Elounda Hills Mega Tourism Investment on Crete Moves Forward with Greek State Approval

The Elounda Hills residential development on Crete has entered a pivotal phase, positioning it as one of the most significant investment projects not only in Greece but across the Mediterranean region. With an investment exceeding 700 million euros, the project recently secured official approval from the Greek state.

The Greek government’s approval encompasses the town planning, zoning regulations, environmental guidelines, and infrastructure developments under the framework of the Special Plan for Spatial Development of Strategic Investments (ESHASE). The approval clears the way for the project to proceed as planned, marking a crucial milestone in its realization.

According to Mirum Hellas, the company behind the development, demand has been strong, with over 60 reservations and pre-sales of residential properties totaling more than 120 million euros.

Elounda Hills: Three residential areas

The total approved project area spans approximately 735 stremma (around 182 acres). The government’s decision outlines specific zones for construction, drainage, common green spaces, pedestrian-friendly streets, roads with light traffic, parking areas, sports facilities, sewage treatment systems, and other essential infrastructure.

The development will unfold in three residential areas, with one sub-area dedicated to communal and public spaces:

• 1st Area (HERA): Spanning 90 stremma (22.2 acres), this area will feature individual holiday homes, residential complexes, and public amenities such as shops, a medical office, an indoor gym, restaurants, swimming pools, and recreational facilities.

• 2nd Area (LANDBANK PARCEL): Covering 163 stremma (40.3 acres), this area will host individual homes and apartment complexes.

• 3rd Area (HILLTOP): The largest section, covering 460 stremma (113.7 acres), will be organized into three sectors. It will include residences and a “Center for Social Services and Recreation,” featuring a water park, shopping center, expansive green and leisure areas, and a landmark five-star hotel operated by the “1 Hotels” brand.

Environmental and Infrastructure Standards

Sustainability and ecological integration are key priorities for the project. The environmental conditions outlined in the approval are among the strictest in Greece, with measures designed to protect and enhance the region’s natural ecosystems. These include:

• Anti-flood and anti-corrosion safeguards.
• Plantings that are compatible with the local bioclimatic conditions, requiring minimal water and fertilizer.
• Underground utility networks beneath communal areas, roads, and sidewalks.
• Installation of desalination units and local biological purification systems.
• Recycling stations, green spaces, and ongoing water and air quality monitoring.
• Stream restoration, extensive use of renewable energy, and smart energy grids to optimize energy efficiency.

Implementation timeline

Building permits are expected shortly, and Phase 1—which includes the majority of residences and the hotel in the HILLTOP area—is slated for completion by August 2028. The beach zone and the Elounda Hills Marina, expected to become Greece’s most advanced private marina with a capacity of 202 berths, will open earlier, by 2027.

A vision for sustainable luxury

According to Mirum Hellas, the Elounda Hills project represents a seamless fusion of luxury and sustainability, offering a unique lifestyle. Its focus on eco-friendly infrastructure and innovative design sets a new benchmark for 21st-century resorts, blending opulence with environmental responsibility.

Mirum Group, a leading global real estate developer, has a track record of building more than 600 ultra-luxury villas, residential complexes, restaurants, and leisure spaces over its 25-year history. Active in Greece for 17 years through Mirum Hellas, the company has established itself as a strategic investor in the country’s real estate sector. With approximately 675,000 sq.m. of coastal land, Mirum’s projects in Greece include the Mirum Villas in Elounda, a luxurious seaside complex directly across from Spinalonga, the Island Concept boutique hotel in Agios Nikolaos, and the ongoing Elounda Hills project, which is its largest and most ambitious venture to date.