Visit the beautiful Greek island of Spetses
Spetses has an area of 25 sq km, and a coastline of about 27 km. Spetses has two main harbours; the newer being Dapia (meaning 'fortress') which is located in the centre of Spetses Town (the island's capital) and the older, Palio Limani, located nearby in the fishing town of Analipsi. The population of Spetses is around 3500 and 4000. The majority of Spetses is covered by a thick pine forest, which is part of the island's great beauty, and is considered a protected environment. There's only one town, Spetses Town, which stretches along the coast facing Argolida in the Peloponnse.The rest of the island is practically uninhabited. Spetses Town now has its fair share of bars and fast food places, but there's also Paleo Limani (Old Harbor), which is a bit more traditional: 18th-century Italian-style mansions (archontika) that are now the property of wealthy Athenian families who return to Spetses every summer are what prevails there. Spetses is accessible by boat or Flying Dolphin from the port of Piraeus or from the beautiful nearby islands of Hydra, Aegina and Poros.. Spetses is famous for its charming picturesque villages, as well as a rich naval history and the important role it played in the Greek War of Independence. It is also the birthplace of the famous female war hero Bouboulina, whose home is now a museum. Visitors have the chance to re-live those heroic times, surrounded by remarkable historic sites which are maintained with care and love. Spetses town (aka Kastelli) is found along the harbor and inland in a lazy fashion, with most of its neoclassical mansions partly hidden from envious eyes by high walls and greenery. Much of the town's street life takes place on the main square, the Dapia, the name also given to the harbor where the ferries and hydrofoils now arrive. The massive bulk of the 19th-century Poseidon Hotel dominates the west end of the harbor. Spetses is an exclusive Greek island, only 2 hours away from Athens, has been elected the favorite summer house location by the Athenian elite. Cars are not allowed on Spetses, and have been replaced by horse-drawn carriages and licensed taxis. The Greek mainland is a ten-minute water-taxi ride from Spetses. This means that you can easily visit the ancient theatre of Epidavros, the old capital city of Greece and even Mycenae (one hour's drive away). Last but not least, half an hour away by speedy hovercraft is the picturesque and cosmopolitan island of Hydra. Smaller tourist boats sail from the island of Spetses to the village of Kosta on the mainland, where you can find a nice beach.
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