In Spetses you meet incredible contrasts, which harmoniously connect with each other. Spetses is one of the most cosmopolitan and historical islands of the Argosaronic Sea and is located opposite the well-known tourist resort of Porto Heli.
Mansions and carnages, white-clad skippers with sunburned shipwrights tinkering with the next Armata. Smells from the varnishes of the tarsanas mingle with the scent of pine and flowers. Aromas and colors of red, green and blue against the white of the island.
Everywhere you go you meet surprises. Yards with the famous pebbles: dolphin, anchor, ropes, boat, cannon, mermaids, frigates with inflated sails. The cosmopolitan atmosphere of the worldly and the blue-blooded against the melancholic atmosphere of the old port, the smell of cigars with the saltiness of the sea.
In Dapia the red and white water taxis put their engines in front to cross towards Costa. On the other side, Panagia Armata – who performed her miracle in 1822 and saved the island from the Turks – is waiting for the fireworks of September 8.
Freed from cars, the island is suitable for all seasons of the year and it is hard to resist the horse ride or the abundant powdered sugar from the macaroons. With a rich history, the island of Bouboulina has something for everyone: beautiful beaches with clear, turquoise waters, cool bars and unique restaurants to enjoy your food. Here are our picks:
01 / Liotrivi
It is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the Old Port, which dates back to the mid-1800s. An oil mill of the island in a central position, since the oil was distributed by boats. In 1998 it was taken over by Giorgos Kiousis, who took care of it and renovated it, making it a classic since then, with spaces of special aesthetics, tables spread out on a wonderful pier overlooking the blue sea and a kitchen that upgrades every manifestation of the Mediterranean kitchen, serving refined and delicious dishes with raw ingredients from the island and the wider region. Among the specialties that the visitor must definitely try is Mayatiko ala Speciota, a traditional local recipe where the fillet is baked in the oven with fresh tomato, garlic, parsley and wine and becomes loukumi, the unsurpassed tuna tartare, in a secret marinade served with white and black sesame seeds, the fresh ravioli stuffed with cold lobster. Each treasure of the sea comes from local fishermen daily, while its meats are of particular interest, in premium cuts such as American loin, Uruguayan rib-eye, picanha, Australian Tomahawk, t-bone, etc. It is worth mentioning that the above are baked in a josper oven, the only one on the island. Read More
02 / The Water of Love
You can even call this scene the epitome of the Speciotiko landscape with its postcard sunset and the attractively lit Kounoupitsa deck that unfolds its action on 2 levels. “Nero tis Agapi” is one of the emblematic restaurants of Spetses, with an air of classic luxury and at the same time modern, a fact that is also reflected in its menu. With the fish as a central axis, which is procured from the local fishery, the restaurant displays its fish in the showcases of its refrigerators like precious jewels, which the visitor can choose in the sea to table philosophy. However, modern ideas are also at play in the fish cuisine – see fresh fish tartar, the iconic fagri alla Speciota cooked in the oven with tomato or even fresh tuna sashimi accompanied by freshly cut cucumber and avocado! Amazing dishes that upgrade every manifestation of Mediterranean cuisine, launching the taste, the combinations, the ideas and the textures, in excellent quality and with the advantage of the insurmountable view. The setting becomes very romantic – hence the concept of love – which extends to the guest with quality service and a welcoming attitude. Read More
03 / Votsalo
An enchanting café-cocktail bar, it will immediately captivate you with its wonderful decoration and light aura, it will immediately make you feel familiar and comfortable. Great music, flavors and the necessary friendly atmosphere will give a special touch to your vacation. At Votsalos, the day begins wonderfully, with the most perfect options for breakfast. Delicious coffee from Taf, perfectly accompanies scrambled eggs with halloumi, traditional kayana, French toast or yogurt bowl (as a lighter and healthier option), to start your day with the necessary energy. Throughout the day you can decompress by enjoying the perazzada and the relaxed atmosphere, while in the evening you can taste very delicious dishes, such as crispy pinsa Romana or mini burgers in 3 versions (with juicy beef, breaded chicken or falafel). As the night goes up, party music that lifts the mood and delicious cocktails guarantee absolute fun! G & T infused, Senorita with tequila, fig chutney with strong temperament and Blow Your Mind (infused vodka, passion fruit, vanilla, amaretto and lemon) are some of the explosive combinations prepared by the very strong bar and will surely seduce you into the most exciting paths of fun. Read More
04 / Agios Restaurant
