Rising from the abandoned runways of Athens’ former international airport, The Ellinikon is taking shape on the Athenian Riviera. The project is being developed by LAMDA Development, a Greek company active in retail and marina infrastructure. Work on the site began after the airport closed in 2001, with initial plans drawn up in 2012. The first building, a Care Centre for People with Disabilities, was completed in 2023. Construction across the wider site is ongoing, with new districts and facilities expected to open in phases over the coming years.
The Ellinikon is designed as a “15-minute city”. This means that residents can access daily essentials such as schools, shops, workplaces, healthcare, and leisure within a short walk or bike ride. The development stretches along 3.5 kilometres of coastline and is set to include more than 8,000 homes, office spaces, hotels, retail areas, a marina, and one of the largest coastal parks in Europe. The former airport site, which had been largely unused and environmentally degraded, is being redeveloped into a mixed-use urban district with a focus on accessibility and sustainability.
Smart and sustainable city features
The Ellinikon is planned as a smart city where digital systems support daily life and urban services. Smart technologies are integrated into buildings and infrastructure to improve energy and water efficiency. An underground power grid supports the use of renewable energy, while lighting systems adapt to activity levels to improve safety and reduce energy use. Water management systems reuse treated wastewater for irrigation in parks and green areas. A central digital platform and mobile application are intended to allow residents and visitors to access services and information across the district.
Mobility within the area is designed to be simple and low-impact. Shared bikes and e-bikes provide an alternative to car use and connect different parts of the development. Sensors, solar panels, and underground networks support the city’s infrastructure without disrupting daily life. Waste is managed at source, with materials reused where possible and organic waste converted into compost. These systems aim to reduce resource use and support long-term environmental goals.
Riviera and coastal living
The Ellinikon Riviera forms the coastal edge of the development. It includes a continuous 1 km public beach, along with walking paths, gardens, and open spaces. The waterfront is designed to be accessible, with areas for relaxation, sports, and social activities. Promenades and pedestrian links connect the coastline with the central park and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Residential developments are spread across the site, offering different types of housing. The Riviera Tower, a 200-metre residential building, will be one of the tallest in Greece and is located close to the waterfront. Other projects include The Cove Villas and The Cove Residences, which provide housing near the sea with direct access to the beach. Little Athens is a new neighbourhood with over 1,000 homes, located near the park and pedestrian areas, and supported by local shops and services. Additional residential complexes, such as Park Rise, Pavilion Terraces, Promenade Heights, Atrium Gardens, Trinity Gardens, and Sunset Groves, combine apartment living with shared green spaces and nearby retail.
Hospitality, retail, and lifestyle
Several hospitality projects are planned across The Ellinikon. The Mandarin Oriental Athens will include a hotel and branded residences located along the waterfront. The Marina Hotel and Residences will offer additional accommodation near the marina, with direct access to restaurants, shops, and leisure areas.
Retail is concentrated in key areas across the development. The Riviera Galleria, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, will include shops, restaurants, and public spaces along the waterfront. The Ellinikon Mall, designed by Aedas Architects, is expected to become the largest shopping centre in Greece, combining retail with entertainment and leisure. Both destinations are designed as indoor-outdoor environments, with space for events and public use.
Health, education, and community facilities
Healthcare facilities will be located in the Ellinikon Health Park, which will provide services focused on treatment, recovery, and prevention. The site is positioned near major roads and public transport, making it accessible to residents and visitors.
Education is also part of the development. Plans include primary and secondary schools for both local and international students, as well as higher education facilities. These institutions are expected to accommodate several thousand students each year and are located close to sports and cultural areas.
A strategic partnership between Purdue University and the University of Nicosia (UNIC Athens) will bring a Purdue Regional Office to the UNIC Athens campus at The Ellinikon, supporting collaborative research and academic programs in science and technology.
Parks, sports, and recreation
At the centre of the project is The Ellinikon Park, covering around 2 million square metres. It is set to become the largest green space in Athens and the largest coastal park in Europe. The park will include sports facilities, cultural venues, and areas for leisure and social activities. It is designed to be open and accessible, with space for both organised events and everyday use.
Within the park, the Sports Park will provide facilities for activities such as tennis, football, athletics, and swimming. It will be used by both the public and professional athletes. The Experience Park, already open, covers 75,000 square metres and is built around historic airport structures. It includes playgrounds, fitness areas, and green spaces, and introduces visitors to the broader development.
Why The Ellinikon matters
The Ellinikon follows a broader shift in how cities are planned and developed. It combines housing, workspaces, transport, and public space within a single, connected area. This approach responds to challenges faced by many European cities, including urban density, environmental pressure, and the need for more efficient use of space.
Beyond its urban design, the project is also expected to have a measurable impact on the Greek economy. Estimates linked to the development suggest it could support around 70,000 jobs, while generating significant public revenue over time. The project could contribute around 2.5% to Greece’s GDP and attract up to one million additional visitors each year once fully operational.
By redeveloping a large, unused site into a mixed-use district, the project shows how existing urban areas can be reused rather than expanded outward. Its focus on walkability, green space, and integrated infrastructure aligns with wider European efforts to create more sustainable and liveable cities. As work continues, The Ellinikon offers a clear example of how former infrastructure sites can be reimagined to meet the needs of future urban life.
