Ellinikon project transforms former Athens airport into coastal city

The Ellinikon project is transforming the site of the former Athens airport, closed in 2001, into a massive coastal urban complex designed to integrate residential, business, and recreational spaces.

Significant portions of the development are already accessible to the public. The Ellinikon Sports Park, covering 287,000 square meters with over 115,000 square meters of green space, officially opened on September 17. This initial phase includes an athletic stadium, football pitches, basketball and tennis courts, and pedestrian and cycling paths.

Future phases are scheduled for completion through 2027. Expected developments include an additional 160,000 square meters of parkland and a lake by early 2027. Other major landmarks include the 200-meter-tall Riviera Tower, which will be Greece’s first residential skyscraper of that scale, a modernized marina, the Riviera Gallery, and a new hotel expected to open by mid-2027.