Spetses Island — Sailing Guide & Anchorages

Spetses sits between the Saronic Gulf and the Argolic Gulf, just south of Porto Cheli on the Eastern Peloponnese. The island has earned a reputation for fragrant pine forests, elegant cosmopolitan architecture, secluded beaches, and gourmet dining — but for sailors, the value is the variety: four distinct anchoring options around a short coastline, each with a different character.

For sailors, Spetses is one of the most-loved Saronic stops. Baltiza creek is the lively old-port option (and crowded all season). The ferry terminal is the practical alternative one mile west. Paralia Zogeria is the quiet NW-coast bay for a calm-day afternoon. And Anargiri Bay on the south-west is a SeaTV must-do — a cave at the head of the bay where, according to legend, drinking the water binds you in love forever to whoever drinks it with you. Plan to visit at least two of these on a Spetses day.

Regional Wind Context — The Argolic Gulf

The Argolic Gulf is an elongated bay running NW–SE, surrounded by high mountains on both sides. Winds in the gulf typically blow parallel to the shore at 10–20 knots. The mountain topography channels the wind — sometimes you’ll find a different wind direction inside the gulf than what’s reported for the open Aegean, especially in the morning and evening transition periods.

For sailing across to Spetses from Porto Cheli, this means the morning is usually lighter; the afternoon thermal builds along the gulf axis. Plan crossings accordingly.

⚓ Quick Facts for Spetses Sailing

⚓ Baltiza Creek (Old Harbour) — 37°15’44.9″N · 23°09’52.6″E

The historic old harbour of Spetses Town — a long, narrow creek lined with traditional shipyards, neoclassical mansions, and yacht-tourist energy. Lively, cosmopolitan, and crowded throughout the season with private yachts.

For sailors, this is the main town berth — direct access to the Spetses Old Town, restaurants, shops, the famous Bouboulina Museum. The atmosphere is the reason most crews come; just don’t expect quiet, and don’t show up at sunset expecting a slot.

Approach to Baltiza

→ A lighthouse marks the east side of the harbour entrance — clear visual reference

→ Care needed: above-water rocks and a short reef in the entrance area

→ South winds: swell often present at the entrance — uncomfortable in southerly conditions

→ The inner creek is well-protected once you’re past the entrance

Baltiza facilities

→ Water and electricity: on quays 03–04

→ Fuel: by tanker — call ahead to arrange

→ Restaurants: most are right on the waterfront — easy step ashore from a stern-to slot

⚓ Spetses Ferry Terminal — 37°16’12.0″N · 23°09’18.4″E

Less than one mile west of the old port — a working ferry pier with a smaller pier next to it for visiting yachts. Practical alternative when Baltiza is full, or if you want a quieter berth than the old port.

⚓ Paralia Zogeria — 37°16.62’N · 23°06.48’E

A lovely open bay on the north-west of the island. Quiet, undeveloped, perfect for a calm-day afternoon stop or a peaceful overnight in settled weather. The kind of bay that earns the description “perfect for chilling in nature”.

⚓ Anargiri Bay — 37°15’09.8″N · 23°06’47.8″E

An amazing clear-water bay on the south-west of the island, open to the SW. The water is exceptional even by Greek standards. There’s a tavern on the beach and — the SeaTV pick — a deep cave in the northern part of the bay, worth swimming or dinghying into.

Local legend: Those who drink from the water in the cave are said to fall in love for life with whoever drinks it with them. Whether you believe it or not, the cave is worth the visit.

Anargiri shore

→ A good tavern with a limited menu on the beach — useful for lunch

→ The deep cave at the north end of the bay — explore by swim or dinghy. Don’t miss it.

Where to Eat — Sailors’ Picks

Spetses Town has a strong restaurant scene — gourmet dining is part of the island’s reputation. Most spots are within walking distance of the Baltiza waterfront.

Mourayo

A long-running Spetses institution at the Old Harbour — fresh seafood, modern Greek, generous portions. The kind of evening you remember.  [link]

Tarsanas

A traditional taverna on the waterfront — Greek classics, good fish, fair prices for Spetses. [link]

Anargiri Beach Taverna

The single tavern at Anargiri Bay — limited menu, but the setting (water clear enough to see the anchor chain, the love-cave a short swim away) does most of the work.

Pro Tips for Spetses

Suggested Routes from Spetses

North to Porto Cheli (3.7 NM): The classic short hop — Porto Cheli for full provisioning, marina if needed, all-around shelter.

North to Hydra (12 NM): Up to the car-free island of Hydra — stone mansions, gallery scene, photogenic harbour.

North-east to Poros (22 NM): Across the Saronic to Poros — neoclassical town, sailing-focused atmosphere, popular among charter crews.

West into the Argolic Gulf: A longer reach into the deep Argolic — Nafplio and the smaller Peloponnese harbours.

✅ Sailor’s Safety Checklist for Spetses

Emergency Numbers — Saronic / Argolic

Watch the SeaTV Visual Pilot Video

Approach footage past the Baltiza lighthouse, drone passes over the old harbour and the Ferry Terminal, the cave at Anargiri, and the quiet expanse of Zogeria — Spetses as you’d see it from the cockpit. Free for members.

Related SeaTV Pages

“Spetses earns its reputation in Anargiri. Drink the cave water with someone you mean it with — or just enjoy the swim.”

— SeaTV Visual Pilot · Saronic & Eastern Peloponnese Edition