A vast 200-hectare site in Athens is being reimagined from an airport into The Ellinikon Park, Europe's largest coastal urban park. Set to open in 2027, the park integrates advanced climate modeling and sustainable design to create cooler, greener urban spaces along the coast.
- 200 hectares of reclaimed airport land along Athens’ coastline
- Park uses sensors and climate data to optimize cooling and irrigation
- Will house over 520 plant species and recycle all rainfall onsite
What happened
Athens is converting two million square meters of its former southern airport site into The Ellinikon Park, a sprawling urban green space set to open in early 2027. Covering 200 hectares, this coastal park will become the largest of its kind in Europe, surpassing many iconic urban parks in size.
The design process focused heavily on climate analytics, using digital simulations to map airflow and identify heat hotspots. This informed the layout of pedestrian paths and vegetation placement designed to maximize natural cooling through shade, moisture release, and water features integrated as functional parts of the park’s climate system.
Why it feels good
The Ellinikon Park’s innovative approach to urban cooling brings tangible benefits by lowering temperatures up to 4°C compared to surrounding streets. The combination of strategically planted trees and evaporative cooling from water features provides a refreshing, healthy outdoor environment in a densely built area.
Its water management system stands out, using sensor-driven irrigation aligned with real-time environmental data and recycled wastewater to drastically reduce water consumption. By treating and reusing all rainfall onsite and restoring natural streams, the park exemplifies sustainable city planning that respects local ecosystems.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors to The Ellinikon Park can look forward to shaded walking routes, lush vegetation supporting over 520 plant species, and an engaging waterfront experience along the Athenian Riviera. The park’s opening marks the beginning of phased infrastructure additions that will continue through 2030.
The Ellinikon serves as a technical guide and inspiration for other cities aiming to enhance urban resilience through nature-based solutions. Its success will be closely watched by planners worldwide looking to combine biodiversity, climate adaptation, and public enjoyment in their own green spaces.