Spetses (Modern Greek: Σπέτσες, Ancient/Katharevousa: Σπέτσαι, Spetsai) is an island of Greece, sometimes included as one of the Saronic Islands. Until 1948, it was part of the old prefecture of Argolidocorinthia, which is now split into Argolis and Corinthia. In ancient times, it was known as Pityoussa, and later as Petses. The town of Spetses (pop. 3,846 in 2001) is the only large settlement on the island, and was one of only two provinces in Greece with fewer than five settlements and two municipalities. The island is presently an independent municipality (pop. 3,916), with no local boundaries within the municipality. The other settlements on the island are Moní Agíon Pánton (pop. 32), Ligonéri (16), Ágioi Anárgyroi (11), Kouzoúnos (3). Also part of the Municipality of Spetses are the islands of Spetsopoula (pop. 11) and Velopoula (uninhabited).
Ferries and high-speed hydrofoils arrive regularly from Piraeus and Tyros and Leonidio and Nafplion on the Peloponnese. The use of motor vehicles is severely restricted on the island, so the public transportation system is generally provided by horse & carriage and water taxis. Some conventional taxis and buses are in operation, but they require a special license. The inhabited area is so compact that most people use scooters, bicycles or walk throughout the island. The port is also known as Dapia. Trails encircle the island and total about 25 to 30 km; famous beaches include Agios Mamas, in the centre of town, Agioi Anargiroi and Agia Paraskevi at the back of the island, Zogeria and two beaches close to the town, College beach and Agia Marina, both offering watersports.
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