Dining in Spetses
Spetses offers a delightful blend of traditional Greek cuisine and contemporary island dining, making it a true destination for food lovers. The island is known for its elegant waterfront tavernas, stylish cocktail bars, and charming local bakeries, all set against a backdrop of timeless architecture and picturesque harbors.
Be sure to try local specialties such as amygdalota, the famous almond sweets of Spetses. As evening falls, the island comes alive—beach bars serve refreshing cocktails by the sea, while old-town cafés and chic lounges offer a relaxed setting for wine, aperitifs, and late-night gatherings. Spetses’ culinary scene perfectly reflects the island’s character: elegant, authentic, and infused with warm Greek hospitality.
​Breakfast and Brunch
Drinks and Bars
Lunch and Dinner
Suggested Places to Visit Nearby
HYDRA​
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Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, Hydra is part of the Saronic Islands and is known for its timeless charm and preserved character.
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Notably, Hydra has no cars or motor vehicles of any kind. Transportation is delightfully traditional, relying on mules, donkeys, and water taxis, which adds to the island’s unique atmosphere. Since the 1950s, Hydra has attracted a rich artistic community and has been home to acclaimed artists and writers such as Leonard Cohen, Brice Marden, and Arthur Miller.
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Visitors can explore several notable museums, including the Historical Archives Museum and the Kountouriotis Museum, as well as historic monasteries and churches scattered across the island. A donkey ride offers a charming way to take in the landscape. Be sure to visit Vlychos Beach, the picturesque village of Kamini, and Avlaki Bay for swimming and coastal views.
NAFPLION​
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Considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Argolis region of the eastern Peloponnese—and often named among the most romantic cities in Greece—Nafplion holds a special place in Greek history. It served as the first capital of the newly established Greek state from 1823 to 1834.
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Nafplion’s history stretches back to prehistoric times, with legends linking the city to the Argonautic expedition and the Trojan War. After a period of decline during Roman rule, the town flourished again in the Byzantine era. Over the centuries, Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman rulers each left a lasting imprint, shaping the city’s culture, architecture, and traditions.
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Today, visitors can explore ancient fortifications, medieval castles, Ottoman fountains, and elegant examples of Venetian and neoclassical architecture, all set against a picturesque coastal backdrop.
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Nafplion is easily accessible by car from Porto Heli, with a drive time of approximately 1¼ hours.
ANCIENT THEATER OF EPIDAURUS​
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One of the most breathtaking open-air theaters in the world, the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus remains a living monument to classical Greek culture and is still used for performances today. Renowned for its perfect acoustics and harmony with the surrounding landscape, it stands as a masterpiece of ancient architecture.
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Epidaurus is also the site of the most famous Asclepion—an ancient holistic healing center dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine—and is widely regarded as the birthplace of "psychagogia" — entertainment in its fullest cultural and spiritual sense.
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The site is accessible by car and is approximately a 55-minute drive from Porto Heli.
ATHENS
For those who wish to extend their stay with a few days in Athens, here's some helpful information.
Athens truly offers a bit of everything—from remarkable history and world-class cuisine to lively neighborhoods and beautiful beaches just a short trip away. Whether you’re exploring the Acropolis, strolling through the charming streets of Plaka, or enjoying a cold drink by the sea, the city strikes a perfect balance between rich cultural heritage and laid-back summer living.
Where to stay
​​If you choose to stay in the center of Athens, to soak in all of its historic charm, here's where we recommend:
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If you'd rather opt for a relaxed, coastal vibe,
the southern suburbs of Athens, such as Glyfada or Vouliagmeni, are the perfect place to be:
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Where to eat
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The restaurant offers serene daytime dining by the sea before transforming into a vibrant dinner setting, accompanied by live Greek music.
Perched along the Athenian Riviera, Ithaki Restaurant offers an elegant seaside dining experience where the rhythm of the waves sets the tone. The menu highlights impeccably fresh fish and seafood, blending time-honored Greek traditions with refined influences from contemporary international cuisine. Expect modern Mediterranean dishes, polished service, and a setting that feels both serene and sophisticated.
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Seventy-five years after its original debut, Athénée enters a new chapter under the direction of brothers Spyros and Chrysanthos Panas. The revived landmark honors its legacy by reintroducing classic Greek recipes from the historic menu, thoughtfully complemented by contemporary additions. The result is a refined dining experience that bridges Athens’ culinary past with its present.
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Set at the foot of the Acropolis in the heart of historic Athens, Dionysos Zonar’s is an enduring symbol of understated elegance and refined taste. With views of the ancient rock above, the restaurant marries elevated Greek gastronomy with the cultural spirit of the city, offering a dining experience defined by finesse, heritage, and timeless sophistication.
Vezene quickly earned its place on Athens’ contemporary gastronomic map. Known for its focus on whole-animal butchery and rare-breed meats, the restaurant combines the soul of a Greek nouvelle taverna with the structure of a French bistro, all centered around the aromas of an open-fire grill. Bold, modern, and deeply intentional, Vezene offers a distinctive and memorable dining experience.