Hidesign Athens Traditional Stone house in Kea

This is a traditional stone house rather than a conventional hotel block: one self-contained place with a kitchen-dining room, living room and bedroom. Thick stone walls, a traditionally built roof and openings at the front and back give the house its character, while the layout keeps everyday life straightforward.

You have a garden, terrace and outdoor furniture for the quieter parts of the day, plus sea views from the front porch. The house suits an independent stay where you can make coffee when it suits you, walk down to the harbour, and return to your own space rather than follow a hotel timetable.

The house sits on a hill above the old harbour in Korissia, facing the sea. The port and waterfront are about 0.1 miles away, reached through the old town by stone-paved streets and 60 steps. That access is part of the address, so luggage with small wheels may have an opinion of its own.

Gialiskari beach is about 0.6 miles away on foot. Vourkari, known for its yacht harbour, shops, art galleries, bars and tavernas, is about 1.2 miles away, while Otzias and its long sandy beach are about 3.1 miles away. Chora-Ioulida, the capital of Kea, is about 3.4 miles from Korissia.

The traditional stone house is arranged for living rather than simply sleeping: a separate bedroom, a living room, a kitchen-dining room and a bathroom. The kitchen is equipped for a proper stay, with a refrigerator, coffee machine, espresso machine, kettle, toaster, juicer, dishes and utensils. Tea, coffee, sugar, espresso capsules and bottled water are also provided.

The stone construction helps keep the house insulated, while front and rear openings allow air to move through it. Ceiling and standing fans are available, and the bedroom has a mosquito magnet. You also have a television, radio, CD/DVD player, hairdryer, washing machine, iron and ironing board, with towels and linen included.

The front porch is the place to take the first coffee of the day: the view reaches across Korissia, Vourkari and Ioulida. A double cottage is available for two, while the main house gives you the extra living space that matters when you want somewhere to sit, eat and spread out between outings.

There is no restaurant or bar to negotiate here. Instead, the house gives you a kitchen-dining room and the equipment for preparing breakfast, a simple lunch or something later in the evening. Coffee can be made several ways, including with an espresso machine, and the refrigerator gives you somewhere to keep provisions and drinks.

For eating out, several tavernas are within walking distance. Their menus include catch-of-the-day seafood and traditional Greek dishes, which is a more useful local guide than a generic hotel buffet. Vourkari adds further tavernas, bars and shops about 1.2 miles away.

The house keeps the non-diving programme pleasantly simple. You can sit on the terrace, use the outdoor furniture, take in the sea from the front porch or walk down towards the harbour and the waterfront. The garden and sun terrace give you space to spend time outside without turning the property into an activity centre.

The surrounding area supplies the outings: Gialiskari beach is about 0.6 miles away, Vourkari offers shops, art galleries, bars and tavernas, and Otzias provides a longer sandy beach. A car is useful for exploring the island, but the house is close enough to the port and sea for an independent stay without making every outing depend on driving.

Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00. The house is reached from the port by a short walk through stone-paved streets, with 60 steps on the way, so plan your arrival with luggage in mind. Korissia is the practical base here, with the harbour, sea and local tavernas close by.

Free Wi-Fi is available, and laundry facilities are part of the house setup. A doctor is available as a hotel service. Electricity is 230 volts, with type C and F sockets. The house also includes local maps and a restaurant guide, useful for settling in without spending the first evening searching for the basics.