Ferry from Spetses to Ermioni

Spetses Guide

The Greek island of Spetses is one of the Saronic group of islands. Its ancient name was Pityonissos and Pityousa from the ancient Greek word for tree, "Pitys". The Venetians brought the name Spetses with them as they used to call the island "Isola di Spezzie" which means the island of aromas (spices). The largest town on the island is also called Spetses and is quite unusual in that private vehicles are not allowed within the town's boundary. As a result, people who live there or visit, have no choice but to walk or take a horse-drawn carriage. Motorcycles and bicycles are permitted.

The closest beaches to the town are Agios Mamas, in the centre of the town, and Kaiki beach which is around 1 km to the north west and Agia Marina which is 2 km to the south. For beaches further from the town, such as Zogeria, Agioi Anargiroi and Agia Paraskevi, there are public buses that can be taken.

In the Medieval times, the island flourished with trade and the locals constructed elegant mansions that survive to this day. Spetses is also a popular weekend destination due to its proximity to Athens.

Ermioni Guide

The Greek town of Ermioni is located in the Peloponnese region, and lies across a peninsular and is surrounded by sea on both sides. This gives the town the feeling of an island town whilst having all of the benefits of being located on the Greek mainland. The town has been inhabited since at least the time of Homer but during the Classic era it was well known for its shipbuilding and for the production of porphyra, a important red dye which was used for colouring the uniforms of many armies including that of Alexander the Great.

Today the town is a major tourist destination and small port. The old town was built on a hillside and has lovely views of the surrounding nearby islands and fertile agricultural land where pomegranates, citrus fruits and olives are grown. The bay that sits below the town is the location of the town's natural harbour where fishermen can often be observed cleaning their nets and where visitors will find a number of shops and cafes. Mandraki, to the south, offers a good selection of quay side restaurants, bars and traditional Tavernas with their octopuses hanging outside to dry in the sun.