. Many natives of Spetses were very successful and the island's aristocrats displayed their wealth in grand houses and mansions. For a history lesson on the Greek Revolution, visit the Bouboulina Museum, named in honor of legendary local soldier Laskarina Bouboulina.

Best beach: There are several excellent beaches to choose from on the island. Agia Paraskevi is a popular option as its astonishingly clear waters are an idyllic place to swim, however, it can become crowded in the summer. Ayioi Anargyroi is one of the largest beaches on the southwest of the island with clean, deep waters and excellent water sports facilities. Zogeriá is another spectacular option, with pine trees that stretch down to the beach and stunning azure waters. 

IYC recommends: The picturesque village of Baltiza is the old harbor of Spetses. Stroll around the waterfront and enjoy the colorful local fishing and sailboats. At sunset, walk up to the nearby lighthouse and the Virgin of the Armada chapel to enjoy a stunning view of the island.