16 Best Bars in The Saronic Gulf Islands, Greece

The perennial favorite on Panayi Irioti Street morphs from a breezy café-bistro by day into a buzzy cocktail bar after dark, when Latin and mainstream dance tracks fill the tiny stone courtyard dominated by a palm tree. Regular DJ sets and value-priced drinks keep both locals and weekending Athenians coming back.

Tucked into the rocks just below Hydronetta, Spilia is both a midday escape and a popular nocturnal haunt. Deck chairs line the concrete platforms, the view back to the harbor is stellar, and steps drop straight into clear cool water. It’s easy to lose a whole day here—coffee, salads, then cocktails as the sun sinks.

This bar in a redesigned Neoclassical building stands out for its romantic surroundings. Sip one of the imaginative cocktails, with names like Oki Monkey and Inferno, while sitting at a candlelit table right by the water. Things get lively later in the evening, as this is one of the happening places on the island. During the day they serve thoughtfully put together brunches and snacks.

Palms on the Verandah, at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel, sets the standard for cocktail culture on Spetses. Signature serves range from an elevated negroni with island-foraged botanicals to the “Palms Spritz”—a citrusy blend of local fruits, prosecco, and fresh thyme. Elegant marble, rattan seating, and uninterrupted sea views create an atmosphere that’s equal parts Riviera and retro Greek glam. The sushi here is excellent, too.

Tiny, cozy, and cute, Votsalo is a great meeting point for breakfast (it serves excellent artisanal coffee), but is equally popular after sunset, when you can order dreamy cocktails and listen to cool acid jazz tunes. Whatever the time of day, you'll be well looked after here.

Reborn in 2023 inside the landmark Haramis windmill, this open-air perch serves sunset Negronis with 360-degree views over Hydra Town and Kamini. DJs spin house and nu-disco on weekend nights in July and August. Bring sensible shoes: the lit path is a 15-minute uphill walk from Hydronetta.

On the ground floor of an early-19th-century whitewashed mansion and spilling out onto the cobble Tombazi street, Amalour attracts youthful crowds who sip expertly made and reasonably priced cocktails (especially the exquisite daiquiris), socializing and dancing to ethnic, jazz, soul, and funk music.

The island's all-time-classic hangout, where Kostas likes to play music from the 1960s and '70s. It's a perfect choice for a predinner drink (bar opens at 8 pm) or a stiff night-cap.

Enjoy coffees, brunch, and snacks under large white umbrellas during the sunlit hours on a lovely seashore terrace overlooking Spetses Town. As the sun sets, the music rises and flavorful cocktails go down a little too easily. The service is as good as the views and the bar food will satisfy most food cravings.

On sandy Aeginitissa Beach, 10 minutes south of Perdika, Fyki kicks off with brunch, then shifts to sunset cocktails crafted from recipes by award-winning mixologist Dimitris Papaioannou. Since 2023 it has also run the island’s first open-air sushi bar, and weekend DJ sets keep the party going until after midnight.

The pocket-size Hydronetta bar-restaurant commands a spellbinding perch above the harbor. Hemmed by rocks and sea, it’s packed by day for swims and sunset beers; after dark, DJs spin during its popular full-moon parties.

A multilevel wooden deck on the southwest edge of town serves sunset cocktails, smoothies, and chill-out tunes until the first stars appear—then the tempo edges up to bona-fide beach-party mode.

Hydra’s chicest new arrival (opened July 2024) hides on a quiet side lane and pairs smooth-jazz playlists with elegant takes on classics—try the lavender gimlet or amaro-spiked Negroni. Inside, an Art Deco bar; outside, a candlelit patio.

Spetses's take on the gastropub serves tasty grub that can be washed down by one (or more) of the many cool craft beers sourced from microbreweries throughout Greece. The sunset views from the roof garden, overlooking the sea, are magical. Like many bars, this spot serves a lovely morning coffee and a decent breakfast.

Front-row on the Perdika waterfront, Muzik serves coffee from 8:30 pm, morphs into a lounge after dusk, and stays open past 2 am. The yachting crowd drop in for mojitos, chilled house beats, and a relaxed, all-ages vibe.

Vintage cinema posters, Betty Boop murals, and an ever-changing roster of guest DJs define this narrow, high-energy bar a few doors up from the harbor. Tables spill onto busy P. Irioti Street. Signature cocktails feature house-infused spirits; look for theme music nights in shoulder season.