Meganisi: “Green Light” for Project Anemos – The First Sailing Resort in the Ionian

With a unanimous positive opinion from the Municipal Council of Meganisi, the Strategic Environmental Impact Study (SEIS) for the Special Urban Planning Scheme (SUPS) of the tourism project Project Anemos was approved. The project is set to be developed in the Elia area, at the southeastern tip of the island. This decision paves the way for licensing and gradual implementation of a flagship investment that aims to transform Meganisi into a model destination for sailing and thematic tourism, while boosting the local economy and promoting sustainable development.

It’s worth noting that the Special Urban Planning Scheme study has already received preliminary approval from the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

An Investment with Environmental and Social Footprint
Project Anemos is planned on a plot of approximately 190 acres (189,578 sq.m.), with a total construction footprint not exceeding 12,300 sq.m. – a building density ratio of just 0.07 – highlighting the low-impact nature of the development. The investment, led by the company “Ionios Eterotopia,” does not yet have a disclosed budget.

The investor, Alexandros Vassiliou-Mourkogiannis, a native of the island, has had a presence in Meganisi since 2009. He has previously participated in ventures connected to British baron Jacob Rothschild, involving high-end tourism developments both on Meganisi and on the nearby island of Kythros.

The design of Project Anemos adopts principles of bioclimatic architecture and includes modern infrastructure for energy independence, such as solar panels, a desalination-based water supply system, biological wastewater treatment, underground electricity networks, and a low-impact road system for electric vehicles. Special attention has been given to enhancing recycling and the use of renewable energy sources.

Sailing Center and Nautical Sports School
At the heart of the project is a 600 sq.m. sailing club with a free sailing school for children and youth. This space will function not only as an educational center but also as a venue for cultural and sporting events. The project aims to establish Meganisi as a themed destination for open-sea sailing, aligned with national strategies to extend the tourist season—especially during October to April, when weather conditions are ideal for this type of tourism.

Additionally, plans include the construction of eight small guesthouse units (400–500 sq.m. total) within an agritourism framework to host athletes and visitors, preserving the island’s authentic character.

Tourist Villas, Hotel, and Outdoor Market
Project Anemos also includes:

A 4-star hotel (“The Ark Resort”) with spa, gym, event hall, restaurant, beach bar, and shared pool, covering a total of 2,400 sq.m.

14 luxury tourist villas, totaling 7,500 sq.m., classified as A+ energy efficiency.

An olive grove-style outdoor marketplace near the settlement entrance, with small shops selling local products, a bakery, produce stand, fish market, traditional café, and bar.

Employee housing buildings (500 sq.m.), along with safety, first-aid, and electric vehicle infrastructure.

The resort facilities will be connected through a low-impact transport network, exclusively for electric land and sea vehicles, minimizing traffic impact and environmental disturbance.

Economic Contribution and Local Impact
The full operation of the project is expected to create over 100 permanent jobs and about 80 seasonal ones, providing a significant boost to the local economy. It also enhances social cohesion on the island by including facilities accessible to permanent residents, such as the sailing school and sports areas.

By being part of Nautical Navigation Zone 9, which promotes tourism with recreational boats, Project Anemos aims to become a model for combining tourism development with environmental sensitivity, setting a high standard for future initiatives in the Ionian region.

Outlook and Synergies
Meganisi is now dynamically entering the investment map of the Ionian, with several business plans in progress or at maturity. Project Anemos stands out from traditional resorts by adopting a thematic focus and eco-friendly character, seeking synergies with local producers, cultural organizations, and international maritime tourism networks.

The approval of the SEIS by the Municipal Council marks a key milestone toward implementation. In the coming weeks, a Joint Ministerial Decision is expected for the SUPS, which will give the final go-ahead for construction to begin.