Spetses boasts a long naval tradition and is famous for its significant contribution to the 1821 War of Independence. The revolution flag was raised here on 3rd April 1821.
The island has retained its individual traditional character thanks to the well-preserved grand mansions, still bearing witness to the island’s glorious past. Private automobiles are not permitted in the town limits, so the most common modes of transport are walking, horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles. Only taxis and delivery vehicles are allowed in the downtown area.
The town is large and ideal for long promenades. Many beautiful beaches are found around the island and ideally visited by boat. A large festival takes place in Spetses on the second weekend of September, the Armata Festival, that culminates in the burning of a boat in commemoration of a naval fight between Greece and Turkey.