Daios Cove: €1.5 Million Investment in a New Marina – A Strategic Upgrade for Luxury Tourism in Crete

A major new tourism investment is being launched in Eastern Crete, with Hellas Holiday Hotels S.A., owner of the luxury resort Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, moving forward with the construction of a private hotel marina in the Vathi Bay of the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos. This is a purely strategic move, expected to strengthen the competitiveness of the property in the high-end tourism market while also adding value to the local economy.

The total project cost is estimated at €1.5 million, plus 24% VAT, and is part of the resort’s ongoing strategic upgrade. Daios Cove is already ranked among the top resorts in the Mediterranean, offering 300 rooms, suites, and villas with a total capacity of 717 beds, and standing out for its architectural harmony with the natural landscape and its focus on discreet luxury.

The Marina Project – Features and New Facilities

According to the Environmental Impact Study (EIS), the new marina will cover a land zone of 1,015 sq.m. and a sea zone of 5,879 sq.m. The facility will provide 17 berths for leisure boats, enabling the resort to attract yacht and sailing boat owners who choose Crete for their holidays more easily.

In addition to the marina works, the investment includes several interventions to upgrade accessibility and safety:

Construction of a helicopter landing and take-off pad at the marina entrance, enhancing connectivity with international destinations and ensuring rapid response in emergencies.

Installation of an inclined elevator connecting the beach to the marina, designed for improved service to people with disabilities (PwD) and upgraded accessibility conditions.

A 4–6 meter wide walkway along the rocky coastline, facilitating the movement of guests and staff between facilities.

Expansion and enrichment of the sandy beach using seabed materials from the bay, creating a broader recreation area with improved safety and comfort standards for swimmers.

These interventions are expected to enhance not only the functionality of the resort but also its positioning as a fully integrated luxury destination with world-class infrastructure.

Strategic Focus – Maritime Tourism as a Growth Driver

The decision by Hellas Holiday Hotels to invest in port infrastructure is no coincidence. Maritime tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide, and Crete, with its geographical profile and strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean, has all the prerequisites to become a hub for leisure boats.

With the addition of marina facilities, Daios Cove is expanding its customer base, targeting high-income clientele even more effectively. At the same time, the helicopter pad enhances the resort’s image as a benchmark for premium hospitality in Greece.

Benefits for the Local and National Economy

The investment will have a multiplier effect on the local economy, creating new jobs during construction as well as in the daily operation of the marina.

Moreover, the ability to attract leisure boats and high-net-worth tourists is expected to provide secondary benefits to other local sectors, from dining and transportation to water sports and leisure services. At the national level, the investment aligns with Greece’s strategy to strengthen maritime tourism and high-value hospitality infrastructure.