Spetses

The new harbor at Dapia Village is the latest development on Spetse. The cobblestone road has a church at each end. At one end there is also a piazza which leads to the Spetses museum and the Bouboulina statue. Halfway along the coastal road are the tourist shops, stylish boutiques, cafés and snack bars. All the commerical buildings in the area are painted white and blue, symbolizing the maritime culture of the island. The Anargyros and other mansions are also visible from Dapia.

The Laskarina Bouboulina Museum in Dapia Village is a tribute to Greece's only female admiral who came to prominence in the 1821 Greek War of Independence. The museum depicts 1800s Byzantine and post-Byzantine life.

The building is an excellent example of the architecture of the wealthy of the period. On show are weapons, documents, old books, porcelain, paintings and scale model ships.

The admiral's personal effects include her embroidery and costumes. The heroine's family established, and still runs the house which is open from March to October. There are 4-5 guided tours per day.

18050 Dapia, Spetses, Phone: +30-22-98-07-24-16 or 72077

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Balitza, the old harbor of Spetses, lies about a mile from the new harbor and Dapia Village. During the 18th and 19th century, shipbuilding was an important economic activity at Balitza. The lighthouse, built in 1837, and the cannon battery attest to historical protection of the port and the ships. The chapel of the Virgin of the Armada overlooks the harbor and the bronze statue of Kosmas Babatis, an island hero, is in its courtyard. It is spectacular all year round but is a busy tourist destination in summer.

Yachts and other sailboats moor there and small fishing boats come and go. The road is closed to vehicular traffic allowing pedestrians and cyclists to make use of it on the long evenings.

The Spetses Museum is situated in the Hatzigianni-Mexi house which was built in the 1700s. The first floor is open to the public.

The museum showcases 4000 years of archaeological, historical and cultural history and folklore, dating back before Roman times. Coins, ceramics, sculptures and figureheads are examples of goods traded by Greek shipping throughout the ages.

The kitchen is restored to circa 1800 and Russian and Byzantine icons are on display. Costumes, portraits and tombstones give insight to life on the island. The 1821 revolution is also remembered with weapons and documents from the time. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Phone: +30-22-98-07-29-94

Where to Eat:

Panos, a fisherman, founded the tavern in 1935. His son and grandchildren now run the restaurant. Portraits of local personalities adorn the walls. Seafood Tavern overlooks the sea and from the terrace it seems as if fish can be hand-picked from the sea.

The lobster, seafood pilaf and fish soup come highly recommended but the menu also lists Greek lamb, moussaka and a number of other seafood dishes.

A Greek salad would go down well with most meals. Baklava, fruit and other desserts round off the meal. There is an extensive wine list to choose from. The restaurant is closed in November and December.

Kounoupitsa - Spetses, 180 50, Phone: 22-98-07-53-80 and -72134

Nero Tis Agapis means Water of Love. This former traditional Spetsian café has been remodeled into a seafood restaurant for fine dining. NTA Restaurant overlooks the sea, away from the busier parts of the island.

Decades of expertise and experience in cooking seafood, pasta and other Mediterranean dishes are brought to the table.

Olive oil, fresh seasonal vegetables and cheeses complement the fresh fish and other seafood that is caught daily. Guests can enjoy their meals inside, on the roof or on the balcony. The restaurant is open daily, from midday to midnight, all year round.

Kounoupitsa,180 50, Phone: +30-22-98-07-40-09

For History Buffs:

The Church of Panagia Armata was built between 1824 and 1830 by a Spetsiote captain, Ionnis Koutsis, in order to celebrate the defeat of the Ottomans.

It is dedicated to Mary to mark the miracle of 'The Armed Virgin'. An annual festival is held in September to mark the occasion and garlands are laid on the monuments surrounding the church. The yellow building with white trim is set on a hill overlooking the old harbor, on the headland where the lighthouse is situated. The views, and in particular the sunsets, are spectacular when viewed from the church.