Spetses Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Greece at the incredible port of Spetses! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Spetses boasts an impressive 20 ferry routes operated by 11 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Spetses, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Spetses offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Piraeus - Spetses, Poros - Spetses, Hydra - Spetses. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Spetses. You'll find companies like Hellenic Seaways, Alpha lines, Aegean Flying Dolphins ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Spetses.

Spetses is easily accessible via ferry from the mainland port of Piraeus, with journeys typically taking 2-3 hours depending on the type of vessel. Travelers from Athens can reach Piraeus by metro, bus, or taxi in approximately 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, many visitors opt to travel to the closer mainland port of Porto Heli (about 2.5 hours from Athens by car), from where small water taxis and ferries make the short 15-minute crossing to Spetses. For those driving, secure parking facilities are available at both Piraeus and Porto Heli ports. During summer months, hydrofoils increase frequency, offering more flexible scheduling options for day-trippers and longer-stay visitors.

Nestled in the Saronic Gulf just off the Peloponnese coast, Spetses combines aristocratic heritage with natural beauty to create a uniquely captivating Greek island experience. The island's motor vehicle restrictions maintain a peaceful atmosphere where horse-drawn carriages still clip-clop along cobblestone streets. As a significant maritime hub with a proud naval history, Spetses welcomes ferry travelers to a world where pine-scented hills meet crystal waters and elegant mansions tell tales of the island's illustrious past.

Spetses shines from May through October, with peak summer months (July-August) offering perfect swimming conditions but also larger crowds and higher prices. Early June and September provide an ideal balance of warm weather (averaging 25-28°C) and more relaxed atmosphere, with the sea remaining pleasantly swimmable. The annual Armata Festival in early September commemorates a naval victory with impressive reenactments and fireworks, making it a particularly exciting time to visit. Ferry services operate year-round but increase significantly during summer, with some routes reducing to weekend-only schedules during winter months. Spring visits reward travelers with wildflower-covered hillsides and authentic local experiences without the summer crowds.

Spetses serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the stunning Saronic Gulf islands. Hydra, just a 30-minute ferry ride away, charms visitors with its car-free status, artistic heritage, and dramatic harbor ringed by stone mansions. The pine-covered island of Poros can be reached in under an hour, offering beautiful beaches and a lively waterfront promenade. For history enthusiasts, ferries to Aegina (approximately 90 minutes) provide access to the magnificent Temple of Aphaia and traditional pistachio groves. The mainland coastal town of Porto Heli is just 15 minutes away by water taxi, offering access to the ancient theater of Epidaurus and the historic city of Nafplio for those seeking day trips with archaeological significance.

Spetses invites exploration of its rich naval history at the Bouboulina Museum, housed in the actual mansion of the famous female admiral who fought in the Greek War of Independence. The island's Old Harbor area pulses with life, featuring upscale restaurants serving fresh seafood with local specialties like fish soup and octopus marinated in wine. Active visitors can circumnavigate the island on rented bicycles along the 26km coastal road, stopping at secluded beaches like Agioi Anargyroi and Zogeria that are accessible only by bike or water taxi. The elegant Poseidonion Grand Hotel, built in 1914, offers a glimpse into Spetses' cosmopolitan past while serving exceptional cocktails on its sea-view terrace. Don't miss the chance to explore the island's interior pine forests via the network of walking trails that reveal hidden chapels and panoramic viewpoints.

Spetses earned its name from the Venetians who called it 'Isola di Spezzie' (Island of Spices) due to the aromatic plants that perfume the air across the island. Despite its modest size of just 22 square kilometers, Spetses once possessed one of Greece's most formidable naval fleets, with its shipowners and sea captains playing a crucial role in the 1821 Greek Revolution. The island maintains a curious tradition where locals crack clay pots filled with water from their balconies on Holy Saturday, symbolizing the breaking of Hades' gates. Most remarkably, Spetses has maintained its motor vehicle ban in the main town since the 1980s, with horses, bicycles, and water taxis serving as the primary transportation methods, creating an atmosphere that feels delightfully frozen in time.