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A
wonderful island, only five miles away from the coast of Peloponese,
a favoured location for international scientific seminars, Spetses,
possesses a certain mystery of contradiction. Ideal for
exploring, wind surfing, swimming, spear fishing, good food,
dancing or relaxing away from everything. A marvellous choice
for everyone and a surely unforgettable experience.
Countless
picturesque coves, around the island offer visitors with moments
of peace and tranquility. Either by land or sea various forms
of transportation, make every part of the island fully accessible.
A walk in the forest enables the visitors to experience
the unique atmosphere of Spetses. Spetses is an island with
great history and the privilege of National recognition
for it's vital role during the Greek revolution against the
Ottoman Empire. Visitors have the chance to re-live those heroic
times, surrounded by remarkable historic sites which
are maintained with love and care.
Places To Visit
One should not miss visiting the Museum of Spetses, situated
at the mansion of Hadziyiannis Mexis ( one of the wealthiest
leading activist of that era ), the main mansion of heroine
Laskarina Bouboulina, now private museum and the historical
monastery of St. Nicholas, where on April 3, 1821, the locals
took the oath "Freedom Or Death" and joined the revolution.
SPETSES TOWN
Traditional sites, already missing from other parts of Greece
decorate the village of Spetses. The famous Spetses ship-yards
with their wooden keels, the mansions of the great captains
and admirals from the last century with their own characteristic
architecture, the picturesque churches in every neighbourhood
which were built after Byzantium Empire, the squares and the
alleys with Spetses designs of their pebbled floors, the
horse and buggies, and so much more that someone can come
across, reveal a way of life different to taht of the city.
PLACES
TO MOOR
Spetses Old Harbor – You should anchor in the bay with
line ashore. If you find room you can tie in the inner harbor.
If there are strong NW winds it can become dangerous. There
is fuel and water available at the quay provisions are available
as well as several tavernas for eating out. Spetses.
New
Harbor – The harbor is reserved for caiques, water taxis
and the ferries. If you try to tie here most likely you will
be asked to leave.
Ormos
Zoyioryia – This large bay located on the NW corner is very
attractive and an ideal place for a swim. It offers good shelter
except from N or NW winds. There is a taverna ashore.
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Beaches
Beaches of golden brown sand and bright pebbles as well as the
numerous natural coves, inside and outside of the village, are
there to offer their cool waters. Large or small boats leave
everyday from the main harbour (Dapia) taking the more eager
visitors to organized beaches around the island such as Xilokeriza,
Agii Anargiri, Aghia Paraskevi and Zogeria. For those who prefer
swimming closer to the center or further away on their "own"
coves, other means of transportation are available or even rentals
for the more adventurous.
Sports
The island is suitable for all kinds of water-sports.
Night Life
Restaurants, taverns and night clubs is what you can find in
Spetses.
Local Festivities
The most important Spetses Festival of religious and historical
meaning is "Armata". Early September with weekly events leading
to their peak on the 8th., the locals together with thousands
of guests celebrate the anniversary of the great Spetses naval
battle, one of the most significant fights of the 1821 revolution.
At that stage of the revolution, Peloponnese had been freed
and the only fortres under Ottoman occupation was Palamidi of
Nafplio, which was surrounded from land by D. Ypsilandis army
and sea by Bouboulinas fleet. The Ottoman navy in order to break
the siege, intended to destroy islands of Spetses and Hydra,
the naval bases of the area. On the 8th of September 1822 a
fierce naval battle took place and the enemy fleet was defeated
to retreat after loosing their flag-ship. Spetses honours every
year that courageous victory with a spectacular dramatization
which enables the thousands of viewers to re-live some of those
heroic moments.
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