A new €260 million investment programme is planned to improve the infrastructure of Greek island ports.
The investment reflects the country’s ambitions to become a leading Mediterranean destination for yachting.
The announcement was made by the country’s Deputy Shipping Minister, Stefanos Gikas, during the fifth Panhellenic Yachting Congress which took place in Athens.
The programme includes the upgrade of 30 island ports with a total budget of €260 million. The funding, €180 million of which comes from the NSRF Transport 2021-2027 and €80 million from the Recovery Fund, aims to improve the functionality, safety and quality of services provided.
Maritime tourism leakage
The Deputy Minister also announced plans to create a strong maritime tourism hub in the Ionian Islands and northwestern Greece, with investments in key locations in the region.
The marinas of Kefalonia and Lefkada, the investment in Astakos, the marina of Igoumenitsa, the Mega Yacht marina in Corfu, as well as the marinas of Imerolia, Spilia, and Benitses are part of a broader development plan that aims to transform the Ionian Islands into a model of regional development for yachting.
The investments are expected to change the image of the region, increase the mooring capacity for large vessels and limit the leakage of maritime tourism to competing Mediterranean countries.
In terms of tourism strategy, Greek National Tourism Organisation president Angela Varela presented plans for the systematic promotion of Greece as a premium yachting destination, not only in traditional markets in Europe and North America, but also in emerging markets with high purchasing power.
Unified digital platform
Particular importance was placed on the ultra-wealthy market of India, with direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai creating new opportunities to attract affluent travelers seeking personalised, luxury experiences in the Mediterranean.
Another highlighted innovation is the creation of a unified digital platform by the Ministry of Tourism, which will bring together the country’s port infrastructure and allow visitors to make real-time reservations at marinas.
This initiative is expected to enhance transparency, facilitate charter planning and upgrade the overall user experience, bringing Greece into line with international standards of digital service.
At the same time, the approval of 28 investment projects for the creation of new marinas was announced, reflecting Greece’s intention to expand and modernise the recreational boat accommodation infrastructure network.
24% increase in demand
In addition, a clarifying memorandum from the Hellenic Revenue Agency confirmed that VAT on the private use of recreational boats is set at 13%, aimed at providing a clearer and more foreseeable tax framework for boat owners and professionals in the sector.
“Overall, the announcements demonstrate that yachting is now part of a coherent national plan that combines investment in infrastructure, digital transformation, international promotion, and tax clarification, creating the conditions for a more competitive and sustainable future for the industry,” explained a spokesperson for the Yachting Congress.
And the Congress also heard that according to the European Commission for Professional Yachting (ECPY) and the European Commission for Maritime Tourism, Greece recorded a 24% increase in demand in 2025, accounting for 40% of total bookings in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Congress was told that data shows that Greece ranked second worldwide in recreational boat traffic and third in the Mediterranean in terms of the number of superyachts over 24 metres.
