Major city · Greece
SpetsesΣπέτσες
Go for 2 nights, car-free: walk Dapia to the Old Harbour (30 min), swim at Aghioi Anargyroi, and book beds weeks ahead for Easter or Armata.
Spetses is a small, pine-covered Saronic island with no private cars, a horse-and-buggy town and a walkable waterfront. It is an Athenian weekend island, so beds and ferries tighten on summer weekends, Easter and the Armata festival in September. Two nights covers the town, the Old Harbour and one beach day; three if you want a boat trip or the Prophet Elia climb.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat, crowds, weekend ferry pressure), Easter and Armata weekends for beds
- Airport
- ATH
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 10Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovin…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Balkans ↗Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in pockets of Croatia's former front line: outside towns keep to tarmac and waymarked paths, and treat red triangle signs and taped-off fields as absolute.
- Balkans ↗Serbia refuses onward entry to travellers who reached Kosovo from a third country and then try to cross straight into Serbia; route Kosovo–Serbia legs through North Macedonia or Montenegro, or start the loop in Serbia.
- Balkans ↗Hire cars need written permission from the rental company and valid insurance for every country on the line; Kosovo sells its own border insurance and some contracts exclude Albania, Kosovo or Bosnia outright.
- Greece ↗Greece is in the EU and the Schengen area: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Greece ↗Taking stones, pottery or other objects from archaeological sites is illegal; so is exporting antiquities without a permit.
- Greece ↗Do not photograph military sites or border zones; signs mark them.
- Greece ↗Acropolis tickets are sold for one-hour entry slots on the official Hellenic Heritage site (hhticket.gr); in peak season slots sell out days ahead, and you cannot enter outside your hour.
- Greece ↗Businesses must give a receipt (apodeixi) for every sale; ask for one, and do not accept a handwritten note in place of it.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Spetses112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Spetses, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Greece-wide
- SIM or eSIMCosmote, Vodafone and Nova sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at the airport; a passport is needed to register.Greece-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Athens, Thessaloniki and most of the mainland.Greece-wide
- TippingTaverna or restaurant: 5–10% in cash on the table; not expected at gyros shops.Greece-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Greece-wide
- SafetySpetses is a low-crime island and safe for tourists; the real issues are summer heat, rough water on the north beaches when the wind is up…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsUse cafés (buy something), museums and sites.Greece-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency · 100 police · 166 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysArchaeological sites run shorter winter hours (often 08:00–15:00 or 17:00) and longer summer hours; they close on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday…Archaeological sites run shorter winter hours (often 8:00 AM–3:00 PM or 5:00 PM) and longer summer hours; they close on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday…Greece-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportATH Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (Then bus or metro to Piraeus port for the ferry; or drive to Kosta and cross by boat.).
- Getting aroundPrivate cars are banned from the island, so you walk, cycle or take the seasonal bus, four taxis, horse-drawn buggies (high season) or water taxis.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€3–5 (≈ US$4–6)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Water taxi to a beachcheck; agree the price first€20–60 (≈ US$25–70)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry€3–5 (≈ US$4–6)
- Budget bedRooms-to-let double, a night, per room€70 (≈ US$85)
- Mid-range bedRooms-to-let double, a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedRooms-to-let double, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €200 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ATH Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (Then bus or metro to Piraeus port for the ferry; or drive to Kosta and cross by boat.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Feb
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Mar
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Dec
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C) low), wettest Dec (10 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Spetses: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Feb
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
1 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
1 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5 rd
Nov
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Dec
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Private cars are banned from the island, so you walk, cycle or take the seasonal bus, four taxis, horse-drawn buggies (high season) or water taxis. The coastal road to the Old Harbour closes to vehicles in summer evenings. Water taxis run year-round but are expensive; low season leaves only water taxis and the four land taxis.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Hydra
goDoor to door: About 1–2 h each way
Ferry or hydrofoil from Dapia, often via Ermioni or Porto Heli
Car-free island town; check sailing times, they are not hourly.
Poros
goDoor to door: About 1–2 h each way
Ferry or hydrofoil from Dapia
Pair it with Spetses on a Saronic island loop.
