Two major projects are in the field of tourist ports in the field of implementation, marking the gradual regeneration of the Mega Yacht marina in Corfu and the historic Agios Kosmas Marina in Elliniko.
With investments totaling € 165 million, projects come to fill a significant gap in marine tourism infrastructure in the country, at a time when Greece is still significantly lagging behind in competing countries.
The “flagship” of the Ionian
In Corfu, the look is focused on creating the first marina of this size made from scratch over the last 20 years. The new Homeport for Mega Yachts – Lamda Development – is expected to change the map of maritime tourism in the Ionian Sea, as it is projected to serve up to 410 boats up to 140 meters long.
The investment exceeds € 140 million, with work expected to start in 2025 and Marina welcoming the first vessels in 2028. The installation will occupy a land zone of 39,400 sq.m. and will be located west of the Port of Corfu cruise, further enhancing the tourist role of the island. The concession contract with the Greek State provides for a financial return of € 9.7 million, as well as an annual percentage of 7.77% on Lamda’s turnover.
St. Cosma’s rebirth
Further south, in the Athenian Riviera, work on August to upgrade Agios Kosmas Marina, as part of the first phase of project investment in Elliniko. The € 25m project includes the deletion and reconstruction of the problems so that they can serve boats up to 100 meters long, the creation of a new central pier, as well as the formation of a seaside pedestrian street that will convert the marina into a reference point.
With the completion of the first phase, the Marina will have 300 bending seats, while complementary uses such as shops, restaurants, outdoor events, parking lots, offices, and a helicopter take -off/landing field. Today, marina’s revenue is € 8 million, up 5% compared to 2023, while EBITDA stands at € 5 million.
Greece behind Croatia and Poland
Although Greece has one of Europe’s largest coastlines, the development of tourist ports remains stagnant. Of the 61 marinas located, only 39 operate, with 15,015 berths available.
This number puts the country back even from countries such as Croatia and Poland, with a much shorter coastline. By 2030, the number of active marinas is expected to increase marginally – by just 10, reaching 49 across the country.
Institutional anchors and need for reforms
As market players point out, investment in the tourist ports continue to face multiple obstacles: bureaucracy, licensing delays, high investment risk and, above all, lack of institutional stability.
“The most crucial issue is the need to rationalize the institutional framework. We need to proceed with targeted interventions in order to form a favorable environment for attracting investment, “the competent bodies said.
In this context, the recent transfer of spatial planning of tourist ports by the Ministry of Tourism to the Ministry of Maritime is considered key. The aim is to accelerate licensing procedures, simplify bureaucracy, and to strengthen the coordination between the services involved.
The big bet
Infrastructure for Mega Yachts and yachts is not just a luxurious tourist product, but a powerful economic growth tool with significant multiplier benefits such as new jobs, increased revenue from high -value -added tourism and stimulating local economies.