Spetses has always been the ultimate summer destination due to its proximity to Athens and summer in Spetses starts with the first bank holiday in June. However, the island has always had regular visitors, young and old, that stay until the second weekend of September and the Armata Celebrations, the re-enactment of the historic Battle of Spetses in 1822.
Spetses is so easily accessed that it takes away the stress of planning a long journey, but as soon as you step foot on the island you begin travelling back in time. The late 19th- early 20th century architecture reveals the elegance and wealth of the island’s Captain Houses along the seafront, while horse-drawn carriages and evening walks through cobblestoned alleyways, never cease to enchant visitors regardless of how many times they ‘ve travelled to Spetses.
Summer in Spetses is of course all about the rejuvenating power of the sea and spending all day at the beach until the sun sets. The vast variety of restaurants, cafes and bars allows visitors to choose their own pace and rhythm: relaxed and laid back or vibrant and active! Sailing, watersports, cycling, hiking and tracking through Spetses pine forest are amongst activities ideally done on the island, unless you prefer a quiet night at one of the two open air cinemas followed by a refreshing cocktail along the seafront. After all, the ideal holiday is what you find ideal and Spetses can offer it.
As the summer heat isn’t bearable for all, Greek autumns tend to have mellower temperatures, but still great beach weather. Also known as the “little summer”, September and October are rather lively in Spetses without the intensity of the summer months, making it an ideal time to visit if serenity is what you are seeking.
Athletic events also keep the island buzzy, especially at the weekends and bank holidays, as Spetses is so close to Athens and is the perfect smooth transition back into a winter routine.
Autumn is a great time to explore other aspects of the island, such as its glorious pine forest hiking through the mountain trails, but above all, it is the time of year where visitors blend in with the locals’ day-to-day life.
Have you ever wondered what life is about on small islands during winter? Perhaps another Greek island, more remote than Spetses, would be affected by bad weather and could get cut off, but Spetses is hardly ever unapproachable due to its close proximity to the Peloponnese. This is also the reason why an island of only 26 km2 has an approximate of 4 000 permanent residents, along with all the regular visitors of the island during winter months.
The island is much calmer and more peaceful; nature is at its best, seen through a rougher lens, but equally magical. Winter months are also ideal to explore the mountain and its picturesque churches with breathtaking views rather than the beaches, even if sunny days are many in Greek winters and can easily be enjoyed by the sea.
Although lots of seasonal restaurants and shops are closed, those who remain open in the winter provide visitors with a sense of familiarity and hospitality; a feeling sorely missed by all those who live in larger cities. All that it takes is a weekend visit, for the bar owner to greet you by name and allow you to immerge into the local experience.
By the beginning of spring, Spetses begins to prepare for more visitors over the Greek holiday weekends and a variety of athletic and cultural events that take place. Spring peaks during Greek Orthodox Easter and Spetses is the ultimate destination to celebrate traditionally but with the splendour and elegance that characterises the island all year round.
As the summer heat isn’t bearable for all, Greek autumns tend to have mellower temperatures, but still great beach weather. Also known as the “little summer”, September and October are rather lively in Spetses without the intensity of the summer months, making it an ideal time to visit if serenity is what you are seeking.
Athletic events also keep the island buzzy, especially at the weekends and bank holidays, as Spetses is so close to Athens and is the perfect smooth transition back into a winter routine.
Autumn is a great time to explore other aspects of the island, such as its glorious pine forest hiking through the mountain trails, but above all, it is the time of year where visitors blend in with the locals’ day-to-day life.
