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Just two hours by ferry from Athens or a quick 10-minute boat taxi from mainland Porto Heli, Spetses has somehow remained off the radar—quietly sidestepping the throngs of travelers that descend on Greece’s better-known islands each summer. Locals likely prefer it that way. Long favored by Athenian elites, the island has drawn Greece’s old-money families and discreet international jet-setters who’ve been coming for generations. It caters primarily to those who return year after year, drawn by the discretion offered by lush pine and cypress trees that conceal their grand, neoclassical homes behind iron gates, where bougainvillea-draped lanes wind their way into the hills.
While there’s an air of exclusivity and quiet luxury, Spetses doesn’t show off. You won’t find the iconic whitewashed cliffside views of Santorini’s Oia, the surreal beaches of Milos’s Sarakiniko, or the burgeoning art scene transforming Leonard Cohen’s beloved Hydra—Spetses’s neighbor in the Saronic Island group—into a sceney creative enclave. Instead, Spetses charms in quieter ways, drawing those who appreciate its more unassuming allure.
“I first visited Spetses when I was ten years old, and after that, we went every single summer, just me and my mother. We were always hosted by a remarkable friend of hers in a beautiful old Spetsiot house,” recalls Anna Deimezi, head of business development for The Thinking Traveller in Greece. The luxury villa rental company specializes in exclusive, high-end properties across the Mediterranean and has four villas in its Spetses portfolio. “As an only child, Spetses became my ticket to freedom. I’d hop on a bike and the whole island turned into my playground.”
Here, find Vogue’s guide to making the island of Spetses your own playground this summer.
What to Do and Where to Eat
Beyond the iron gates of grand family villas scattered along the coast and nestled in the hills, the island feels elemental and timeless. On the east side, life centers around Dapia, the bustling harbor town where neoclassical mansions line the promenade and horse-drawn carriages clatter past the iconic Poseidonion Grand Hotel, weaving through cobbled streets dotted with cafés and small designer boutiques. Dapia’s main drag is lined with stylish shops like Soho Soho, Magic Wrap, On The Deck, and Greek labels like Apriati, known for its handmade jewelry and Melisses Gallery for local gifts and accessories.
For lunch or dinner, try Akrogialia, a beloved taverna where every table is set right on the sand—don’t miss the fried zucchini and fresh fish—or To Nero Tis Agapis, perched right above the sea in Kounoupitsa, known for its pasta and seafood risotto. Evenings are best spent enjoying an aperitif on the veranda of the Poseidonion Grand Hotel, or watching the harbor light up over dinner at Orloff, Patralis or Tarsanas. Later, the island transforms. Locals and visitors alike gather along the waterfront for cocktails at Bikini or Booze Bar or an open-air film screening at Cine Titania—one of the oldest open-air cinemas in the Greek islands—offers a dreamy end to the evening.
This buzzier eastern flank is also home to some of the island’s most social beaches, like Kaiki Beach, a lively, organized spot with sunbeds, a restaurant, and regular summer events, and Xylokeriza, a more remote but stunning beach of sand and pebbles, surrounded by vibrant blue-green waters and reachable by land or private charter. Head west, and the energy softens. The coastline becomes more rugged and remote. Beaches like Agia Paraskevi and Agioi Anargyri stretch along the southwestern coast, the latter being the largest and most popular beach on the island—don’t miss the cave nearby for a quick adventure. Then there’s Zogeria, a deeply beloved spot among locals—a pine-covered cove with wind-protected sapphire waters, a whitewashed chapel, and a simple seaside taverna.
Where to Stay
Just steps from the port, Poseidonion Grand Hotel is the island’s crown jewel—a historic seafront landmark on the island of Spetses, blending Belle Époque elegance with modern luxury. Since 1914, it’s welcomed royalty and celebrities with its neoclassical charm, refined rooms, lush gardens, serene spa, and acclaimed restaurant, On the Verandah. Meanwhile, Orloff Resort is a serene boutique escape tucked away behind the old harbour. Centered around a peaceful pool and lush gardens, its elegant rooms, suites, and family-friendly residences offer a relaxed yet refined stay. Just a short stroll from beaches and restaurants, with a standout restaurant housed in a historic port building, it’s a perfect base for couples and families seeking understated luxury.
Just steps from Agios Mamas beach and a short stroll to the Old Harbour, you’ll find Teresa Spetses, a beautifully restored traditional Spetsiot house. Meticulously renovated by a French family, it offers eight cozy rooms and four elegant suites, all styled with pastel tones and pebble‑stone votsaloto floors. In the same area, you’ll find Yayaki Spetses, another boutique gem offering just 15 individually styled rooms in traditional white-washed houses covered in bougainvillea. It feels like a home-away-from-home, thoughtfully designed with local, sustainable materials, where guests unwind by the intimate pool, savor homemade vegetarian breakfasts under a shaded pergola, or join yoga, Pilates, or fitness classes in the on-site wellness studio. The friendly hosts—Karl and Hannah—bring warm, personalized hospitality, guiding you through island adventures like e-bike rides, cultural excursions, or sunset boat trips.
For those looking to truly settle in, The Thinking Traveller’s collection of four luxury villas are scattered across different parts of the island—each offering a distinct experience of Spetses. One might place you steps from the lively harbor, while another offers panoramic views from the hills or direct access to a lesser-known beach beloved only by locals. With full concierge service and local touches, Thinking Traveller villas allow you to live like a local. The best villas among those offered in Spetses include Villa Catrine, a seven-bedroom villa located a mere 15-minute walk from the heart of Spetses Town, featuring a gorgeous al fresco dining area and pool.
For travelers seeking a quieter retreat on the wilder western part of the island, the freshly minted Villa Daphne features eight bedrooms and is located just a few minutes’ walk from the stunning beach of Aghii Anarghiri, a best-kept secret among locals. “Spetses is the only place where my daughters willingly trade their screens for bicycles, spending hours exploring with the same sense of freedom I once felt as a child,” muses Deimezi. “That kind of shared connection across generations is rare—and to me, it’s what makes Spetses truly magical.”
