The ambitious Ellinikon project in Athens is poised to become Europe’s largest smart city, transforming the site of the former international airport into a model of sustainable urban living. Developed by Greek real estate giant Lamda Development, the project carries an estimated investment of €8 billion, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2027.
From Abandoned Airport to Smart Metropolis
The Ellinikon International Airport ceased operations in 2001, leaving behind over 6 million square meters of underutilized land along the Athens Riviera. For years, the area remained dormant, until Lamda Development acquired the site and launched plans for an integrated smart city — a “city within a city” focused on digital innovation, sustainability, and livability.
Architectural and Urban Highlights
At the heart of Ellinikon lies the Riviera Tower, a 200-meter residential skyscraper designed by Foster + Partners. Upon completion, it will be the tallest residential building in Greece and a symbol of the project’s forward-thinking vision.
The development also includes residential districts like “Little Athens” and the “Coastal Front,” which will offer over 1,500 residential units ranging from apartments to luxury villas. These areas aim to attract a mix of locals, expats, and investors by combining accessibility with premium quality.
The 15-Minute City Concept
Ellinikon is based on the principles of the “15-minute city” — a concept where all essential services and amenities are within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. Residents will have access to workspaces, schools, healthcare, parks, shops, and cultural venues without needing a car.
This approach not only promotes healthier and more sustainable lifestyles but also reduces traffic congestion and environmental impact.
Smart Infrastructure and Sustainability
The smart city will be powered by advanced technologies, including smart grids, IoT-based monitoring systems, and AI-enabled urban services. These systems will manage electricity, water, waste, traffic, and environmental quality in real time.
Sustainability is at the project’s core, with features such as rainwater harvesting, solar energy, energy-efficient buildings, and green roofs. The smart waste management system will include automated sorting and recycling processes to minimize landfill use.
Metropolitan Park and Public Spaces
A key element of the development is the Metropolitan Park — a 2-million-square-meter green space set to become the largest coastal park in Europe. The park will feature walking trails, cultural pavilions, gardens, and sports facilities, offering recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Ellinikon also envisions a vibrant waterfront with public beaches, promenades, and marina access, reinforcing Athens’ image as a Mediterranean metropolis.
Education, Health, and Culture
The smart city will include state-of-the-art educational institutions, hospitals, cultural centers, and museums. Plans also include a large shopping center (Riviera Galleria), the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and other leisure facilities that aim to make Ellinikon a year-round destination for locals and tourists.
The cultural corridor will connect heritage landmarks with modern installations, promoting dialogue between past and future.
Economic Impact
Lamda Development forecasts that Ellinikon will create up to 85,000 jobs and contribute around €3.3 billion annually to Greece’s GDP. This includes direct employment in construction and operations, as well as indirect benefits through tourism, hospitality, tech services, and retail.
The project is expected to attract over 1 million visitors annually and increase the international appeal of Athens as a business and innovation hub.
Commentary from Stakeholders
Odysseas Athanasiou, CEO of Lamda Development:
“Ellinikon is not just about building a smart city — it’s about building a smarter way of living. This is a national project with international significance.”
Eleni Papadimitriou, urban sustainability consultant:
“Ellinikon represents a rare opportunity to reset how we think about city design. Its holistic approach to infrastructure, ecology, and social life could serve as a model for other European cities.”
Criticism and Challenges
Despite its promise, the project has faced criticism. Some locals fear it could become an enclave for the wealthy, with rising property prices pushing out middle-income families. Others are concerned about preserving the historical buildings and the environmental impact on the coastal ecosystem.
Lamda Development has responded with pledges to ensure that 70% of the site remains accessible to the public and that social inclusion and sustainability remain top priorities.
Timelines and Phases
The first phase — including residential districts, the Riviera Tower, and portions of the Metropolitan Park — is slated for completion by 2027. Subsequent phases, involving the full-scale commercial, cultural, and hospitality infrastructure, are scheduled to roll out through 2035.
By the end of the decade, Ellinikon aims to be fully operational as a smart, green, and inclusive urban environment integrated into the wider fabric of Athens.
Conclusion
Ellinikon is not merely a real estate project — it is a statement of intent. A city built from the ground up to prioritize people, sustainability, and innovation. If successfully executed, it could redefine how cities in Europe and beyond respond to the 21st-century urban challenges of climate change, digitalization, and population growth.
As 2027 approaches, all eyes are on Athens — and on what could become a flagship for future cities across the globe.
