Where to Stay in Spetses

Our Favorite Spetses Hotels

• Luxury: Mare Monte
• Boutique: Economou Mansion

  • The website for this establishment can be found at this link.

• Families: Kastro
• Pool: Nissia
• Honeymoon: Yayaki
• Harbor: Poseidonion Grand
• Beach: Spetses
• Old Harbor Porto Vecchio
boats floating on top of a body of water

A picturesque Greek island only around 3 hours from Athens by ferry in the Argo-Saronic Gulf, Spetses offers an enjoyable blend of history, culture, and natural wonders. Outside of its main town (also called Spetses), the island is mostly uninhabited and covered with pine trees. Its remote coastline is dotted with stunning sand and pebble beaches with crystal-clear waters.

Spetses is renowned for its meaningful role in the 1821 War of Independence, commemorated each September with a week-long festival that culminates in a gripping naval battle reenactment. It is also the childhood home of the legendary Greek naval heroine Laskarina Bouboulina, a statue of whom proudly stands guard over the harbor. Visitors can explore the historic old harbor and the stately Venetian mansions, which evoke the island’s affluent past. Walking paths and courtyards in Spetses are commonly paved with black and white pebble mosaics, often indicating the historic construction-year of the adjacent structure.

a statue of a man sitting on top of a fire hydrant

Motor vehicles are limited on Spetses for both travelers and locals, making it flawless for horse-drawn transportation rides or riding alongside pine-shrouded ways. This preclusion likewise guarantees a to a great extent peaceful climate that is just disturbed by the irregular whine of motorbikes as they zoom past. (Motorbike, e-bike, and ATV rental business are bountiful all along the harbor.)

a collage of photos showing different types of food 1. The foremost lodging on the island is followed in order by another highly-rated accommodation and then a third option. Further selections include a historic residence and an iconic establishment. Additional alternatives range from a beachfront hotel to a resort with spa services. Further listings encompass a traditional inn and lastly a harbor-front facility

Staying on Spetses

Most of the island`s hotels and accommodations are situated in Spetses` main settlement, also called Spetses, which can easily be walked from one end to another. Spetses Town can be divided into two general regions that are approximately 20 minutes apart on foot: Dapia Port and the Old Harbor.

Ferries arrive and depart from Dapia, the main port and commercial center of the island. A trio of outdoor cafés overlooking the port stay crowded from dawn to dusk with patrons relaxing, sipping coffee, drinks and snacks with the waterfront vista; the coast road, narrow lanes and small squares lined with cafes, shops and restaurants. Staying near Dapia provides an ideal location close to the ferry and heart of island activity.

people sitting at tables in front of a building

Dapia’s attractions include the small but informative Museum of Spetses, housed in the saffron-colored 1798 Chatzigiannis-Mexis mansion, and the lovely Bouboulina Museum, situated in the Greek heroine’s former residence. Small and pebbly Agios Mamas beach near the port makes a convenient spot for a swift dip (if not a secluded one) in the Myrtoan Sea; a 20-minute walk west up the coast, Kaiki Beach Club provides a swankier swim with beach loungers and bar service.

Located east of the main harbor area, the Old Harbor (Palia Limani) region is recognized for its charm and more tranquil atmosphere compared to the busyness of Dapia. It’s a great option for those seeking a calmer visit, with convenient access to some lovely dining choices and scenic views. A small, sandy beach called St. Nicholas Beach hugs the waterfront trail directly below the church of the same name, while just south of the Old Harbor on Spetses’ east coast sits the lovely Agia Marina Beach, with shaded beach chairs and restaurant/bar service.

a patio area with tables, chairs and umbrellasa woman standing in front of a stone buildinga wooden bench sitting on the side of a street

Getting To and Around Spetses

Spetses can be conveniently reached by ferry from Athens, with multiple daily sailings departing from Piraeus. It takes around 3 hours to travel from Athens to Spetses, with stops along the same route including the Argo-Saronic islands of Poros and Hydra.

bikes parked on the side of the road

With the exception of taxis, delivery trucks, and public services, motor vehicles are barred from roads on Spetses Island. Due to its small footprint, getting around the area is straightforward through several handy options. Cycling is a favored method and bikes can easily be leased from multiple locations found in Spetses Town. (This writer suggests Life Cycle Spetses for their quality collection of electric bicycles well-maintained.) For a more vintage or romantic experience, horse-drawn carriages provide scenic tours throughout the island, accessible at Poseidonio Square along the harbor. Taxis and water taxis are readily available at the port for longer trips or exploring remote beaches.

