Spetses Island has a long tradition of academic tourism, every year it attracts a serious number of academic and research bodies/organizations.

The historic character of Spetses has left a lasting imprint on every corner of the island. It is not surprising that great men of intellect, both Greek and foreign, have loved, lived and drew inspiration from Spetses, contributing largely to the island's cultural and artistic boom.

The island has 4,100 inhabitants that live in the town of Spetses. The name of the island during antiquity was Pityousa, meaning pine-forested island. This name was probably used for 3,000 years until the Early Byzantine period. Its modern name probably comes from the Venetians, who called the island Isola di Spezzie, that is the island of fragrances, due to its plentiful aromatic plants.