"spetses In A Day From Athens : A Cosmopolitan Island Experience”

The Isthmus of Corinth is a narrow strip of land that connects Central Greece with the Peloponnese , while the canal that has been opened in it connects the Saronic Gulf with the Gulf of Corinth . It is about 6 kilometers long and the narrowest point is where the Corinth Canal was built (1880-1893). It was a strategic point and for this reason a wall had already been built since ancient times (end of the 5th century BC), which had been preserved until the Byzantines ( Hexamilion ).

The driver will arrive at the eastern side of the Peloponnese, in Porto Heli, a small seaside town with a harbor. From there, you will take a ferry boat to the island of Spetses. The driver will leave the car in Porto Heli and will accompany you on the island providing useful tips, detailed explanations, and information about your visit to the island. The vehicle will not cross to Spetses, as cars are not allowed on the island. Ferry routes are frequent, and the driver will have planned the timing carefully to ensure timely arrival at the port. The sea crossing takes approximately 20 minutes. The ferry ticket cost, which is not included in the price, is €4 per person per way.

Spetses stands proudly just a few kilometres from mainland Peloponnese, but there is a stronger sense of carefree island Greece here than in other Saronic Gulf destinations. Spetses is historically known for its role in the Greek War of Independence of 1821 and its heroic contribution to the revolutionary cause, as the first island to revolt against the Ottomans. This is evident until today in every corner of Spetses that preserves a dynamic and noble atmosphere of another era. So you can explore the island and enjoy your lunch.

A visit to Bouboulina’s Museum on Spetses reveals the fascinating story of the heroine of the 1821 Greek War of Independence, who until recently had the honour of being the only female Admiral in world Naval history. It also astounds with titbits of information such as the links between Bouboulina, the Great Powers, the Tsar of Russia, blockade-running and the 16 year-old Bavarian king imposed on Greece, and of course not forgetting that Bouboulina is mentioned in a book by Jules Verne!

The state Museum of Spetses opened in 1938 and is hosted in the mansion of Hadjiyanni Mexi, a leader of the island and revolutionary during the Greek War of Independence, while it is also one of the few remaining buildings shaped in a traditional Π.

At the Archdiocese of St Nicholas, the Ecclesiastical Museum exhibits ecclesiastical artefacts from various churches, while it also hosts cultural events, such as exhibitions and presentations in its gorgeous pebblestone courtyard.

After the tour we will drive back to Athens.