The Ellinikon
Although Athens has been inhabited for millennia, “the birthplace of democracy” continues to innovate, setting new standards in urban redevelopment with The Ellinikon, a transformative €8 billion project that is the largest such scheme in Europe. Just 20 minutes from the centre of Athens and stretching along the Mediterranean coast, The Ellinikon will bring sustainability and smart living to the city, doubling the existing green space available to Athenians while creating shopping and business districts, a 306-berth marina, sports facilities, luxury hotels and 8,000 new homes.
The Ellinikon is reshaping six million square metres of Athens, in an area previously occupied by Ellinikon International Airport, which closed in 2001. Over the disused runways and old terminal buildings, the developers are constructing a paradigm of contemporary living. Overseen by Greece’s LAMDA Development, the centrepiece is The Ellinikon Park, which will be Europe’s largest coastal park, with 50 kilometres of walkways and features such as a water maze, Zen and forest gardens, and an outdoor fitness area. With a focus on native flora and fauna, the planting incorporates thousands of trees representing different species, along with millions of carefully chosen plants, all selected to suit the local climate and environment. Another landmark is the Riviera Tower, Greece’s first “green” high- rise and, at 200 metres, the country’s tallest building. The 170 luxury apartments in the tower overlook the mountains, park or Aegean Sea, while epitomising The Ellinikon’s concept of sustainable luxury – where principle meets pleasure in an environment that nurtures body and soul.
One of the first projects to open is The Ellinikon Experience Centre, which houses an immersive exhibition showcasing the development’s innovations. The centre is set within The Experience Park, designed by Greek firm doxiadis+, which combines sustainable urban design – preserving and reusing elements from the former airport – with native Mediterranean species. The connection of the park to its local ecosystem reflects a new vision for city living. In 2024, it became the first European park in its category to earn SITES Gold certification, setting a new benchmark for sustainable urban infrastructure in Europe.
The Mediterranean landscape has also provided inspiration for the world-class team of architects that The Ellinikon has brought together to shape the visionary new district and coastline. Firms include Kengo Kuma and Associates, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Aedas, and Sasaki, while Foster + Partners has created the overall masterplan and the design of the Riviera Tower. The tower and parkland are integral to the development’s sustainability agenda with its goals to achieve net zero in water and waste, and incorporate resilience to climate change. An advanced water management and anti-flooding system will help to irrigate the park and eventually supply The Ellinikon and neighbouring areas with clean water. In addition, sustainable building methods will be used in construction and provisions made for electric vehicles. Once completed, the site aims to be entirely self-sufficient in terms of power, and the application of advanced technology alongside the network of paths and cycle routes will contribute to the making of a smart city where all facilities are reached within 15 minutes.
It is estimated that The Ellinikon will attract over a million visitors a year and create 80,000 jobs. At the same time, it demonstrates the ingenuity that once made Greece one of the greatest civilisations on earth and which now makes Athens an international destination and architect of 21st-century living.