Greece is embarking on a transformative endeavor, converting 6.2 million square meters of land into what promises to be Europe's most expansive smart city.

Known as the Ellinikon project, this ambitious venture is anticipated to bring substantial economic advantages, including substantial tax revenues and a surge in tourism. 

(Photo: ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Largest Smartest City

Following years of postponement, Greece is revitalizing a disused airport, slated to become the continent's largest smart city.

Interesting Engineering reported that the ambitious, smart city initiative would unfold on the premises of the former Ellinikon Airport, situated near Athens. 

Positioned along Greece's southern coastline, this defunct airport serves as the canvas for a futuristic urban transformation. Project developers envision the smart city as a haven of luxury residences, expansive green spaces, and sustainable energy solutions.

Odisseas Athanasiou, CEO of Lamda, the firm spearheading the initiative, expressed his understanding of the skepticism surrounding the project's prolonged delays. Nevertheless, recent reports indicate a surge in developmental efforts on the site. 

Construction of the Marina Tower, poised to be Greece's inaugural skyscraper upon completion, is currently underway. Additionally, the groundwork for condominiums is visible, signaling progress in the project's realization.

Greece is embarking on the ambitious Ellinikon project, a vast future-city endeavor sprawling across an expansive 6,200 acres of land.

A mere 20-minute drive from Athens, Ellinikon promises convenient accessibility between the two cities, fostering seamless connectivity for residents and visitors.

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Ellinikon is set to become home to a prestigious Mandarin Oriental hotel and an expansive casino resort, enhancing its allure as a prime destination. It will also boast Europe's most extensive coastal park and residential areas, offering breathtaking seaside vistas.

Furthermore, the city will incorporate two expansive shopping centers and a state-of-the-art sports complex, complete with swimming, soccer, and tennis facilities.

Positioned as a bona fide "smart city," Ellinikon will prioritize technological integration across waste, water, and energy management systems, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and efficiency.

A Vision for 2026 and Beyond

Athanasiou articulated the project's timeline, expressing the goal for residents to inhabit their homes by Christmas 2026.

Ellinikon's impact extends beyond its futuristic aspirations; it's poised to bolster Greece's economy significantly. Projections suggest it will contribute 2.5 percentage points to the nation's GDP and foster the creation of 80,000 new jobs.

Upon completion in 2037, Ellinikon is anticipated to yield approximately $10.7 billion in tax revenue. Moreover, the smart city aims to draw in around one million tourists annually, further enhancing its economic footprint.

The development of Ellinikon marks a pivotal moment for Greece's construction sector, which had languished in recent years.

Athanasiou highlighted the sector's decline, attributing it to emigration and weakened construction firms. Rising construction costs, exacerbated by energy crises, compounded these challenges.

With Greece's economic resurgence, symbolized by its exit from bankruptcy, confidence in Ellinikon's success is palpable. Athanasiou remains optimistic about the project's trajectory, buoyed by the nation's newfound economic stability.

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