a small boat on the water near a dock

Traveling on foot is certainly an especially agreeable choice on Spetses, particularly moving alongside the island’s beautiful oceanfront promenades. And for those who enjoy a small amount of adventure, renting a motorbike or ATV is a well liked and fun method to uncover the hidden gems of Spetses – with rental shops easily found in and around Dapia

Best Spetses Tours

  • Life Cycle Tours: Guided hiking and e-bike trips ranging from 2-4 hours accommodating various skill levels. Themed trips offered focusing on Spetses’ nature, views, mythology, stargazing, and history.
  • Greg’s Spetses Horses: Horseback trips along the scenic coast or through the mountain to inland churches. Excursions range from 45 minutes to 4 hours, with possibilities suitable for all levels of experience. Riding and grooming lessons are also offered.

Best Places To Stay On Spetses

a large building with a view of the ocean

a city street filled with lots of buildings and people

15 Best Hotels on Spetses

1. Poseidonion Grand

people standing in front of a buildingHotel phone: +30 2298 074553
This famous historical 5-star building with an iconic location directly fronts the harbor plaza. (Its appearance may be familiar from the 2022 film, The Glass Onion.) Constructed in 1914 and fully renovated in 2009, it provides superior and deluxe accommodations that exhibit contemporary yet elegant aesthetics, with several including sea view balconies or private gardens – even a private pool. Spacious 2- and 3-bedroom suites are well-suited for families. On-site you`ll find an outdoor pool, wellness spa, art gallery, and fitness amenities, and their superb culinary offerings incorporate a fine dining restaurant, brasserie, bar/lounge, and excellent daily breakfast choices • Hotel websiteCheck prices for Poseidonion Grand

2. Mare Monte Luxury Suites

a motorcycle parked in front of a brick buildingHotel phone: +30 2298 077122
Historic stone residence dating back to 1762, housing 6 spacious luxury suites and studio apartments. All are impeccably finished with marble bathrooms and tastefully furnished in a simple, yet luxurious, natural style. A small, lovely garden pool and open-air bar are on site, and a homemade Greek breakfast is offered daily. Excellent quiet location between Dapia and the Old Harbor, within easy walking distance to all restaurants and shops.
• The website for Mare Monte Boutique Hotel and a link to check prices are provided

3. Yayaki

a garden filled with plants next to a buildingHotel phone: +30 6970 506667
Remote and peaceful high-end guesthouse with a natural, contemporary feel. Spacious guest rooms sleep 2-4, with excellent and modern private bathrooms. E-bike rental and island tours can be arranged through the hotel, and on-site amenities include a pool area and yoga studio. Located in a quiet neighborhood away from the water, about a 10-minute walk from both ports.

  • Festival de Sintra – This roughly 3-week-long festival typically initiates in late September. It highlights modern and ballet dancing, classical recitals, world music, concerts for children and multimedia events.

4. Economou Mansion

a swimming pool with a pool table and chairsHotel phone: +30 2298 073400
A sea captain’s mansion from 1851, now converted into a series of 6 charming rooms that can each house 2 guests. The rooms are spacious and feature traditional architecture and decor that lend a sense of stepping back in time. There is a lovely outdoor pool and bar on site, and the cozy shared living area located in the mansion’s former kitchen includes a large fireplace perfect for off-season travelers. Situated along the waterfront road, about a 10-minute walk from Dapia Port.
• The Hotel website and prices for Economou Mansion

5. Orloff

a large white swimming pool in front of a houseHotel phone: +30 2298 075444
Historic stone property transformed into a boutique hotel near the Old Harbor. Orloff presents contemporary rooms, suites and maisonettes that sleep 2-6 guests, as well as an elegant 5-bedroom mansion accommodating 10. The lovely landscaped grounds incorporate a pool and outdoor snack bar. Great breakfasts too. A brief 5-10 minute stroll to the Old Harbor; 10-20 minutes to the shops, restaurants and ferry port at Dapia.
Hotel websiteCheck prices for Orloff

6. Alexandris

a building that has a bunch of windows on top of itHotel phone: +30 2298 073073
Great family-run accommodation right at the ferry terminal. Its 11 guest rooms are straightforward yet extremely comfortable spaces each sleeping two and including a balcony facing the port of Dapia or surveying a stone-paved pedestrian alleyway of shops and coffee houses; modern, double-paned windows successfully block noise from below. The location could not be more convenient, and the hosts are exceptionally friendly and helpful. No elevator.
Hotel siteCheck prices for Alexandris

