About Spetses
Moped Rental
Because there are no cars on the island, mopeds/ATVs are popular. There are countless moped & ATV rental shops. Some may require that you have a motorcycle license, and some do not. Cost can vary slightly per day and are usually cheaper by the week. Mopeds are a good way to get around all corners of the island. Spetses is pretty small and you can circumnavigate the entire island in a day taking in the sights and cooling off at its various beaches as you go.
Restaurants
There are countless restaurants on the island. Some of our favorites include: Tarzanas - A Marino family favorite. Wonderful setting with a great view of the sea. Patralis - The oldest taverna on the island known for their seafood. Olive Press (Old Harbor) - Upscale menu, sit on the water, great wine selection. Pachni - Farm to table restaurant, the owner/chef/farmer grows and serves his own organic vegetables.
Beaches
Many of the best beaches on Spetses are on uninhabited portions of the island which can be accessed by foot, bicycle, moped, bus or by boat. Zogeria* - Most popular for those traveling by yacht. Has an excellent restaurant - be sure to order the chicken or soutzoukakia! Agia Paraskevi*, ** - Peaceful (no beach chairs) with a quaint little church right on the water. Agios Anargirous*, ** - Has a great restaurant, water sports and a famous cave which is a short hike from the beach. Xilokeriza - A pristine setting with a bar and several fig and fruit trees. Ligoneri** - A local favorite. No beach chairs, amenities or bars, just an amazing beach. Vrelos** - Another gorgeous beach. Has a bar/club scene with DJs. Kaiki Beach - Great restaurant, bar and beach. *Can be reached by boat caught from downtown (next to the water taxis) for 5 euros per person each way. Times may vary so verify in advance. ** On bus route.
Greek Booze Guide
Ouzo is a spirit flavored with anise (licorice flavor) often served on the rocks or with a splash of water. Tsipouro is a rocket fuel flavored moonshine made from distilled wine. You may find yourself being encouraged to drink one or more shots from a friendly local. Mastiha is a sweet liqueur made from the sap of a tree related to the pistachio which is indigenous to only one part of the Greek island of Chios. It has numerous medicinal properties including aiding with digestion. Metaxa is a very nice smooth Greek brandy. Beer in Greece is not very hoppy - it's more lager-like similar to Heineken. Wine served at all restaurants includes red, white and rosé. Retsina, a pine sap infused white wine, is refreshing but an acquired taste.
Nightlife
Greeks tend to get dressed up and go downtown at night to socialize at cafes, restaurants, or in squares. Many tourists take in the sights as they stroll downtown through various shops and establishments. There are countless bars and clubs stretching from downtown to old harbor.