If you are looking for endless sandy shores then Spetses is not your destination. Rather, the beaches on the island tend to be set in pebbly coves with cool, clear seas set against a backdrop of green forest. Most of the main beaches are organised with a good range of facilities and are easily reached on foot, by bus or by water taxi from town but those lucky enough to have a boat can discover hidden bays and strips of shore with sparkling waters. Romantics should pay a visit to Lovers Cove, a magic tiny inlet seemingly designed for two.
Agioi Anargyroi
The biggest beach on the island, 12 kilometres from town, Agioi Anargyroi has a mixture of sand and shingle set within a pretty cove. Organised with parasols and beds to rent, the beach has a gently sloping seabed that is ideal for water sports and there is a small rental agency at the western end of the beach. There is a big open-air tavern to the rear and the beach can be reached by bus and by water taxi from Dopia.
Further west, a path runs along the cliff to a set of concrete steps that lead to Bekiris Cave. A narrow fissure heads down to the inner depths of a cavern with a sandy floor and stalactites and stalagmites. Alternatively, the cave can be entered from the sea by swimming. The local Spetsiots sought refuge here from pirates and during the fight for the Greek revolution, and legend says that it took its name from the hermit Bekiris who lived in the cave and who was fed everyday by a seal who bought him a fish.
Agios Mamas
The town beach is the perfect place for a quick dip due to its proximity to the nearby taverns, bars and the Dapia jetty. The beach offers gently shelving sand into shallow waters while there is an elevated concrete quay with sun beds, umbrellas and metal steps for diving into the cooling ocean. The bus for Agioi Anargyroi and intermediate stops leaves from here.
Agia Marina
One of the most popular beach on the island, it is often referred to as Paradise Beach after the elegant beach club run by the Poseidonion hotel. A slice of the Riviera in the Aegean, it is very well done, albeit expensive, but the club has completely taken over the beach and it is often closed for private events such as weddings and christenings. Fully serviced, there are water sport facilities at the western end.
Agia Paraskevi
A mixture of fine sand, small pebbles and shingle, Ayia Paraskevi is on the western side of the island. In a sheltered cove and shaded by pine trees that reach right down to the beach, it takes its name from the small chapel that stands a few metres from the shoreline. Partly organised there are sunbeds and umbrellas, a beach canteen and the beach is accessed by bus and boat.
Garifalos
Small and to the north of Agia Marina, Garifalos is pebbly with nice clear water. Unspoilt by any facilities, the beach looks out to Spetsopoula, island home of shipping dynasty the Niarchos family. Easily reachable on foot from town, there are no trees for shade so bring your own umbrella.
Kouzounos
A bit difficult to find, Kouzounos is great for those who like tranquil vibes. The tiny path south of Agia Marina leads to a small, narrow cove with views across to Spetsopoula. The waters are calm and clean and the pebbly shoreline is completely unorganised although there is a solitary pine for respite from the sun. Come prepared as there is nowhere near for refreshments.
Ligoneriou
A short walk down a rough trail from the coastal road, Ligoneriou is a mixture of pebble and sand with small rocky cliffs and pine trees behind the beach. Split in two by a headland, there is another more pebbly beach further down the path. Unorganised, there is nothing except a concrete pier to dive from so come prepared with food and drink. A 40 minutes walk from town, there is a bus stop above the beach.
Kaiki
Also known as Scholes or College because of its proximity to the Anargyrios school, the beach is on a headland off the coastal road. Partly organised with umbrellas, cabanas, a popular beach volley court, and a beach club, there is still room for those who like to lay their towels out on the sand. Lively, Kaiki attracts a young crowd who enjoy the load music and watersports. A 20 minute walk from town, the beach is also served by bus and water taxi.
Vrelos
A bus ride from the stop in front of the Posedonion Hotel, Vrelos is a pebbly-sand beach with a relaxed atmosphere. Organised with umbrellas and a laid-back beach bar that plays chilled music, the beach is a nice place to while away the hours. The beach is filled with sunbeds and there is hardly anywhere to lay a towel if you don’t want to pay for a spot on the shore. Busier and noisier at weekends, Vrelos is a hotspot for a young crowd who like to dance and drink.
Xylokeriza
A remote but well-organised beach with coarse sand and white pebbles to the south east of the island, the sparkling turquoise waters at Xylokeriza sit in a pretty forested bay. At the end of a steep cement road, there is a beach canteen and, as the water taxis do not stop here, it is often quieter than other beaches on the island. There are beds and umbrellas and natural shade from trees to the rear, while access is via the bus to Anargyroi that leaves from Agios Mamas.
Zogeria
On the eastern tip of the island, Zogeria is many locals favourite beach on the island. In a small bay with sapphire blue waters the sand is overlooked by the picturesque Agios Georgios church. Organised with beach chairs and umbrellas, there is a good family-run taverna among the trees at the back of the beach. Sheltered from the worst of the winds, the swimming is some of the best on the island and the beach is best accessed by water taxi.
Read also:
Hydra, Spetses, Poros: Island winter getaways close to the capital
Five Airbnbs in Spetses with a taste of the past
Spetses: The noble island of the Argosaronic gulf with the rich history
