Spetses
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Spetses
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| 37°16′N, 23°10′E |
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| Photo gallery |
| Local chartlet |
The island of Spetses (Σπέτσες) is within a day's sail from Athens. It is small but very beautiful. Its ancient name was Pityousa (Πιτυούσα) or Pityonesos from Pitys (Πίτυς - pine tree). This name is very apt for this pine-tree covered island. At Ayia Marina, not too far from the town on the SE side of the island, artifacts have been found dated from 2500 BC. In 1220 AD the island was conquered by the Venetians who are reputed to have named it Spezie - Spice. Its present name is a corrupted version of this Venetian name. The Venetians were replaced by the Ottomans in 1460. In the early 18th century many Albanian Christians moved into the island. By this time the island had developed as a major ship-building center and the owner of a sizable shipping fleet. When the Greek War of Independence from the Ottomans broke out in 1821, Spetses was the first island to declare for the revolution. It played, a major role in this war with many distinguished captain/ship-owners. The most famous of these is Laskarina Bouboulina who commanded her own ship the Agamemnon and later became an admiral and was responsible for several Greek naval victories. She was also the mother of six children.
Today Spetses is a very popular island with the well to do from Athens. During the weekends the Old Harbor is completely crowded with large motor cruisers. Many of the old ship-owners' mansions have been renovated by their Athenian owners. The mansion of Hadziyiannis Mexis has been converted to a museum. It houses among other exhibits Bouboulina's guns and her "Freedom or Death" flag.
Charts
- BA
- 1031 Yerakas to Kea
- Imray-Tetra
- G14 Saronic and Argolic Gulfs
- NIMA
- 54340 Nisos Spetsai - N. Vorioi Sp.
- Greek
- 414 Poros mechri Monemvasia
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
- Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
- Olympia Radio - VHF Channels 27 & 28
Weather
See Aegean Sea.
Danger: When approaching Spetses from the E watch out for the underwater rocks off Cape Aimilianos, they are not always visible. Keep a respectful distance from the mainland.
Check-in facilities
None.
Ports and Popular Stops
Ports
Old Harbor or Baltiza
37°15.81′N, 23°09.87′E The Old Harbor or Báltiza is the only yacht harbor in the island. It is almost always crowded and has been used for a long time. As a result fouled anchors are quite common. I once brought up a small row boat!--Istioploos 11:06, 23 April 2008 (MDT) The most protected area is the inner harbor but finding an empty space there is rare except in early or late season, when sometimes a space can be found bows or stern-to next to the fuel quay. Alternatively, one may stay for short periods (e.g. a quick trip ashore) on the fuel quay itself, with the permission of the harbour staff. Water and electricity are available on the quay - if you can moor there. Both the W and E shores of the outer harbor are full of rocks, so the only other option is to anchor in 4-5 m and take a long line ashore, where there are plenty of places to tie the line. The holding is not always good. Warning: Avoid the Old Harbor during weekends; boats from Athens will surround you and you may not be able to leave until Monday. Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
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Dapia
37°16.17′N, 23°09.37′E
Dapia or New Harbor is is used by commercial vessels and is not recommended for yachts.
Anchorages
Zoyeryia
37°16.7′N, 23°06.1′E Zoyeryiá (Ζογεργιά) or Zogergiá is a lovely deep cove. The water is very clear and you are surrounded by a pine forest). It can be crowded, however, during the weekends. Anchor in 5-8 m. The bottom is sand a weed and holds well. There is a good restaurant ashore (closed from late September to May) that serves traditional Greek food with local specialties. Warning: There are some nasty rocks on the NE of the cove. Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
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Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Yacht Services and Repairs
Marine Stores
- There is one store in Báltiza
Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards
Excellent wood repairs in Báltiza
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- On the quay of the Báltiza inner harbor in Spetses
- Water
- On the quay of the Báltiza inner harbor in Spetses
- Electricity
- N/A (Not Available)
Offshore Islands
None.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
- Visit the of Hadziyiannis Mexis mansion now a museum. It houses among other exhibits Bouboulina's guns and her "Freedom or Death" flag.
- Nice walks and bicycle rides
Grocery & Supply Stores
Stores in the old town.
Eateries
- Good food in Zoyieryiá (closed from late September to May)
- Also in Costis at , right across from the ferry quay
Internet/WiFi
In Internet cafés.
Laundry
In the old town.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
- You can rent bicycles
Garbage Disposal
There are bins around the harbors and in most anchorages.
Transportation
There are daily, and in the summer several per day, hydrofoils to Athens serving both Spetses and Porto Heli.
Routes/Passages To/From
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
- Spetses (Wikipedia)
References & Publications
See Greece.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
See individual ports in this page.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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