Poseidonion Grand Hotel Promotes Spetses, Greece, As Yachting Destination

Spetses. Photo © Maria Theofanopoulou

The Poseidonion Grand Hotel, a landmark on the Spetses skyline, has plans to attract mega yachts to moor in the island’s waters and launch cruises to nearby destinations.

Spetses, yachts berthed at the mole. Photo © Maria Theofanopoulou

During a recent event held at the hotel, the Poseidonion’s manager, Manolis Vordonis, presented the potential of Spetses as a yachting destination. Mr. Vordonis aims to generally strengthen the island and the wider complex of the Saronic Gulf as a destination ideal for marine tourism.

The event held at the Posidonion was part of “Spetses Initiative” that focuses on boosting the tourism potential of the wider area (Spetses, Hydra, Porto Heli, Ermioni), which has been placed under the brand name “Greek Riviera.” Mr. Vordonis is the president of the “Spetses Initiative.”

According to Mr. Vordonis, yachting tourism on the island can be developed through the concept of “soft marinas,” for which no particular facilities are needed to accommodate mega yachts besides the area’s unique geographic morphology and good weather conditions.

The event was held on the sidelines of the recent 2014 Mediterranean Yacht Show and attracted some 40 industry executives from around the world, brokers, shipyard representatives and international media.

2014: Poseidonian marks its centenary

The Poseidonion is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

The hotel first opened in 1914 and was the brainchild of Sotirios Anargiros, a visionary benefactor responsible for much of the island’s development. Following a meticulous five-year restoration program (investment of 18 million euros) the Poseidonion reopened its doors in 2009 to welcome new and returning visitors from Greece and abroad.

Since it reopened, the Poseidonion actively participates in social, cultural and sporting events, aiming for the island’s tourism development. These events include the Spetses mini Marathon, the Spetsathlon and the Spetses Classic Yacht Race.

The Poseidonion also announced that it would stay open until December and this way extend the tourism season on Spetses.