Ermioni or Porto Heli (Peloponnese)
cautionDoor to door: About 30–60 min each way
Ferry or hydrofoil across the strait
Useful as a transport link more than a sight; check connections.
Aghioi Anargyroi and Bekiris Cave
goDoor to door: About 20–30 min
Seasonal bus or tourist boat from Spetses Town
West-side beach with a cave; go early in high season.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Dapia harbour area
Steps from the ferry, cafés and shops; convenient but the noisiest at night.
Kounoupitsa / west of Dapia
Quieter shore strip near Kaiki Beach and the fish tavernas; 10–20 min walk to the port.
Old Harbour side
More atmosphere, bars and yachts; about a 20–30 min walk east of Dapia.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–100 (≈ US$70–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- €100–170 (≈ US$120–200) excl. bed
- High
- €170 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Rooms-to-let double1 × 2 nights × €120 | €240 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €110 | €440 |
| Ferry Piraeus → Spetses, one way2 × €35 · check | €70 |
| Kosta → Spetses ferry, one way2 × €3 · check | €6 |
| Kosta sea-taxi crossing2 × €23 · check | €46 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €83 |
| Trip total≈ €229 per person per day, bed included | €915≈ US$1,100 |
2026 estimate in euro; ferry fares and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €3–5 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Fish taverna main | €12–22 (≈ US$14–30) |
| Amygdalota (almond cakes) | €5–10 (≈ US$6–12) per box |
| Museum entry | €3–5 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Bike or scooter hire, per daycheck | €15–35 (≈ US$18–45) |
| Water taxi to a beachcheck; agree the price first | €20–60 (≈ US$25–70) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Book beds and ferry seats well ahead for Easter, summer weekends and the Armata festival in September.
- Winter ferries are few and can be cancelled in bad weather.
- Water taxis and beach boats are costly; agree the price before boarding.
- The town beach at Aghios Mamas is crowded and not the cleanest; walk further west instead.
- Mobile signal is patchy outside Spetses Town.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency
- 112
- Police
- 100
- Ambulance
- 166
- Fire
- 199
- Tourist police
- 1571
- Coast guard
- 108
Pocket card
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SpetsesΣπέτσες
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Σε αυτή τη διεύθυνση, παρακαλώTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency112
- Police100
- Ambulance166
- Tourist police1571
- Coast guard108
Embassy
No embassies on the island; the US embassy and most others are in Athens. Consular help for EU citizens is via their own embassy in Athens.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Piraeus → Spetses, hydrofoil or catamaran: about €35 (≈ US$45) one way, 1 h 45 min–3 h 15 min (check)
- Kosta → Spetses ferry: about €3 (≈ US$4), 15 min (check)
- Kosta → Spetses sea-taxi: about €23 (≈ US$30), 5 min (check)
Say or show
- Γεια σας — Hello (YAH sas)
- Ευχαριστώ — Thank you (ef-kha-ree-STO)
- Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ — The bill, please (ton lo-gha-ree-a-SMO pa-ra-ka-LO)
- Πόσο κάνει; — How much is it? (PO-so KA-nee)
- Μπορώ να πληρώσω με κάρτα; — Can I pay by card? (bo-RO na plee-RO-so me KAR-ta)
- Πού είναι η παραλία; — Where is the beach? (poo EE-ne ee pa-ra-LEE-a)
Carry cash for small tavernas, water taxis and the Kosta ferry.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Spetses. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat, crowds, weekend ferry pressure), Easter and Armata weekends for beds · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Ferry and hydrofoil timetables from Piraeus and Porto Heli, checked for 2026.
- Beach-by-beach access notes: bus, boat, bike or water taxi, with rough costs.
- Beds checked for Easter, Armata and August weekends.
- Museum opening hours and festival dates verified before publishing.
Sources
- officialMunicipality of Spetses
- officialHellenic Seaways
- officialKTEL Argolida (buses to Kosta and Kranidi)
- officialBouboulina Museum
- secondaryWikivoyage: Spetses, revision 5114269 (CC BY-SA 4.0)