Attractions of Spetses
Spetses is a living museum — from the manor houses of sea captains and the traditional shipyards to the museums dedicated to 1821, every corner of the island tells a story.
Points of interest
Old Harbour
The historic harbour of Spetses, with the traditional wooden-shipbuilding shipyards still in operation, the elevated Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, the pine-forested Lighthouse area, and the long-loved bars of Spetses nightlife.
Dapia
The central harbour and the heart of the island's modern life. Despite its contemporary identity, it preserves historical elements such as the old cannons on the front pier and the historic buildings around it — including the Church of Agios Antonios (1815) and the Kapodistrias Building.
Agios Nikolaos Monastery
The Archdiocese of Spetses, with the patron saint of sailors. Above the Old Harbour, the grand church with the traditional pebbled courtyard was originally a monastery from 1700. On 3 April 1821, the ceremonial blessing for the beginning of the revolution was held here. The bell tower was built with marble from Tinos in 1805 (10m high, 6m base).
Anargirios & Korgialenios School (AKSS)
Founded by the Spetsiote benefactor Sotirios Anargyros in the early 20th century, modelled on Eton College. It operated as a boarding school for boys from wealthy families, bringing to Spetses politicians, royals and the Athenian social elite. Today it hosts cultural events and includes an ancient-style theatre.
Bouboulina House Museum
Founded in 1991 by Philip Demertzis-Bouboulis, a 5th-generation descendant. Preserves Laskarina Bouboulina's historic 300-year-old home. Visitors learn the history of the 1821 Revolution, the role of Spetses, and the life of a dynamic woman admiral. Extensive collections of weapons, books, porcelain and personal items from the 17th to 20th centuries.
Spetses Museum (Hadjiyanni Mexi)
The state Museum of Spetses opened in 1938 and is housed in the mansion of Hadjiyanni Mexi — leader of the island and revolutionary of the Greek War of Independence. The main floor displays ceramics of the Early Helladic and Classical eras, Roman sculptures, Byzantine icons, and objects of Spetsiote daily life. The final room is dedicated to 1821, including the revolutionary flag and Bouboulina's ossuary.
Lighthouse and Natalia Mela's Sculptures
Pine-forested area at the Old Harbour, with the open-air exhibition of Natalia Mela's sculptures (1923-2019), who spent almost all her summers in Spetses. Animals — goats, bulls — and mythical creatures like the Mermaid welcoming boats into the harbour. An ideal walk at sunset.
Traditional Shipyards
At the Old Harbour, the traditional wooden shipbuilding yards still operate. Most visible during summer months; boat construction and repair activities continue. They are a living part of the maritime tradition of Spetses and participate with vessels in the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta.
