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Guide to Secret Greek Islands

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Getting There

If you’re not sailing around the Peloponnese, the most direct routes to these three islands is through Athens. Spetses is two hours away by hydrofoil (hellenicseaways.gr); Monemvasía is three hours by car; and Kíthira is 45 minutes by plane (olympicairlines.com). Find more information on the Greek National Tourism Organization’s Web site (greektourism.com).

Getting Around

Cars are forbidden on Spetses and Monemvasía; expect to do most of your exploring on foot. On Spetses, you can rent a bicycle from a local vendor, while hilly Monemvasía is more suited for walking. On Kíthira, the biggest island, you’ll want wheels. Try Panayotis Rent-a-Car (Kapsali; 30-273/603-1600; from $28 per day). Many restaurants have no address, but the isles are small enough that residents can easily direct you.

Where to Stay

Spetses

Nissia Traditional Residences
Kounoupitsa; 30-229/807-5000; nissia.gr; doubles from $330, including breakfast.

Orloff Resort
Old Harbor; 30-229/807-5444; orloffresort.com; doubles from $245, including breakfast.

MonemvasÍa

Ardamis Traditional Guest Rooms
Kastro; 30-273/206-1886; ardamis.gr; doubles from $185.

Kellia
Converted 16th-century monastery. Kastro; 30-273/206-1520; kellia.gr; doubles from $100, including breakfast.

KÍthira

Hotel Margarita
Hora; 30-273/603-1711; hotel-margarita.com; doubles from $120, including breakfast.

Pitsinades
Charming six-room hotel. Aroniádika; 30-273/603-3877; pitsinades.com; doubles from $120, including breakfast.

Where to Eat

Spetses

La Scala
Old Harbor; 30-229/ 807-4963; dinner for two $75.

Roussos Taverna
Ayios Mamas; 30-229/807-2212; dinner for two $50.

Tarsanas
Old Harbor; 30-229/ 807-4490; dinner for two $80.

MonemvasÍa

Marianthi Restaurant
Kastro; 30- 273/206-1371; dinner for two $40.

Matoula’s
Kastro; 30-273/206-1660; dinner for two $50.

To Kanoni
Kastro; 30-273/206-1387; dinner for two $50.

Kíthira

Belvedere Pizzeria
Hora; 30-273/603-1892; dinner for two $40.

To Korali Restaurant
Avlémonas; 30-273/603-4173; dinner for two $40.

Zorba’s
Hora; 30-273/603-1655; dinner for two $40.

What to Do

Spetses Yachting Club
Twelve motorboats for daylong rentals. Dappia; 30-229/807-3400; from $65.

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