Spetses - Saronic Gulf

A wonderful island, only five miles away from the coast of Peloponese, a favoured location for international scientific seminars, Spetses, possesses a certain mystery of contradiction. Ideal for exploring, wind surfing, swimming, spear fishing, good food, dancing or relaxing away from everything. A marvellous choice for everyone and a surely unforgettable experience.

At the harbour of Spetses lies Dapia, the old pillbox. There is a great number of cannons to witness its presence. Dapia used to be the meeting place of all potentates and admirals who participated in the Greek War of Independence of 1821. Visiting Dapia, gives you the great chance of taking a walk over the magnificent pebble mosaics.

Where you can also go.

Spetses Old Harbor - You should anchor in the bay with line ashore. If you find room you can tie in the inner harbor. If there are strong NW winds it can become dangerous. There is fuel and water available at the quay provisions are available as well as several tavernas for eating out.

Spetses New Harbor - The harbor is reserved for caiques, water taxis and the ferries. If you try to tie here most likely you will be asked to leave.

Ormos Zoyioryia - This large bay located on the NW corner is very attractive and an ideal place for a swim. It offers good shelter except from N or NW winds. There is a taverna ashore.

History

Spetses is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece and probably the most beautiful island in the Argosaronikos Gulf. It is a small place, nationally awarded for its contribution to the Holy and National fight for Liberty. According to archaeological findings in the offshore locations Agia Marina, Zogeria, Agia Paraskevi and Old Port, the island was first inhabited around 2300B.C. Due to its significant location in the Argolikos Gulf, Spetses was used as a replenishment station of the ships that headed to the shores of Lakonia and Argolida. The islands history does not stop here though. Among the former archaeological findings there are some dated since the Mycenaean Ages as long as others since the first Byzantine centuries.

As regards the island name, in the ancient times Spetses was called Pitioussa, which means pine-clad. This name was used for 3000 years until the first Byzantine centuries. The Venecians renamed it into ISOLA DE SPIEZZIE, which means Aromatic Island, due to the many scents of different types of flowers that can be found in the island. Todays name Spetses comes from this name.

During the Greek War of Independence in 1821 the services of Spetses were invaluable. Spetses was the first among the three nautical islands (Hydra, Spetses and Psara) that responded to the appeal of Filiki Etairia. When the war was out, the fleet of Spetses took over and accomplished the embargo of Monemvasia and Nafplio, the two most important fortresses of Peloponnisos. Moreover, this was the only way for these fortresses to be defeated since they had been impregnable until that time. Consequently there was inability of the Turkish and other allied to Pili ships to supply the fortresses. After strong efforts the Spetsiots made, the islands of Hydra and Psara joined the war. At the same time the fleet of Spetses took over the leadership of some Turkish ships and helped the National Fight by blocking ports and preventing the transport of supplies.

Laskarina Bouboulina was one of the leading characters in Spetses during the Greek War of Independence. She was of hydraic origin and the daughter of Admiral Stavrianos Pinotsis and Skevo Kokkini. She was born in the prison of Istanbul on May 11th 1771 when her mother was visiting her father, who had been imprisoned by the Turks because of his participation in the Orlofika. She got married twice; first at the age of 17 to Dimitrios Giannouzas and secondly at the age of 30 to Dimitrios Bouboulis.

Both her husbands were killed during sea fights against the Barbarian pirates that spread terror and fear at the time. Rich enough due to the fortunes she inherited by her husbands, Bouboulina took up commerce and expanded her pile, which she later spent for the sake of the National Fight. She imported arms and ammunition from foreign ports, brought them to Greece in her ships and stored them in crypts in her house and other locations in Spetses. She was murdered on May 22nd 1825 during a strong family fight.

There are many dates regarding the War of Independence but one of them is very special to the island of Spetses; it is September 8th 1822 when the sea fight of Spetses was held. The enemy ships appeared minatory and paraded between the islands of Trikeri and Spetsopoula. The Greek fleet consisted of Spetsiot, Hydraic and Psarian ships and was lead my Admiral Andreas Miaoulis. The Turkish fleet was superior to the Greek in terms of number and size of the ships and ammunition. Despite the unfavorable wind, more Greek ships approached the place and the great sea battle began. According to historic documents the area between Hydra and Spetses was covered with so much smoke that the Hydrians thought Spetses was on fire. Those moments were crucial. The use of fire ships was rather difficult because of the smoke that covered everything. At this critical point Cosmas Barbatsis, the Spetsiot captain of a fire ship, appeared and rushed into the center of the Turkish fleet aiming to set the flagship on fire, which he eventually accomplished. The Turks started retreating in a state of panic. According to the Greek tradition, the Turkish flagship was burned in front of the harbor of Spetses.