Chalkida Vourkari Marina Construction and Environmental Approval for One Hundred Thirteen Berths

Published on December 10, 2025

For centuries, the city of Chalkida, Greece, has been defined by the restless, rhythmic waters of the Evripos Strait. This unique stretch of water, famous for its unpredictable tides that famously change direction multiple times a day, is now set to host a new chapter in its maritime history. The region is buzzing with the news that the Directorate General for Environmental Policy of the Ministry of Environment and Energy has given its recommendation for the approval of the environmental terms and restrictions governing the construction and operation of the new Tourist Marina in Vourkari.

This isn’t just another port development; it represents a strategic investment in Greece’s competitive yachting sector, designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing beauty and historical context of the area. The Vourkari Marina, located south of the Evripos Strait and in direct proximity to the Chalkida commercial port, is poised to become a modern, highly functional hub for recreational vessels, featuring a capacity of 113 berths for medium- and large-sized yachts.

A Modern Port Designed for the Environment

The heart of this project lies in a deep commitment to balancing economic development with environmental stewardship—a core concern for modern tourism in coastal Greece. The environmental approval ensures that the marina’s operations and infrastructure adhere to stringent conditions, recognizing that the long-term success of marine tourism hinges on the health of the very waters that attract visitors.

The project is thoughtfully structured to cover both completed infrastructure and remaining essential works, ensuring the facility meets international standards from day one.

Key Completed Works Include:

• Quays: A robust total length of 326 meters.
• Floating Piers: Three piers, each 180 meters long and 3 meters wide, designed for flexible mooring.
• Essential Utilities: Full provision of water supply, electricity, and telephone connections at every berth, supported by a medium-voltage substation.
• Safety Infrastructure: A comprehensive fire-fighting network and storage tank, along with a public-address system.

The Remaining Works, Now Greenlit, Focus on Functionality and Service:

• Expanded Mooring: The extension of two of the three piers by 20 meters each to accommodate more vessels.
• Visitor Services: A 70 m² administration building, complete with offices, sanitary facilities, and auxiliary spaces.
• Dining & Recreation: A dedicated 26 m² food and beverage building, complemented by 60 m² pergolas and generous semi-outdoor and outdoor dining and recreational areas.
• Land Management: Development of an area for 58 vehicle parking spaces and meticulous landscaping of the surrounding 7,635 m² land area.
• Operational Facilities: A 367 m² dry dock area for emergency vessel storage, a fuel supply station, and, crucially for sustainability, a specialized facility for the collection of wastewater and oily residues from boats.

The total sea area covered by the project is significant, rationalized and extended to 30,660 m², while the land area totals 7,635 m². The project’s location was carefully scrutinized and confirmed to be outside any declared archaeological sites—terrestrial, underwater, historic sites, or monuments—allowing the development to proceed without impacting invaluable cultural heritage.

Elevating the Evripos Strait as a Yachting Destination

The strategic importance of the Vourkari Marina to the wider region cannot be overstated. By creating a modern, high-capacity tourist port, Chalkida is positioning itself as a crucial new stop along the Greek yachting map. This development serves multiple purposes:

Attracting Medium- and Large-Sized Vessels: The 113 berths are specifically geared towards accommodating yachts that often bypass smaller, less-equipped ports, thereby attracting a higher-value segment of the marine tourism market.

Boosting Local Commerce: The marina’s operations—from fuel supply and maintenance services to the new food and beverage facilities—will stimulate job creation and economic activity in Chalkida and the broader Evia region.

Enhancing Regional Infrastructure: The presence of a modern, well-equipped marina relieves pressure on existing, older port facilities and offers a high-quality alternative for sailors navigating the central Greek coastline.

This marina is more than a concrete and water investment; it is an investment in human experience. It means sailing enthusiasts will have a new, secure, and beautiful base from which to explore the hidden coves and ancient sites of the Aegean. It means local businesses will gain a steady flow of high-value visitors. It means that the unique energy of the Evripos Strait will now welcome not only the tides but also the international community of seafarers.

The environmental green light from the Ministry is the final confirmation that Chalkida is ready to set a new, modern course—one that proves marine development can successfully coexist with, and even enhance, the rich natural and historical character of the Greek coast. The countdown to the opening of the Vourkari Tourist Marina, and a new era for yachting in Central Greece, has begun.