The Impact of Greece’s New Water Airports Network on Real Estate Investment

Greece is entering a new era of connectivity with the development of a national water airports network. This ambitious project is set to transform how people travel between the mainland and the islands, and its impact on the real estate market — especially in coastal and island regions — is expected to be significant.

A New Era of Easy Access

The network aims to connect over 150 destinations, including small islands such as Astypalea and the Small Cyclades, popular resort areas like Athens, Mykonos, and Crete (where Siteia already has a licensed water airport, and new hubs in Kissamos, Ierapetra, and Rethymno are coming soon), as well as lesser-known coastal towns across Greece.

By making remote or hard-to-reach locations accessible via fast and efficient seaplane services, the water airports will dramatically reduce travel times. What once took hours by ferry or winding coastal roads could soon be achieved in a fraction of the time, opening up new horizons for tourism, business, and second-home ownership.

How the New Water Airports Network Will Positively Impact Real Estate

The new network is expected to drive strong real estate growth in connected areas, thanks to several key factors:

• Enhanced Accessibility: Areas once considered remote will now become weekend or short-break destinations, greatly increasing their attractiveness for buyers seeking holiday homes or investment properties.
• Higher Demand: Improved transportation typically leads to a surge in demand for rental properties, boutique hotels, luxury villas, and serviced apartments, particularly in newly connected regions.
• Increased Property Values: As accessibility improves, property prices are likely to appreciate — especially waterfront properties and land plots close to seaplane landing areas.
• Greater Year-Round Activity: Better connectivity can extend the traditional tourist season and attract residents who are looking for second homes suitable for more frequent visits throughout the year.
• Emerging Markets: The network creates new “hotspots” beyond the established areas of Athens and Mykonos. Lesser-known islands and coastal towns will offer early investment opportunities before prices peak.

New Investment Opportunities in Emerging Coastal and Island Markets

The creation of the water airports network is redefining the investment map of Greece. For real estate buyers and developers, it presents:

• Early-stage investment opportunities in newly accessible areas with strong growth potential.
• Expansion of luxury and boutique developments in smaller, unspoiled locations.
• New tourism models, such as combining multiple island or coastal destinations into one seamless travel experience, boosting short-term rental demand.
• Stronger resale values for properties bought early in regions that are about to see a rise in popularity and infrastructure upgrades.

In essence, the water airports network isn’t just improving travel — it’s reshaping the future of Greek real estate. For those who act early, it offers a rare chance to secure property in rising destinations before they fully enter the spotlight.