ARCHITECTURE: Ippokampos Hotel

Hydra is a small rocky island in the Argosaronic Gulf, one of the most cosmopolitan islands in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the easiest of the Greek islands to get to from the Athens International airport. The town of Hydra built around the old harbour, is a preserved natural monument and the fact that has escaped the modern development and all kind of vehicles are prohibited, the unspoiled nature, makes the attractive island of Hydra an ideal location for unforgettable calm and relaxing vacations. To celebrate the unique architecture of the island, we are making walks in the streets to discover areas, that their use has changed. Mansions and captain’s house have been transformed to the most beautiful and interesting hotels, and each has its own history and stamp. Our first stop is the house of the captain Lazaros Lalexos, of one of the admirals (1821-1824) in the Greek War of Independence, also known as the Greek Revolution of 1821, build in 1769, located in the centre of the town and only 150m from the port, Ippokampos Hotel, established in 1989. Ippokampos Hotel, is easy to found from the port , with excellent shadow yard with old olive tree for the perfect breakfast with homemade marmalades and really fresh juices, the hotel offers quality accommodation and makes the perfect place for relaxed and elegant holidays on Hydra island. The owner, Sotiris Saitis, along with the rest of the hotel staff, look forward to making your acquaintance and to offering you a pleasant stay at the Hotel. The rooms have all modern amenities and most of them have access to a terrace with beautiful views to the sea and right across to the Peloponnese mountains on the mainland. Sotiris Saitis, in an attempt to promote contemporary art, started to presents exhibitions during the summer since 1999, with great success. At first the exhibitions were on show at  the hotel’s conference room and later expanded  in all the communal spaces. From July 13 till September, an exhibition with paintings by Eliane Keralla is open to the public daily 19:00-23:00.-Dimitris Lempesis