The Poseidonion Grand Hotel

The Poseidonion opened in 1914, built by Sotirios Anargyros, the Spetsiot benefactor who also planted the island's pines, and it was designed to look like a hotel on the French Riviera rather than an Aegean guesthouse. It faces the water across the Dapia waterfront: a long symmetrical facade, tall windows, balconies and a mansard roof, restored and reopened after a long closure.

For photographs it is the one piece of formal architecture on the island. The facade takes a whole group without crowding, the front steps and arcade give structure, and the gardens and palms on the sea side work as a softer, greener set. Evening light on the front is warm and even.

It is a working hotel, so the interior, the terrace and the lawns are for guests: check with reception before shooting anywhere but the public pavement and the seafront in front. Do that in advance if you want the steps, and keep sessions short — this is the busiest corner of town in season.