Spetses Island Day Private Trip From Athens

One of the most important projects of modern Greece, which played a catalytic role for the Mediterranean trade, the canal of the Isthmus of Corinth, has constituted an inspiration for centuries and was completed … 25 centuries after the conception of its idea. The “Afneios Corinth” since the ancient times was one of the most important cities of the then known world, but also of modern Greece. Its geographical position has highlighted it to a great Navy, Commerce and Cultural Centre.

Located on the eastern side of Peloponnese, Porto Heli is a small seaside town with a large port. This port is a frequent mooring place for fishing boats and yachts in summer, giving Porto Heli in Greece a cosmopolitan atmosphere. There are a couple of organized beaches in Porto Heli, but the majority are small secluded coves with a relaxing atmosphere. A frequent family destination, this region gets frequented by Athenians who have holiday homes there in summer. The location is convenient for road trips to Ancient Epidaurus, Poros, Ermioni, Mycenae, and Nafplion. From the small port of Costa close to Porto Heli, there are very frequent boats to Spetses island.

Spetses is the perfect place to enjoy a wonderful walk as the distinctive architecture, cobble streets and fragrant gardens filled to the brim with jasmine and bougainvillaea make it a joy to discover the island on foot.

Start your walk in the main port of Dapia where the imposing and magnificent Poseidonion Grand Hotel. The hotel was first built in 1914 and was the brainchild of Sotirios Anargyros, in the style of the Negresco Hotel in Venice and the Carlton in Cannes. It was completely renovated in 2009, with special attention to the architectural fixtures of the building and has since won an impressive array of international awards. The locals refer to it as “our acropolis”.

Walking through the old, traditional villa, a sense of history envelopes you and transports you back to the Greek Revolution of 1821, during which this house was a hub of activity.
Traditional costumes, weaponry (guns and ammunition) as well as household artifacts are on display inside the building. The bust of Mexis by the sculptor Byron Kesse stands prominently inside the museum, too.

Agios Nikolaos Church boasts whitewashed exteriors and red roof tiles, along with an imposing bell tower that was built with marble from Tinos back in 1805! Furthermore, the temple also features gorgeous interiors, including large candelabras, hanging censers, chandeliers, and a luxurious gilded iconostasis, while the church’s walls are filled with beautiful iconographies of various saints!