Spetses, at the entrance to the Bay of Argos, is the most distant from Pireus and maybe the most beautiful of the Saronic Islands. It was first settled in the Early Helladic era (2500-2000 B.C.), as certified by the remains of walls, statuettes and clay vessels found at Agia Marina.

In antiquity the island was known as Pityoussa, perhaps because it was covered with pine trees. Today, it stands out for the distinctive architecture of its stately mansions and coves, some sandy, some rocky, many still rimmed with pines.

The capital and main harbour is Spetses town, on the north-east coast. It's full of impressive mansions that date back to the 19th century, some of which belonged to wealthy citizens that played primary role in the Greek War of Independence.

Cars are infrequent on the island. Most of the inhabitants prefer to get around on bicycles and horse-drawn carriages, which give a special charm to the place.

Sights worth seeing on Spetses are the house of Bouboulina, the Revolutionary heroine; the Mexis house, now a museum, and the church of Agia Triada with its carved iconostasis. However, the most beautiful part of the town is the Old Harbour, the basis for the island's shipbuilders (who continue to build ships the traditional way). Spetses is famous for its shipping tradition, and you will see boats of every shape and size.

Among the most popular beaches on the island are Agii Anargyri and Agia Paraskevi. Spetses is a favourite sailing destination for tycoons and VIPs from all over the world. It has a vivid nightlife, and a wide variety of restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from.

Off the south coast, is Spetsopoula, owned by the Greek tycoon Stavros Niarchos.

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