Yachting: Where the sea meets development
Maritime tourism is one of the most dynamic and profitable segments of the global tourism industry. Countries with extended coastlines view it as a strategic advantage, and rightly so. According to the European Commission Blue Economy report , in 2023 the sector generated a turnover of nearly €270 billion in the EU, employing more than 2.5 million people.
The Eastern Mediterranean is emerging as a point of international interest, a fact that gives rise to new demand for modern hospitality infrastructure, high-quality services and state-of-the-art berthing facilities that can support a continuous flow of sea routes.
The different aspects of maritime tourism
Maritime tourism is an entire world of experiences, as it combines the sea with exploration and leisure. At the same time, it is a driving force for the development of coastal areas, since its various forms create jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurship:
- Beach tourism – Generates demand for services catering to beachgoers, such as sunbeds, restaurants, night clubs and lifeguards.
- Sports-oriented marine and anchorage-based tourism – Drives demand for water sport services and recreational activities, such as surfing, water ski, diving and snorkeling.
- Cruises – Enhance the local economy and support entrepreneurship, by attracting high-spending consumers to retail outlets, food and beverage businesses, other service establishments and cultural venues.
- Yachting – Requires state-of-the-art marinas, technical support services for vessels, and premium hospitality and provisioning services.
The Greek coastline: a magnet for maritime tourism
With its thousands of islands and rocky islets, Greece boasts a coastline of 13.676km, the 2nd longest in Europe after Norway, and the 11th longest in the world
From Attica and the Cyclades islands to Crete, and from the Ionian Sea to the Dodecanese Islands, the uniquely beautiful and diverse Greek coastline, combined with its authentic hospitality, makes Greece a top destination for relaxation and activities by the sea.
Each year, millions of visitors from Greece and abroad choose to spend their vacation on the Greek beaches, creating new business opportunities on the islands, even the most remote ones, and in coastal regions. In this setting, where the sea meets experience, there is one form of tourism that stands out as an expression of freedom, luxury and the Mediterranean seafaring culture: yachting.
Yachting at the service of the Greek economy
Greece, with its long-standing nautical tradition, safe seas and ideal weather conditions for almost 8 months a year, is the ultimate yachting destination. It boasts the 3rd largest 40 m mega yacht fleet worldwide, right after the US and Russia, while it was no.1 in Europe in yacht charters in 2024.
The strong rise in leisure boat charters, especially after the pandemic that enhanced the privacy culture, highlights the need to increase and modernize the country’s berthing facilities, and attracts significant investment funds for the development of marinas.
At the same time, marina development goes far beyond infrastructure and makes a substantial contribution to employment. According to the Greek Marinas Association , 6 direct jobs are created for every 100 berths, while 100 more jobs are indirectly supported in related sectors, such as repairs, maintenance, fuel and supplies.
LAMDA Development Marinas: Leading yachting infrastructure
The 3 LAMDA Development Marinas compose a modern proposition for Greek maritime tourism in the Argosaronic Gulf and the Ionian Sea.
- Faliro – Flisvos Marina, connecting Athens to the Greek islands, can accommodate up to 310 vessels, half of which can be luxury yachts over 30 m in length. At the same time, it is the ideal spot for relaxing strolls by the sea, and culinary experiences in modern restaurants and cafés with stunning views.
- Agios Kosmas – On The Ellinikon coastal front, Agios Kosmas Marina is expected to provide more than 300 berths and refueling facilities for yachts up to 80 m in length. It is set to become the new meeting point along the Athens Riviera, the ideal location to combine a walk by the sea with premium shopping and fine dining.
- Corfu – In the Ionian Sea, yachting enthusiasts will soon discover their own sanctuary at Corfu Marina which will become the new yachting hub in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea. It will feature port and land infrastructure suitable for berthing and maintenance of 140 leisure boats and mega yachts up to 140 m in length, all year round (homeporting).
The sea brings people, places and experiences together, and the LAMDA Development Marinas are a top destination for maritime tourism enthusiasts.