Photo spot in Spetses
The Poseidonion Grand Hotel
A belle-époque hotel of 1914 facing the sea, with a long arcaded facade, palms and gardens — the grandest building on any Saronic island.
About The Poseidonion Grand Hotel
Get directionsThe 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.
Best time to shoot
Late afternoon, when the west-facing front turns warm
Tips
Working hotel — the terrace, garden and interior need permission from reception, arranged in advance. The pavement and seafront in front are public. Busiest corner of town in July and August.
Other spots in Spetses
The Old Harbour boatyards at Baltiza
Wooden hulls up on stocks in open-air yards, masts against tiled roofs, and a narrow inlet that keeps working long after the day boats leave.
The Dapia waterfront
The arrival quay: cannons still pointing out to sea, pebble-mosaic paving, captains' houses and horse carriages waiting at the rank.
Agioi Anargyroi beach
The island's big south-west bay: a long curve of sand and pebble under a wall of pines, with clear water and a chapel on the point.
Ready to book?
Our concierge team will hand-pick 2-3 photographers who know The Poseidonion Grand Hotel — free of charge.