Spetses, Greece is the name of both the island and the town on it. It is situated off the Peloponnese coast and has a long and illustrious shipping history dating back thousands of years. Although the island's fortunes have waxed and waned, it has long been the playground of the rich and famous. In the 1960s and 70s, it was the premier destination of wealthy Athenians who built second villas and moored their yachts there. There are no private cars allowed in the town so walking, cycling and horse-drawn transport is popular. The main tourist season is only two months long, in midsummer, but plans are underway to extend it.
Dapia Village
The new harbor at Dapia Village is the latest development on Spetse. The cobblestone road has a church at each end. At one end there is also a piazza which leads to the Spetses museum and the Bouboulina statue. Halfway along the coastal road are the tourist shops, stylish boutiques, cafés and snack bars. All the commerical buildings in the area are painted white and blue, symbolizing the maritime culture of the island. The Anargyros and other mansions are also visible from Dapia.
Bouboulina Museum
The Laskarina Bouboulina Museum in Dapia Village is a tribute to Greece's only female admiral who came to prominence in the 1821 Greek War of Independence. The museum depicts 1800s Byzantine and post-Byzantine life.
Spetses Old Harbour
Balitza, the old harbor of Spetses, lies about a mile from the new harbor and Dapia Village. During the 18th and 19th century, shipbuilding was an important economic activity at Balitza. The lighthouse, built in 1837, and the cannon battery attest to historical protection of the port and the ships. The chapel of the Virgin of the Armada overlooks the harbor and the bronze statue of Kosmas Babatis, an island hero, is in its courtyard. It is spectacular all year round but is a busy tourist destination in summer.
Yachts and other sailboats moor there and small fishing boats come and go. The road is closed to vehicular traffic allowing pedestrians and cyclists to make use of it on the long evenings.
Spetses Museum
The Spetses Museum is situated in the Hatzigianni-Mexi house which was built in the 1700s. The first floor is open to the public.
Seafood Tavern
Panos, a fisherman, founded the tavern in 1935. His son and grandchildren now run the restaurant. Portraits of local personalities adorn the walls. Seafood Tavern overlooks the sea and from the terrace it seems as if fish can be hand-picked from the sea.
NTA Restaurant
Nero Tis Agapis means Water of Love. This former traditional Spetsian café has been remodeled into a seafood restaurant for fine dining. NTA Restaurant overlooks the sea, away from the busier parts of the island.
The Church of Panagia Armata
The Church of Panagia Armata was built between 1824 and 1830 by a Spetsiote captain, Ionnis Koutsis, in order to celebrate the defeat of the Ottomans.
