Elliniko

Elliniko is currently the site of 'The Ellinikon', Europe's largest urban regeneration project. For six decades, this area served as the Athens International Airport before its closure in 2001. Today, it is being transformed into a smart, sustainable city-within-a-city. The development includes a massive 600-acre metropolitan park, luxury residences, upscale retail districts, and a revitalized marina. This ambitious project is seamlessly blending modern architectural innovation with the natural beauty of the Mediterranean coastline, making it a fascinating destination for architecture enthusiasts, luxury travelers, and families alike.

Reasons to Visit

• Explore the Ellinikon Experience Park, featuring interactive fountains, lush gardens, and modern playgrounds.
• Relax on the beautiful, organized sandy beaches of the Athenian Riviera.
• Dine at upscale waterfront restaurants offering fresh seafood and stunning sunset views over the Saronic Gulf.
• Witness the historic transformation of the old Athens airport into a futuristic, sustainable urban space.
• Enjoy easy access to both the historical center of Athens and the glamorous southern suburbs like Glyfada.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid visiting the outdoor parks during the peak midday heat in July and August; opt for early morning or late afternoon instead.
• Don't rely exclusively on taxis for transport; the Metro and Tram are efficient, cheaper, and avoid coastal traffic.
• Avoid dining at the most heavily advertised tourist traps; look for where the locals eat slightly off the main coastal avenue.

Local Transportation Tips

Elliniko is exceptionally well-connected to the rest of Athens. The Athens Metro Red Line (Line 2) terminates at Elliniko Station, providing a fast, direct route to the Acropolis and Syntagma Square in about 20 minutes. Additionally, the Athens Tram runs along the scenic coastal road, connecting Elliniko to Piraeus port and other Riviera suburbs like Glyfada and Voula. Ride-hailing apps like Uber (which operates with local taxis) and FreeNow are also widely available and reliable.

Travel Etiquette

• Dress modestly if you plan to visit any local churches or monasteries in the surrounding areas.
• Tipping is customary in Greece; leaving 5-10% of the bill at restaurants and cafes is appreciated for good service.
• Greeks are hospitable and social; a friendly 'Yassou' (Hello) when entering a shop or tavern goes a long way.
• Smoking is common in Greece, but strictly prohibited in indoor public spaces; always look for designated outdoor smoking areas.

Recommended Age Group

Elliniko offers a modern, accessible, and relaxing environment suitable for almost all ages, particularly those who enjoy coastal walks and parks.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. While the new parks are highly stroller-friendly, there are limited specific attractions dedicated solely to infants.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. The Experience Park features fantastic, safe playgrounds and interactive water fountains that children will love.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Teens can enjoy the beautiful beaches, outdoor sports facilities, and trendy cafes along the marina.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. The area boasts excellent dining options, upscale shopping, and scenic coastal promenades perfect for adults.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. Flat, accessible walking paths, a relaxing seaside atmosphere, and comfortable amenities make it highly suitable for older travelers.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• The newly developed areas, including the Experience Park, are designed with universal accessibility in mind, featuring smooth, flat pathways and ramp access.
• Most modern restaurants, cafes, and public facilities along the marina are wheelchair accessible and equipped with accessible restrooms.
• The Elliniko Metro station is fully equipped with elevators and tactile paving for visually impaired travelers.
• Some organized beaches in the area offer special amphibious wheelchairs and ramp access directly into the water during the summer months.

Did You Know?

Before becoming a symbol of modern urban regeneration, Elliniko was the site of the Athens International Airport for 60 years. The iconic East Terminal building was designed by the famous Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen in the 1960s and is being preserved as a cultural heritage site within the new development.

Cool Statistics

• The Ellinikon project covers an area three times the size of Monaco.
• The new Metropolitan Park will span 600 acres, making it one of the largest coastal parks in the world.
• The development includes the revitalization of 3.5 kilometers of pristine Athenian coastline.
• Over 30,000 new trees are being planted as part of the area's green initiative.