Yacht charter in Spetses, the elegant edge of the Saronic Gulf
A yacht charter to Spetses brings you to the southernmost, most stylish island of the Saronic Gulf, where car-free lanes, neoclassical mansions and the clip-clop of horse carriages preserve an atmosphere of old, good times. Set at the entrance of the Argolic Gulf, Spetses is separated from the Peloponnese coast by a strait barely 1.3 nautical miles wide, so it pairs naturally with Porto Heli, Kosta and the mainland archaeological sites of the Argolida.
Spetses is reached comfortably under sail from the Athens charter marinas, making it a favourite anchor on any Saronic sailing route. Boats are chartered from Athens (Alimos, Marina Ag. Kosmas and nearby Nea Peramos) and sailed down through the gulf, calling at Aegina, Poros and Hydra on the way.
Why sail to Spetses
- An elegant, largely car-free island town of neoclassical houses, best explored on foot, by bike or by the island's horse carriages.
- A proud maritime and revolutionary history, from the 1821 War of Independence to the statue of the heroine Bouboulina.
- Sheltered, swimmable coves such as Agioi Anargyroi, Zogeria and Agia Paraskevi, many reachable only by boat.
- A short hop to Porto Heli, Kosta and Ermioni on the mainland, and to the Epidaurus theatre in summer.
- A well-equipped harbour with fuel, water and supplies for cruising yachts.
A town shaped by the sea
Spetses was inhabited as far back as the Bronze Age (2500-2000 BC), as walls, statues and clay tools found around Agia Marina attest. Under Ottoman rule the islanders built a formidable merchant and fighting fleet and, alongside neighbouring Hydra, played a leading role in the Greek War of Independence. The heart of the town beats in Dapia square, where old cannons still point out to sea in memory of those battles. Advancing toward the old port you pass rows of neoclassical houses and the cathedral of Agios Nikolaos, once the church of a monastery.
Landmarks worth mooring for
In the picturesque old harbour, the historic arsenals lead to the church of Panagia Armata, set on a dramatic hillside where each September the islanders re-enact the naval battle of 1822 near the lighthouse. Off Dapia stands the imposing Poseidonion hotel and the monument to Bouboulina, the most important female figure of the 1821 Revolution, while the Kounoupitsa quarter holds the handsome buildings of the Anargyrios and Korgialenios School, founded in 1927. It is worth visiting the houses of Bouboulina, Botasis and Hatziyannis Mexis, the church of Agia Triada (built 1793) at the highest point of town, and the historic Bekiris cave near Agioi Anargyroi on the west coast.
Beaches and anchorages
By yacht you can reach all the island's beaches, among them Agioi Anargyroi, Agia Paraskevi, Zogeria, Vrellos, Agia Marina and Xylokeriza. South-east of Spetses lies Spetsopoula, a lush, privately owned islet. The island has excellent tourist infrastructure, with restaurants, water sports and a lively nightlife, and its harbour offers fuel, water and provisioning for private boats.
Nearest charter base: the Athens marinas (Alimos, Marina Ag. Kosmas and Nea Peramos), roughly 84 km north by sea. Spetses itself is a port of call, not a charter base, so most crews pick up their yacht in Athens and cruise south through the Saronic Gulf.
Beyond the island
Spetses is an ideal springboard for excursions to Kosta, Porto Heli, Kranidi, Nafplio and the archaeological sites of the Argolida on the opposite coast. In summer, the nearby ancient theatre of Epidaurus stages celebrated performances, an easy addition to a Saronic itinerary. The island's own calendar is rich too: the Anargyria festival brings cultural events in August, and mid-September sees the spectacular Armata re-enactment of the 1822 naval battle, complete with athletic competitions and dances.
Set sail for Spetses from Athens
Tell us your dates, group size and the boat you have in mind, and our team will tailor a Saronic itinerary that ends in style at Spetses.
When to sail the Saronic Gulf
The Saronic is one of the mildest and most forgiving cruising grounds in Greece, with short hops between islands and shelter close at hand. The sailing season runs from spring to autumn, each stretch with its own character.
Warm, settled days, light winds and quiet anchorages before the summer crowds arrive.
Hot, lively and busy, with the Armata festivities in September on the horizon. Book early.
Warm seas, gentler crowds and the Armata re-enactment in mid-September make this a superb time to sail.
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Spetses yacht charter FAQ
Is Spetses a yacht charter base?
No. Spetses is a port of call rather than a charter base. Yachts are chartered from the Athens marinas, mainly Alimos and Marina Ag. Kosmas, and sailed south through the Saronic Gulf to reach the island.
How far is Spetses from the Athens charter marinas?
Spetses lies roughly 84 kilometres by sea from the Athens-area marinas such as Marina Ag. Kosmas and Nea Peramos. Most crews break the journey with stops at Aegina, Poros or Hydra.
What can I see in Spetses town?
Highlights include Dapia square with its old cannons, the Poseidonion hotel, the Bouboulina monument, the Anargyrios and Korgialenios School, the old arsenals and the church of Panagia Armata, plus the historic houses of Bouboulina, Botasis and Hatziyannis Mexis.
Which beaches can I reach by boat around Spetses?
By yacht you can reach Agioi Anargyroi, Agia Paraskevi, Zogeria, Vrellos, Agia Marina and Xylokeriza, along with the coves around the privately owned islet of Spetsopoula to the south-east.
Are there facilities for yachts in Spetses harbour?
Yes. Spetses harbour has infrastructure for private boats, with fuel, water and supplies available, as well as restaurants, water sports and nightlife within easy reach of the quay.
When is the best time to sail to Spetses?
The season runs from May to October. May, June, September and October offer warm, settled conditions and quieter anchorages, while July and August are hotter and livelier. Mid-September brings the Armata re-enactment of the 1822 naval battle.
