As soon as you reach Spetses by boat, you are in Dapia, the old cannon station above the port, which is a meeting point and the centre of the island's life, with shops and bustling cafes. Marvel at the building of the Chancellery (the City Hall of the Revolution) that stands well-preserved as well as the magnificent Poseidonio Hotel of 1911, an architectural jewel, and the residence of the aristocracy of the 20th century. Follow the road to the east to reach the old harbour, where the statue of Laskarina Bouboulina dominates the Poseidonio Square.
Spetses is famous for its impressive neoclassical mansions; 35 buildings have been characterized as "listed monuments". Among them, the Anargyrou mansion (1904) with the imposing Egyptian motifs, the Chatzianargyros mansion (18th century), the Anargyreios and Korgialenios School (1919). The pine-fringed path that leads to these two Schools is one of the most beautiful routes on the island.
The family manor of Bouboulina is now operating as a museum dedicated to the great heroine of the Greek Revolution, who was the only woman in the world with the admiral’s title. Here you will see relics of 1821 (weapons collections, old books, paintings, letters, ship models), personal items and old furniture.
The Hatzigianni - Mexi mansion (first lord of the island) houses the Spetses Museum, whose collection includes important relics such as the Flag of the Revolution and the ossuary with the bones of Bouboulina.
Visit the historic Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, with its marble bell tower dating back to 1805, and the elaborate pebbled courtyard. Here you’ll find the “House of Spetses” which represents a typical island residence.
Experience the panoramic views at the peak of Prophet Elias, at 285 meters above the sea, and visit the homonymous chapel.
To admire the sunset, walk up the pine-covered hill with the Lighthouse of Spetses, one of the first in Greece, that began operating in 1837. There is also the Grove of Panagia Armata, with the chapel built in 1846 and monuments dedicated to the freedom-fighters of the revolution. Moving towards the Old Port, you will find yourself in the Grove of the Cannon Station, with the inspired bronze sculptures (mermaids, artistic representations of animal forms) of the pioneering Greek sculptor Natalia Mela, who also created the statue of Bouboulina.
At the shipyards of the Old Port you will find handmade wooden miniatures of ships, to buy as a souvenir of your journey to Spetses.