Spetses Hiking
The island boasts a trekking network comprising 19 paths, totaling 65 km in length, all of which can be traversed in about one week. These paths begin at eight different locations and reach five separate endpoints. Some routes can be combined, depending on each hiker’s preference.
These paths are not sign-posted, however they are clear to see and not very challenging to trek. Water, sun protection, snacks and some company are essential for these adventures through the island’s green landscapes.
•Trails from Spetses Town
The first starting point is the main town of Spetses, more specifically its main port, Dapia. The first two routes of the total nine from Dapia, lead to Zogeria. These are the longest trails of the network spanning either 11.6 km (5 hours to complete) or 8.2 km (3.5 hours to complete), depending on the trail. If you take the longer route, you will pass through the Manteika village and come across the island’s biggest farming fields and beaches in the northwest. The shorter route utilizes the main ridge and showcases the breathtaking view of the sea and the nearby island of Spetsopoula.
The next two routes lead to Prophet Elias, the tallest point on the island. The first one is 4 km long (2 hours to complete) and traverses through the Observatory, as well as various quaint villages. The second one navigates across Manteika and has a length of 3.5 km (1 hour and 45 minutes to complete). Across this path, you will see small farming villages and nearby chapels.
The only trails leading to Sinantisi Kinigon crossroad have a fairly similar length (3.1 km and 3.3 km) and take the same time to complete (1.5 hours). The first one passes by the Agios Vasileios Chapel and the Louviara Ridge. It also has a fairly smooth path, compared to the other ones. The next one overlaps the previous path, however it passes by Kontos Cave and ends up back in Sinantisi Kinigon.
The final three trails from Dapia all end up at Ktima Chara. The longest one has a length of 3.8 km and takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. This trail starts off by the coastline and follows the path of some of the island’s most picturesque chapels and monasteries before reaching Ktima Chara. The next two trails are very similar (2.4 km and 2.7 km) and take 1 hour and 15 minutes to be completed. They overlap until you reach the Modi Ridge, where the first one uses the main path to Ktima Chara and the second one passes through the peaceful Pigi Sikia Fountain to get to Ktima Chara.
•Trails from Agioi Anargiroi
Both of the trails that start in Agioi Anargiroi end up at Rigani. They have a length of 1.3 km and 1.6 km respectively and take up at least 45 minutes to complete. The first path starts from Agioi Anargiroi Beach, before reaching the Botasi Ridge and finally Rigani. The second path starts at the entrance of the Agioi Anargiroi region and takes small paths and crossroads to reach Rigani, without overlapping the previous path.
•Trail from Vrellos Beach
This path starts from the pebbly Vrellos Beach and reaches the Rigani Peak. It has a length of 3.5 km and takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete, while passing through some coarse hills and crossroads, before reaching the island’s main communications tower.
•Trail from Anargyrios School
This path begins at the entrance of Anargyrios School. With a length of 2.5 km and 1 hour and 15 minutes for completion, this path passes by the School’s main facilities and its field, along with the theater of the island. Once you reach the Observatory, the path overlaps with one of the trails from Dapia and ultimately reaches Prophet Elias.
•Trail from Boubouli
This trail begins from the south of the island and reaches Prophet Elias. Starting from the Boubouli region, hikers take the upward path through the green pine trees. After some maneuvers across this mostly smooth path, you can reach the top of Prophet Elias. You can finish this 2.5 km path in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
•Trail from Vromokrothi Creek
The path is relatively short (about 1.5 km) and can be completed in 45 minutes. From the starting point of Vromokrothi Creek, you reach a thick pine tree forest and a nearby large mansion, before ending up once again at Ktima Chara.
•Trail from Xilokeriza Beach
This path starts at the beautiful Xilokeriza Beach and reaches Ktima Chara in just 1 hour with a length of 1.8 km. Most of this path is rocky, but clear to see. Before reaching its final point, it cuts through the Chirostasio, the island’s abandoned pigpen.
•Trails from Kamini
The last two paths of the network start at Kamini and end up at Ktima Chara. The first one spans 1.5 km (about 45 minutes to complete) and begins from the main peripheral road of the island at Kamini. After a coarse path up to Makria Rachi Ridge, you can take a smoother path to eventually reach Ktima Chara. The next path is the longest one from Kamini (2.5 km with a completion time of about 1 hour). It is very similar to the previous one, however, before reaching Ktima Chara, it takes a short detour through the Panagia Elona Chapel and the abandoned Chirostasio.
•Connected trail
One final trail that can be followed is a connection between four of the five main endpoints of the other paths (Ktima Chara - Sinantisi Kinigon - Prophet Elias - Rigani). It follows the island’s main ridge and spans 3.3 km with a completion time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
