SPETSES

Refreshing drinks, beautiful nights

Jinx (Tel. (+30) 22980.722.41) is located in the old port of Spetses and will win you over because it follows a timeless but simple formula: it is located in a central area, its staff is friendly, it plays good music, and it serves refreshing drinks. Enjoy funk and ethnic music, cocktails with fresh fruits and sugary syrups – including zombies and mai tais in half-liter balloon glasses – beers and non-alcoholic gin.

On the trail of Spetses’ great benefactor

The mansion of Sotirios Anargyros (1849-1918) in the town of Dapia is well worth the visit to get an idea of the ambitious spirit of the island’s great benefactor, as expressed by its stunning architecture and varied mix of styles, where neoclassic pediments coexist with pebbled paths. The mansion – which Anargyros named “Neith” after the ancient Egyptian goddess – was built in 1904 and is scheduled to be renovated in the coming years.

The Cave of Bekiri

Dark, with a low ceiling and sandy floor, the cave of Bekiri is one of the most beautiful natural sights in Spetses. It is located next to Aghion Anargyron Beach, which is just two minutes away on foot. The best time to visit the cave is late afternoon when most people have left. 

HYDRA

A unique fishing experience

Follow Captain Giannis Tsanos (Hydra By Boat, Tel. (+30) 698.703.0113) in the open waters of Hydra and enjoy a day of fishing in secluded fishing spots. Whatever you catch is cooked and served on the boat, a 9.5-meter caique. Alternatively, you can take a boat ride around the island or to the nearby islands for a swim or snorkeling.

Unexpected pairings

Little England (Tel. (+30) 22980.530.07) is an all-day restaurant – bar that opened its doors in spring 2022 and is housed in a stone building on Tombazi street, near the port. Here you can enjoy dishes of creative Greek cuisine. Try the salad with grilled zucchini slices and tsalafouti cheese, cod with beetroot puree, spinach risotto with feta cheese, and for dessert baklava with biscuits made from Aegina peanuts.

AEGINA

Products with an attitude

At Mylokydono (9 Faneromenis, Tel. (+30) 22970.224.00), a greengrocery and restaurant that is run by Carla Di Domenico, an Italian who has been living on the island for the past 18 years, you can find select organic and deli products from all over Greece and abroad, buy homemade pies to go made from organic ingredients (you will also find a good selection of vegan products), or try some organic delicacies on its small veranda.

Combine practicality with pleasure

There is a trail that starts from the small church of Transfiguration of the Savior in Souvala and ends at the port of Vagia. The trail is dotted with many small coves where you can stop and take a dip. Stop off at Choreftra Beach where you can enjoy delicious pizzas at the namesake restaurant (Tel. 22970.531.18) or enjoy fresh fish and seafood at Panorama in Vagia. 

AGISTRI

Horseback riding

At the southern end of the island next to the lake of Aponisos, you will find the Aponisos Horse Riding School (Tel. (+30) 698.343.1540). Book a riding tour in the morning or afternoon with one of the school’s six horses around the lake, at the nearby beaches, or in the island’s lush green pine forest to discover the hidden treasures of Agistri.

POROS

Beach bar without music

Monastiraki is perhaps the only organized beach on the island that uses the sound of the sea – and not the music of the beach bar – as background music, because the Monastery of Zoodochou Pigi that is located over the beach doesn’t allow loud music. 

This article was previously published in Greek at kathimerini.gr.