Spetses: Escape in Bouboulina's the island

by Roula Kotseta

Spetses, along with Hydra and the Psara, was among the first islands that revolted, with active participation in the struggle against the Turks. The island had a prominent role in the Greek Revolution. Merchant ships and the Spetses fleet took part in naval battles, as Armata (celebrated every September 10th). At that time Laskarina Bouboulina, Andreas Miaoulis and Hatzigiannis Mexis, among others, made history.

Sights
Spetses have maintained their traditional character, with mansions, outdoor sculptures and museums, as one of the oldest lighthouses that operated in Greece.

This exists since 1837 in the rightmost edge of the old port. Initially worked with oil, while from 1986 it has become automatic and lit by electricity.

At the port of Spetses is Dapia, the old gun emplacement which was named after the Turkish word that defines the cannons. Dapia was also the gathering place of the lords and captains of 1821.

In the square with cannons, is the statue of Bouboulina and the mansion which houses the namesake museum.

The Museum of Spetses will travel you "hosting" the mansion of Hatzigiannis Mexis, one of the chief princes of the island in the years of the War of Independence.

Among the most important exhibits of the museum is the Flag of Revolution, the bones of Bouboulina, weapons and portraits of Spetses naval battles.

Beaches

Spetses have beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters.

These beaches can be reached by boats and water taxis. Near the harbor is the beach of Agios Mamas, while the Kounoupitsa beach of homonymous district is also beautiful and was created immediately after the revolution of 1821.

Kounoupitsa has small beaches of pebble and sand where you can swim in the town or simply enjoy a meal or drink by the sea in the quaint little shops that exist throughout its length.

Access to the island

From Athens you can drive towards Epidaurus, Kranidi, Porto Heli to get to Costa.

Opposite of it is Spetses, where you can go by ferryboat, boat or water taxi.

Also, there is a bus from Athens to Costa, with a regular service from the bus station of Kifisou Avenue.

If you choose a ship, you'll travel with a flying dolphin from Piraeus.