The tourist map enters the full reform phase Creteas the new international under construction airport In Kasteli, Heraklion appears to act as a catalyst for a wave of billions of euros throughout the island. While a five -star tourist projects are expected to upgrade the area even further.
With the existing Crete Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” already operating at its limits, serving almost 10 million passengers a year, the new project is proceeding rapidly. Specifically, the progress of the work has already exceeded 55%, and from its first years of operation, passenger traffic in Crete is expected by 20%.
Upgrading accessibility, coupled with the high demand for tourist real estate, brings to the forefront of complex tourist accommodation – a form of investment that combines luxury hotel units, high -level tourist homes and services.
Heraklion Gournes: From military base to luxurious tourist center
One of the most iconic projects that have already been “locked” is Dimand’s investment at the former American base in Gournes Heraklion. The redemption agreement of the Reds property of 85m euros provides for the creation of two hotel units with parallel recreation and well -being activities.
The Presidential Decree also allows the establishment of a casino, a proposal that is already being considered with a positive sign by local agencies. The aim is to extend the tourist season and to strengthen the twelve -month tourism.
Elounda Hills: Empty Investment of 800m euros with private marina
In Elounda, the construction of Elounda Hills, a mammoth investment of 800 million euros, is in full swing. The complex will include a hotel of 137 rooms, 257 luxurious houses and the country’s largest private marina. Complete integration is expected in 2032.
It is a project that aspires to promote northern Crete as a global destination for luxury tourism, yachting and sustainable development.
Sitia Bay Resort: Eastern Crete in the spotlight
An important investment interest is also raised by Eastern Crete, where Iktinos is proceeding with the project Sitia Bay Resort, worth more than € 30 million. The project, which will be developed in an area of 2,690 acres, includes a five -star hotel with 202 rooms, 85 -seat marina and golf course.
It is already in the process of negotiating with a foreign investor to sell the property through the subsidiary “Iktinos Technique and Tourism”.
Rosewood Blue Palace: New Era for Elounda
Meanwhile, the historic Blue Palace Hotel is entering a new phase, as it is in full renovation aimed at re -operating in 2026, under the international Rosewood Hotels & Resorts brand. The investment of 100m euros is owned by Phaea Resorts, with key shareholders being the sisters of Smokou and Aegean Airlines.
The new complex will include three hotels, 44 tourist houses, specially designed wellness and gastronomy areas, as well as facilities to promote local products.
Crete’s tourist profile is rapidly upgraded, with strategic investment and infrastructure projects to place it among the top tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. The completion of the new airport, coupled with the development of luxury tourist projects, promise a new era for the island – more extroverted, sustainable and economically dynamic.