If it’s your first time on the island, exploring the port area, your interest will surely be captivated by the Agios restaurant, a favorite spot of frequent visitors, which, since 1977, has been writing its own culinary history. A restaurant, where every little detail praises elegance, keeping the island element, emits this calm energy that relaxes you and prepares you to taste the magic of Mediterranean and Greek cuisine. Chef Konstantina Tsiandi, having in her hands the best raw materials from Greek small producers, creates tasteful dishes based on traditional recipes, through a modern approach. An impressive appearance result, which keeps the authenticity and deliciousness of comfort food, wins impressions. The very careful and unique food styling prepares you for an unforgettable dining experience and the test will not disprove you. Premium cuts of fine meats, signature dishes, such as potato nest with egg and truffle, but also favorite recipes from the past, such as the cheese pies (recipe of the chef’s father, Vassilis) are perfectly combined with the very special wines and beers from Greek vineyards and breweries . Finally, don’t forget to try the amazing cheesecake, so delicious that it will take you to heaven. Vassili) are perfectly combined with the very special wines and beers from Greek vineyards and breweries. Finally, don’t forget to try the amazing cheesecake, so delicious that it will take you to heaven. Vassili) are perfectly combined with the very special wines and beers from Greek vineyards and breweries. Finally, don’t forget to try the amazing cheesecake, so delicious that it will take you to heaven. Read More
05 / Pachni
The cornerstone of traditional Greek cuisine and the key element that has always made it so delicious and sought after, are the fresh ingredients. If you are nostalgic for those times when fresh vegetables were picked from the vegetable garden and directly ended up magically cooked on your plate, or if you want to experience this sweet experience, then you owe it to yourself to visit Pakhni. A traditional tavern that fully lives up to its title, located in the area of Kokkinaria and is well known in Spetses for its delicacies and good, handmade wine. After all, the real essence of good food is found in the pure raw materials and here you are sure of their origin, as all the vegetables are organically grown and grow with natural care in the vegetable garden which, in addition to its fruits, also gives you a wonderful view. The olive oil and wine are also produced by Konstantinos and Niki, the people behind Pakhni, and it is obvious that they contain love and care, because everything looks tastier to you. Good raw materials, however, also need a good hand to transform them into perfect dishes, and at Pakhni everything is cooked exactly as it should be for each material, so that its taste characteristics stand out. The excellent quality Greek meat is grilled, the fava beans have the perfect texture, the potatoes are fresh and hand cut, while you will taste the most perfect aubergine salad and the most beautiful giants. The olive oil and wine are also produced by Konstantinos and Niki, the people behind Pakhni, and it is obvious that they contain love and care, because everything looks tastier to you. Good raw materials, however, also need a good hand to transform them into perfect dishes, and at Pakhni everything is cooked exactly as it should be for each material, so that its taste characteristics stand out. The excellent quality Greek meat is grilled, the fava beans have the perfect texture, the potatoes are fresh and hand cut, while you will taste the most perfect aubergine salad and the most beautiful giants. The olive oil and wine are also produced by Konstantinos and Niki, the people behind Pakhni, and it is obvious that they contain love and care, because everything looks tastier to you. Good raw materials, however, also need a good hand to transform them into perfect dishes, and at Pakhni everything is cooked exactly as it should be for each material, so that its taste characteristics stand out. The excellent quality Greek meat is grilled, the fava beans have the perfect texture, the potatoes are fresh and hand cut, while you will taste the most perfect aubergine salad and the most beautiful giants. Good raw materials, however, also need a good hand to transform them into perfect dishes, and at Pakhni everything is cooked exactly as it should be for each material, so that its taste characteristics stand out. The excellent quality Greek meat is grilled, the fava beans have the perfect texture, the potatoes are fresh and hand cut, while you will taste the most perfect aubergine salad and the most beautiful giants. Good raw materials, however, also need a good hand to transform them into perfect dishes, and at Pakhni everything is cooked exactly as it should be for each material, so that its taste characteristics stand out. The excellent quality Greek meat is grilled, the fava beans have the perfect texture, the potatoes are fresh and hand cut, while you will taste the most perfect aubergine salad and the most beautiful giants. More here
06 / Guzel
As the holiday mood always awakens the instinct of the party animal that seeks fun at the heights and endless dancing until the morning, the evening destination that you will fall in love with is one and only: To Guzel! Guzel is located in the port of Spetses and welcomes you to its wonderful space, with its mysterious and sensual lighting, for nights you will never forget. Favorite hits at high volume seduce you to their rhythm, guest djs with exciting sets and a list of super tasty cocktails raise the entertainment thermometer to the heights, giving the evenings the most intense pulse of the summer. Beautiful performances, high spirits under the evening sky, Guzel will teach you what real fun means until the first rays of the sun. Read More