Saronic Islands

7173 Greece 2016 Dodecanese 197-214 25/11/2015 16:26 Page 214
Greece | Dodecanese & Saronic | Other Islands
Kastellorizo
Spetses
Kastellorizo is the most south-easterly island of
the Dodecanese and one of the smallest. It lies
very close to Turkey – the town of Kas is but 3
miles across the strait. The main port is called
Mandraki. A natural horseshoe-shaped
harbour, Kastellorizo (like Symi and Halki)
enjoyed a wealthy sea-faring past, as is
reflected in its handsome neoclassical harbour
mansions now slowly being restored.
Spetses to the south of Hydra in the Saronic
Gulf is known as a retreat for the well-heeled,
as evidenced by the discreet walled villas and
glitzy yachts in the marina. The town is very
attractive with white-washed bougainvilleastrewn mansions, wide piazzas and a pretty old
harbour called Dapia. As on Hydra cars are
banned, so transportation is provided by
horse-drawn carriage, bicycles, water-taxis and
many buzzing mopeds.
Kastellorizo Hotel (3 Stars, B/B)
Located directly above the sea on the quiet side of
Kastellorizo's harbour, this small boutique-style
hotel offers 14 rooms housed in five separate
buildings, all traditionally furnished with care and
taste. The majority have front or side sea views over
the harbour to the pastel-shaded houses which
line the waterfront opposite and the mountain
behind.
Nissia Residence (4 Stars Apartotel, B/B)
Behind the imposing facade of the old factory
which once stood on this site, Nissia Residence
offers a high standard of modern accommodation
set in acres of lush gardens, along with a
magnificent pool. usually hotels of this style are a
little out of town, but Nissia is surprisingly central
and it is an easy 500m stroll to Dapia and the
centre of town.
Hydra
Only 90 minutes on the hydrofoil from Athens, on arrival here you enter another world. Hydra was
eco-friendly before the word was invented – all forms of private motorised transport are banned so
the only way around is on foot, by boat or on a mule!
The main town is one of the most beautiful in Greece, with preserved neo-classical mansions and
narrow cobbled lanes climbing steeply up from harbour. In the evenings the quayside twinkles with
cafés, small shops, bars and atmospheric restaurants. Hydra has some good beaches, reached on
foot or by water-taxi.
Outside the hotter periods walking is a major attraction, and a network of signed paths offers plenty
of variety.
Cottomatae 1810 (4 star boutique hotel, B/B)
This beautifully converted 19th century mansion is
quietly located just 200m from the harbour in the
historical centre of town. Its high surrounding wall
hides a 'secret' shaded garden and just seven
rooms and suites. High ceilings and thick stone
walls ensure the tastefully furnished rooms are
always cool. Mod cons include Wifi, mini-bar,
CD/DVD, Sat TV and a walk-in shower.
Each room has individual decor and furnishings
which, combined with the stonework and some
antiques, adds to the unique ambience and
intimate feel of the hotel.
Breakfast is taken on the terrace above the garden.
Although an easy 3 minute walk from the harbour
(gentle incline) please note that there are some
steps within the hotel.
Hydra
Kastellorizo
214 | Sunvil
020 8758 4758 www.sunvil.co.uk