7. Nissia Traditional Residences

a hotel room with a pool and a swimming poolHotel phone: +30 2103 462879
The beachfront hotel has a beautiful swimming pool area that is perfect for families. Nissia provides studio rooms, suites, and detached homes that sleep between two to six guests, all with full or partial kitchens. Breakfast is served on their seaside terrace cafe, which transforms into an upscale Italian dining venue at night. The excellent location on the waterfront is close to everything, and a five-minute stroll to the harbor.
Hotel websiteCheck prices for Nissia Traditional Residencesa row of houses on a beach next to a body of water

8. Spetses Hotel

a large body of water with palm treesHotel phone: +30 2298 072602
One of Spetses’ few true waterfront hotels (not across the beachfront road), complete with shaded lounge chairs, beach bar, and sea access. Rooms here are accommodating, if on the smaller side; most providing unbeatable Saronic Gulf views. Stunning scenery is also the main attraction at the on-site bar/lounge and all-day restaurant serving Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Located along the main waterfront road, a pleasant (but comparatively farther) 20-minute walk from the port and village center. (Shuttle service is available.)
Hotel websiteCheck costs for Spetses Hotel

9. Zoe’s Club

a living room with a pool table and chairsHotel phone: +30 2298 074447
The suites, apartments, and maisonettes here have a fresh, modern style and are situated close to everything. The decor is airy and elegant, and the units are centered around a beautiful pool deck served by an open-air bar; many have private balconies with wonderful sea views. It has a prime village location perched above and away from the port bustle, but is a brief walk to Agios Mamas Beach and the shops and restaurants of Dapia.
Hotel websiteCheck prices for Zoe’s Club

10. Hotel Klimis

motorcycles parked in front of a buildingHotel phone: +30 2298 073725
Fantastic boutique hotel situated at Dapia port. Double and triple rooms, suites, and 2-bedroom apartments perched directly on the sea, all newly-renovated and furnished in a tasteful, modern Greek style. Elevator access available to upper floors. On the hotel’s ground floor is an amazing bakery and café/bar, also providing room service to hotel guests. Easy, level 3-minute walk to ferry.
Hotel webpageCheck prices for Hotel Klimis

11. Hotel Kastro

a white van parked in front of a stone buildingHotel phone: +30 2298 075319
Remarkable traditional lodging in the village near Dapia port. A variety of 17 well-maintained rooms, suites, and apartments graciously accommodate individuals up to families of five. A charming central courtyard around a pool and open-air bar is shared by all. Excellent Dapia Port placement, close to everything and just one street from the waterfront.
Hotel website ( Hotel website)Check prices for Hotel Kastro ( Check prices for Hotel Kastro)

12. Mimoza

a bike parked in front of a stone buildingHotel phone: +30 2298 074087
A charming, family-run lodging located in a quiet village offers comfortable, modern, and thoughtfully designed rooms and apartments. Many amenities include stunning marble bathrooms, balconies, and terraces or kitchen facilities. A delicious homemade breakfast is served each morning surrounded by the rustic charm of the shared courtyard. Guests enjoy a 5 minute walk to the Old Harbor or 10 minutes to the picturesque Agia Marina Beach.
Hotel websiteCheck prices for Mimoza

13. Porto Vecchio

a motorcycle parked in front of a houseHotel phone: +30 6938 690910
Thoughtfully refurbished mansion directly along the picturesque Old Harbor. Three cozy suites and one 3-bedroom apartment (with full kitchen) decorated in breezy, contemporary Greek motifs, with superb views over the harbor and high-quality fixtures throughout. A small swimming pool is on site, and breakfast is served daily to guests. Excellent Old Harbor location; Dapia port is a 20-minute stroll away along the charming waterfront.
Hotel websiteCheck prices for Porto Vecchio

14. Arolithos

a street scene with a building and carsHotel phone: +30 2298 073154
Clean, cozy, and charming funds hotel nearby the Dapia Port waterfront. Nine visitor rooms sleep 2-3, all with small private balconies. A rooftop garden terrace is shared by all. Excellent central location, a block up from the sea and a 10-minute stroll to the port.
Hotel websiteCheck prices for Arolithos

15. Niriides Guesthouse

a house with a motorcycle parked in front of itHotel phone: +30 6907 039456
Excellent value, fully-refurbished lodgings on a tranquil street in Dapia. Seven lovely studios and apartments sleep 2-3, all featuring balconies or garden access. Breakfast is served daily in the guesthouse’s charming garden courtyard by exceptionally warm and welcoming hosts. Perfect location near the center of town, a 5-minute walk to the ferry.
Hotel websiteCheck prices for Niriides Guesthouse

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

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