Sightseeing in Spetses Island - what to see. Complete travel guide

Hundreds of years ago, the picturesque island of Spetses began to attract noblemen who built luxury villas on the coast. Today, this aristocratic Greek island is accessible for everybody. Its main attractive feature is the primordial nature and a large selection of gorgeous beaches. The enchanting island of Spetses is home to Laskarina Bouboulina, who became famous during the Greek War of Independence in 1821; many of the local attractions are somehow connected with her name.

The most symbolic and historical objects are found in the capital of Spetses. Here you can see the port area with old cannons, which were used in battles of 1821. After the war, they remained in their places; today these historical pieces are located in the local coffee shops and taverns. The busy central square of Dapia is situated not far from the port, and right behind it you can find the museum of Bouboulina.

The museum is set in the mansion of the 17th century, which is of great architectural value. Some rooms of the old mansion have completely preserved decor of the past centuries; the museum has an interesting collection of weapons, old books, as well as personal belongings of famous heroine. Another interesting museum is housed in the mansion of Hadji-Yiannis Mexis; it holds a collection of historical artifacts. The age of some items is more than 400 years, they are all part of the personal collection of Mexis family. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Among the other attractions of the capital the Church of the Virgin Armata is notable. Its construction has begun in 1824, three years after the end of the war. In 1830, the beautiful church met first parishioners, since then it remains the permanent symbol of the victory for the islanders. The Cathedral of St. Nicholas was the witness of heroic battles. The first revolutionary flag was raised there; the cathedral miraculously managed to survive in wartime. The sanctuary is of great interest from an architectural point of view; it was built on the site of an ancient monastery. Its main feature is the elegant bell tower that is 16 meters high.

Scenic walks will complement exploration of historical attractions. Trips to uninhabited islands nearby are very popular among tourists. Agios Yannis Island is the best fit for acquaintance with local flora and fauna. Lots of interesting hiking trails pass through Mikro Bourbulo and Spetsopoula.

The charming Greek island has many interesting peculiarities. Colorful pedestrian areas and pavements have become an interesting symbol of Spetses. These roads are paved with colorful pebbles – it is not possible to find such an unusual design of streets in any other town in Greece. Needless to say, a mere walk on such unusual pavements will be simply unforgettable. For many travelers, the search for the most creative and eye-catching streets turns into an exciting quest.

The island hosts many interesting events and celebrations every year. For example, every town has a holiday dedicated to its patron saint. These celebrations are always accompanied by interesting processions, music and dance events, and fascinating gastronomic events. The first decade of September is traditionally the time of an interesting historical celebration, the Armata Festival, which usually lasts seven days.

This festival is dedicated to an important historic event – the victory over the Turkish army in 1822. A reconstruction of a sea-fight is the main event in the schedule of the festival. The fight ends with a fire – locals burn a model of a Turkish ship. To the service of guests of the festival, there are various fair trades, festive treats, interesting open-air theatre performances, and special entertainment programs for visitors with children.

There are several interesting hiking trails that cross the island. The majority of these trails are located in the northern and western parts of the island. The mountain region of Spetses is home to rare plants, birds, and insects. Visitors can also enjoy the panoramic view of the seaside from naturally formed observation decks.

Spetses Island is always incredibly popular with fans of eco-tourism. Despite an active development of the tourist infrastructure, which has become particularly active in recent years, coastal water still amazes visitors with its transparency. The island has ideal conditions for various sea creatures. Besides divers, numerous scientists from different parts of the world come to this place. Spetses is an ideal place for everyone who dreams of enjoying the beauty of nature.