Description of the attraction
The Greek island of Spetses is located in the Aegean Sea near Argolis. The island is often referred to the group of Saronic Islands, although, in fact, it is already in the Argolic Gulf. It is a small picturesque island with hills covered with pine forests. That is why in ancient times it was called the "pine island". Not far from Spetses, there is a small green island, Spetsopula, which is now privately owned.
The town of the same name, Spetses, is the only large settlement on the island. In the center of the island is its highest hill; it bears the name of the prophet Elijah. The island is easy to reach as it has excellent water connections with the port of Piraeus. Until recently, driving around the island was prohibited. Even now, the main means of transportation are mopeds, motorcycles, bicycles and horse-drawn carts.
From 1821 to 1832, the island played an important role in the Greek War of Independence against the Turks. On September 8, 1822, near the island of Spetses, a battle took place between the fleets of the Greek rebels and the Ottoman Empire. Every year, on the second weekend of September, celebrations are held to commemorate the victory of the Greek fleet over the Ottoman. At the end of the action, a model of the Turkish flagship is burned in the harbor.
On the Dapya embankment there is a statue of Laskarina Boubulina - the heroine of the Greek revolution, the only woman who became an admiral of the fleet. The monument was created by the famous Greek sculptor Natalia Mela. The main attractions of the island include the Hadzi-Janis Mexis Museum and the Babulina Museum.
The island of Spetses became the prototype for the island of Fraxos from the famous novel by the English writer John Fowles "The Magus". Fowles himself once lived on the island and taught at a private school.
Spetses is a fashionable resort, and the Greeks themselves like to spend their holidays here. Excellent hotels with European service, an abundance of expensive shops, restaurants and cafes will allow guests of the island to have a great time. Walking along the narrow streets with well-preserved buildings of the 18-19th centuries will also be unforgettable. The island will also delight tourists with numerous picturesque bays and gorgeous sandy beaches, which are among the best in the region.
