Fodor's Expert Review Armata Festival

Thousands flock in from all over Greece to attend the Armata Festival celebrations on Spetses, held in honor of Panayia Armata (Virgin Mary "of the Army"), in what is probably the most glorious weekend on the island's calendar. During the second week of September, Spetses mounts an enormous harbor-front reenactment of a War of Independence naval battle (the epic battle took place on September 8, 1822), complete with costumed fighters and burning ships. Book your hotel well in advance if you wish to see this popular event. There are also concerts and exhibitions during the week leading up to it.