Greece’s Marinas Need Upgrades and Less Bureaucracy, Say Industry Experts

Alimos Marina.

Key issues concerning Greece’s marinas were the focus of discussion at the recent 25th Prodexpo real estate conference in Athens. Topics included licensing, expanding berth capacity, infrastructure development, and reducing the energy and environmental impacts of marina facilities.

Speaking during the event, Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) CEO Dimitris Politis highlighted the need for Greece’s existing marinas to operate efficiently.

He noted that several marinas lack proper permits or are not functioning as they should. Politis highlighted that marinas have great potential as catalysts for economic growth, stating, “each euro invested in marinas can generate up to 17 euros in return”.

Politis: Greece does not necessarily need more marinas

HRDAF CEO Dimitris Politis. Photo source: Prodexpo

Regarding the marinas still under HRADF’s ownership, Politis mentioned ongoing progress, such as the privatization of Alimos Marina, the signed concession for Pylos Marina, and plans for a new marina at Corfu. However, he expressed concern over other public marinas, describing them as “abandoned and environmentally hazardous”, with private boat owners leaving their vessels unattended without proper regulation.

Politis argued that Greece does not necessarily need more marinas, but should focus on ensuring the proper operation of existing ones. He also stressed the importance of integrating marinas into existing ports and urged local authorities, such as those in Kalamaria and Patra, to take marina development seriously rather than ignoring them.

Marinas as development hubs

SETE General Secretary Giorgos Vernicos. Photo source: Prodexpo

On his part, Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) Secretary General George Vernicos added that marinas should be seen as essential infrastructure, contributing to “developmental ecosystems”.

He suggested that marinas could expand easily with floating berthing systems, allowing for quicker and more flexible growth without the need for heavy construction. This would also create additional docking spaces in a more sustainable manner.

Greece: Top yachting destination in the Mediterranean

Lamda Marinas CEO Stavros Katsikadis. Photo source: Prodexpo

Stavros Katsikadis, CEO of Flisvos Marina and President of the Greek Marinas Association (GMA), highlighted that many public and private marina properties in Greece still face issues with unclear permits. He acknowledged that significant private investments have already been made in Greek marinas, largely thanks to the work of the HRADF, and urged the fund to move forward with additional concessions of existing marinas.

Katsikadis called for the upgrade of all marinas and requested that relevant ministries actively pursue EU Recovery and Resilience Facility funding to support these improvements. He also stressed the need to simplify procedures for investors to create more docking spaces, as “Greece remains the top destination for yachting and sea tourism in the Mediterranean”.

However, with competitors like Turkey and Croatia — where real estate prices are lower — eyeing Greece’s top position, Katsikadis emphasized that establishing marinas would add significant value to Greece’s destinations. He underscored the importance of sustainable development, noting that while reducing bureaucracy is crucial, Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) principles must remain a priority.

Vouliagmeni Marina: A hub for mega yachts in Attica

Astir Palace Vouliagmeni Development Director Konstantinos Mitsios. Photo source: Prodexpo

On his part, Konstantinos Mitsios, development director of Astir Palace Vouliagmeni (Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens), spoke about the history of the Vouliagmeni Marina, which dates back to the 1950s and was one of the first marinas in Greece. HRADF transferred the marina to the private sector in 2016, with plans to redesign and upgrade it into a premier homeport for super and mega yachts in Attica. Mitsios noted that it took five years to secure the necessary permits through Joint Ministerial Decisions and Presidential decrees, and the project was “finally completed” in 2023-2024.

He called for reducing bureaucratic delays in future projects, acknowledging that while there is goodwill from authorities to address challenges, it is essential to balance efficiency with the protection of public interests.

Marinas and local economies: A value chain

Representing the EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition, Spyros Kouvelis underlined that marinas generate a valuable economic chain that benefits local communities. While he agreed on the need for simplified permitting processes, he stressed that environmental regulations must not be compromised, stating that “rules should not be bent”.

The Prodexpo event, held from October 21-22 at the Athens Concert Hall, is Greece’s longest-running real estate sector conference.