August 14, 2026, 9:42 am | Read time: 5 minutes
In Greece, specifically on the former site of Athens-Ellinikon Airport, a project of superlatives has been underway for several years. From the ruins, one of the smartest and most modern cities is emerging.
Currently, one of Europe’s most modern and largest urban projects is taking place in Greece. The old Athens-Ellinikon Airport is being transformed into a district unlike any seen before in the southern European country. Plans include hotels, amusement parks, residential complexes, shopping malls, the largest and first skyscraper, and much more.
According to the project’s website, “The Ellinikon,” the first buildings have already been completed. In July, a massive sports park opened on the site. “The Ellinikon Sports Park is the first major subproject of the overall endeavor, which is now gradually being made accessible to the public. It is intended to serve as an open and freely accessible leisure and sports facility for all visitors.”
As reported by “Euronews,” the central area, The Ellinikon Park, covering about 200 hectares, is set to open in early 2027. The complete completion of all sub-infrastructures is planned gradually by 2030.
From Old Airport to Smart City
The former Athens-Ellinikon Airport has a long history. It opened in 1938 and was one of Greece’s most important airports until 2001. At the turn of the millennium, it was closed and replaced by Athens-Eleftherios Venizelos Airport. It never found another proper use afterward. The site was only used during the 2004 Olympic Games, and in 2016, more than 3,500 refugees were housed there. Otherwise, the location remained largely unused. Ultimately, it was decided to privatize the site to relieve the country’s ailing finances. Now, the most modern district in the country is being built on the old Athens-Ellinikon Airport, with costs amounting to around eight billion euros.
What the New Ellinikon District Will Look Like
The idea of turning the old airport into a new district–which belongs to the suburb of Elliniko on the coast–has existed since 2013. Behind the megaproject is the Greek real estate development company Lamda Development, which aims to transform the former airport into a massive coastal park with two million square meters of green space. The project’s website, “The Ellinikon,” already shows what the new and highly modern district will look like.
Plans include a huge park, a marina, various shopping options, hotels, health centers, sports centers, long walking paths, bike paths, cultural sites, retail stores, restaurants, educational institutions, and much more. There will also be a long beach, as the former Athens-Ellinikon Airport is located directly on the Athenian Riviera. This is intended to attract tourists.
Not only the range of facilities is expected to attract locals and tourists, but also the architecture. A look at the planned buildings quickly reveals that it will be a very futuristic city. However, not everything existing will be demolished. For example, the terminal building from the 1960s is to be preserved and integrated into the smart city.
First Skyscraper in the Country Under Construction
Almost every megacity has a skyscraper–Athens, however, does not. But that is set to change in a few years. In the new Ellinikon district, the “Riviera Tower” is planned to rise to nearly 200 meters. Upon completion, the skyscraper would be the tallest building in Greece.
According to Lamda Development, a “sustainable, luxurious, green tower in perfect harmony with the Mediterranean landscape” is planned. On 50 floors, 169 apartments are to be built.
Ellinikon Aims to Attract Residents and Tourists
Behind every megaproject, there are, of course, financial considerations. According to the real estate company, the goal is for the new Ellinikon district to become a leading center for economic, ecological, and innovative development while also evolving into a major tourist destination. Additionally, the project is expected to contribute approximately 2.4 percent to Greece’s GDP and generate over 14 billion euros in government tax revenue. Furthermore, the project is expected to create around 85,000 new jobs.
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Most Advanced and Smartest Technologies Planned
As mentioned earlier, Ellinikon is to become a “smart city.” But what does that mean exactly? According to the planners, the most advanced technologies are to be integrated, including intelligent irrigation systems and lighting. Connectivity, including Wi-Fi, is also to be consistently ensured.
Furthermore, modern infrastructural elements are considered in the planning. Intelligent traffic and transport management systems, as well as modern energy resource management systems, are also to be integrated.
What About the Ecological Footprint?
The goal is to develop a sustainable, green, and above all, social city. The project leaders promise that during the construction phase, efficient handling and disposal of materials arising from demolition and construction work are planned. Efforts are also being made to implement the project with minimal disruption to the surrounding areas.
As promising as the project may sound, there is, of course, criticism. According to a report by “Deutschlandfunk,” the project has become a political issue in the past. The mayor of Elliniko-Argyroupolis, Giannis Konstantatos, is a supporter of the project. Political opponents, however, see it differently, as expected. The investments, they argue, would only benefit large companies, while the population would hardly profit from this luxury project. There are also divided opinions within the population.
According to the Austrian newspaper “Der Standard,” the population of Ellinikon criticizes the project because they do not believe the new district will be affordable for everyone. Instead, residents refer to the project as “Little Dubai.” The newspaper also quotes Loukas Triantis, an urban researcher at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He mentions that the project would not change the problems of a densely built and concreted city. Instead, many smaller parks and green spaces are needed. He also sees feasibility as an issue. For approval, the government had to change numerous laws and regulations. Additionally, building on the coast is risky, as it is particularly affected by rising sea levels and erosion.