Long Weekend on Spetses and Hydra
Day 1: Spetses
Spetses is an easy ferry ride away from Athens. The ferry departs from Pireas, the main port in Athens. You can purchase tickets in advance on Ferryhopper:
We took the Speed Cat express ferry, and it only took two hours to get us to beautiful, stylish Spetses.
Where to Stay
Poseidonion Grand Hotel
If ever there were a place to splurge on a hotel, this is it! The Poseidonion Grand Hotel is a stunning architectural marvel with luxurious rooms and the best restaurants on Spetses. It has a serene pool in back shaded by palm trees and a sprawling patio overlooking the main square and the glittering blue sea beyond. Spend your first afternoon settling into your room, laying by the pool, and having a sunset drink on the veranda.
Dinner
The Poseidonion has great restaurants on site, but it’s best food option is further afield. The hotel operates a farm about half an hour into the hills, and you can book an incredible farm-to-table dinner there with door-to-door pick up and drop off at the hotel. It’s the perfect way to acclimate to the islands: surrounded by greenery, watching the sunset, and eating some of the best and freshest produce the land has to offer.
Day 2: Spetses
After breakfast at the hotel (or any of the charming cafes dotting the main promenade), walk along the water to orient yourself to this tiny island - and to take in the gorgeous views. Spetses has a bustling waterfront with cafes, restaurants, and fashionable shopping, but turn down any side street for picture perfect paths covered in bougainvillea and bright white villas rising above the old walls.
Bouboulina Museum
Lunch
Once you reach the east part of the main town, there is a small bay with several restaurants serving fresh caught seafood. Snag a table at Mourayo and enjoy classic Greek dishes and the best the Mediterranean Sea has to offer.
Afternoon Shopping
Spetses has amazing shopping, from stylish clothes to art and ceramics. Don’t leave the island without picking up a new swimsuit, caftan, or pair of shoes.
Afternoon Snack
If you get hungry while shopping, stop by ΑΡΤΟΠΟΙΕΙΟ ΤΟ ΡΟΛΟΙ for a pastry! Wide selection to choose from and it’s all delicious.
Dinner
Head west to have dinner overlooking the water at Patralis. Excellent service and both innovative and traditional seafood dishes.
Day 3: Hydra
After breakfast, hop a short ferry or water taxi to neighboring Hydra. Hydra is a magical, car-free island that has been a haven for creative types for decades (it has a Leonard Cohen museum!). Transportation is on foot or donkey, but you won’t need to go far to experience all the island has to offer.
Morning: Wander the Streets
Hydra is set on a steep hillside and it’s narrow streets are incredibly beautiful. Take photos, go shopping, and grab some sweet treats on the way:
When you’re done exploring, head west around the harbor and up the hill. It’s steep, but you’re not going far.
Lunch
Take a seat at Sunset and have a leisurely lunch with expansive views of the sea. Order the grilled squid - Hydra is said to have the best fresh squid in Greece!
Dinner
If you’re starving after your day in the water, swing by Techne a few steps away for dinner.
If you prefer to get back to Spetses for dinner so that you can turn in early in preparation for the next day’s departure, take the ferry or water taxi back and have dinner at the hotel’s excellent on site restaurant, On The Verandah. Enjoy one last meal watching the twinkling lights over the harbor.
Spetses and hydra are unforgettable islands that are off the beaten path from the typical Greek beach islands. You’ll find sophisticated visitors on these islands - fashionable Athenians and French weekenders - and few large hotels or late night clubs. Spetses and Hydra are the perfect place to relax, indulge, and recharge. Enjoy!
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