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How to get from Nafplio to Spetses
Drive about 1 h 30 from Nafplio to Kosta on the mainland coast, park, and take the short boat or water taxi across to Spetses (about 10–15 minutes). Visitors' cars are not allowed on Spetses, so the car stays at Kosta.
Best option: Car. Driving to Kosta and crossing by boat is by far the quickest way; public transport is infrequent.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| car Drive from Nafplio via Kranidi to Kosta, then small boat or water taxi to Spetses | about 1 h 30 to Kosta (about 80 km), plus 10–15 minutes by boat | boats from Kosta run frequently in summer | fuel; about €3–5 per person on the passenger boat, water taxis about €25–40 per boat | Cars of non-residents are not allowed on Spetses. Parking at Kosta is paid in summer. |
| bus KTEL Argolida buses from Nafplio towards Kranidi / Porto Heli and Kosta, then the boat | about 2 h to 2 h 30 including connections | a few a day, fewer at weekends and in winter | about €6–10 for the bus plus the boat fare | Check the KTEL Argolida timetable in advance; you may need to change in Kranidi. |
| taxi Taxi from Nafplio to Kosta, then the boat | about 1 h 30 | on demand | about €100–140 for the taxi | Agree the price before departure. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Spetses town is walkable; on the island use bikes, scooters, horse carriages or local taxis.
- Water taxis run at night too, at a higher fare.
- In summer some excursion boats run day cruises to Spetses from the Argolid coast; ask locally for current offers.
- Direct ferries to Spetses run from Piraeus, not from Nafplio.
Common questions
Is there a ferry from Nafplio to Spetses?
There is no regular ferry line from Nafplio. The usual way is to drive or take a bus to Kosta, on the mainland opposite the island, and cross by small passenger boat or water taxi in about 10 to 15 minutes. In summer, some excursion boats offer day cruises to Spetses from the Argolid coast, so ask in Nafplio or Tolo.
Can I take my car to Spetses?
No. Cars belonging to non-residents are not allowed on Spetses. Leave the car at Kosta, where there are parking areas (paid in summer), and cross on foot by boat. On the island, people get around by walking, bicycle, scooter, horse-drawn carriage or the small number of local taxis and buses.
Can I visit Spetses as a day trip from Nafplio?
Yes, especially by car. Leave Nafplio in the morning, reach Kosta in about 1 h 30, and cross in minutes. You will have most of the day for Spetses town, the old harbour and a beach. By bus it is harder, because there are only a few connections a day, so check the KTEL Argolida times before you commit.
How much does the water taxi to Spetses cost?
Water taxis between Kosta and Spetses are priced per boat rather than per person, roughly €25–40 by day and more at night. They carry several passengers, so the cost is reasonable for a group. The scheduled passenger boat is much cheaper, a few euros per person. Prices change each season, so confirm at the quay.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.