Spetses, the beautiful island of the Saronic Gulf, one of the popular destinations for weekends and holidays all year round. The island excites the visitor with its lush pine – forested landscapes and crystal waters. The historic character of Spetses is apparent everywhere. Spetses is also famous as the Bouboulinas island, because here was lived the heroine of the Greek Revolution. It was here that the revolution flag was raised on 3rd April 1821. The island has managed to retain its individual traditional character thanks to its well-preserved grand captain mansions, still bearing eloquent witness to the island’s glorious past.
Take the fast boat from Piraeus port and in around two and a half hours, you will reach the island of Spetses. The rich history and naval tradition of the island is reflected on numerous sites that are definitely worth visiting. You may see The House of Bouboulina, built around the end of the 17th Century, the building is shaped like a Π, a detail which at that time indicated the importance of the owner. Bouboulina was a heroine that played a significant role in the 1821 War of Independence. Visit her house, which now operates as a museum to admire its wood-carved Florentine ceiling, 18th and 19th century furniture, interesting collection of old weapons, fine porcelain and rare books. The House of Hatzigiannis Mexis, which today hosts a museum exhibiting relics from the War of Independence, letters written by war heroes like Kolokotronis and Athanasios Diakos, a folk art collection and the relics of Bouboulina. Also the Church of Panayia Armata that was built between 1824 and 1830 to honour the victory of the Greek warriors against the Ottoman fleet. Also other sites worth a visit are: the War Memorial of the Spetses Navy, the Clock in Rologioú Square, and the Anargyreios Korgialeneios School. Situated in the area of Kounoupitsa, today it houses the Centre of Environmental Education.
