Spetsai

(Local Name: Spétses) Area of island: 22 sq. km/8.5 sq. mi

Altitude: 244m/801ft

Population: 3,500

Chief place: Spétses

Spetsai (modern Greek Spétses; Italian Spezzia), the ancient Pityousa (Island of Pines), is a hilly and well wooded island off the southeast coast of the Argolid. The income of the inhabitants, who are mostly of Albanian descent, comes from farming and now, to an even greater extent, from the tourist trade, for the island's mild climate attracts large numbers of holidaymakers. No motor vehicles except public service vehicles are allowed on Spetsai.

In antiquity Spetsai was an island of no importance. In 1770, after the Orlov rising, a rebellion against the Turks supported by Catherine the Great of Russia, the population was expelled from the island and Spétses town was laid waste. The inhabitants soon returned to their island, however, and their trading and seafaring activities brought them prosperity. In 1821 Spetsai was the first island to take part in the war of independence: an event commemorated every year by ceremonies in the Panayía Armata chapel near Áyía Marína.

Regular service from and to Athens (Piraeus), several times daily (four and a half hours). Hydrofoils from Piraeus and Zéa (one and a half hours). Local connection with Kósta (20minutes).

The Spetsai Naval Festival is held annually on September eighth and ninth, commemorating the defeat of the Turks.