The new marina in Crete. Photo: Hellenic Ministry of Tourism The largest island in Greece and one of the country's most significant tourist destinations, Crete, is being revitalized with a renovated marina in Agios Nikolaos, in the east of the island.
Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni inaugurated the marina this week, part of a €2 million investment. The project, funded by the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Fund, is designed to strengthen the city's position as a destination for nautical and yachting tourism in the Mediterranean.
The renovated marina includes new floating docks, an increase in the number of mooring points, new technological equipment and infrastructure, as well as advanced computer and management systems. In addition, infrastructure for charging electric vessels was installed and solutions based on renewable energy were integrated.
The new marina in Crete. Photo: Hellenic Ministry of TourismAs part of the work, adjustments were also made to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, as part of a broader policy by the Greek Ministry of Tourism to upgrade the country's tourist ports.
Keflaviani said at the ceremony that "maritime tourism is a form of tourism with high added value," and emphasized that the development and upgrading of the marina network are intended to promote quality tourism throughout the year. According to her, investing in this type of infrastructure also creates a broad economic impact on local communities.
According to her, Agios Nikolaos is now receiving upgraded infrastructure that will strengthen the city's tourist identity, create new opportunities for the local economy, and establish its position in the field of marine tourism in the Mediterranean region.
The new marina in Crete. Photo: Hellenic Ministry of Tourism