Thessaly Invests Twelve Million Euro in the Green and Blue Infrastructure, Connecting Parks, Rivers and Underused Spaces to Boost Their Climate Resilience and Tourism Growth

Published on December 9, 2025

Thessaly, a region in central Greece, is set to embark on an ambitious €12 million initiative aimed at connecting urban parks, rivers, and underused urban plots into a cohesive green and blue infrastructure network. This project, which will take place across 17 towns in the region, aims at enhancing climate resilience, public spaces, and most importantly, tourism, by offering both residents and visitors better access to green spaces and recreational areas.

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the Thessaly 2021–2027 program, this is part of a wider Greek effort towards sustainable development and mitigation in the face of climate change. This program will transform neglected urban areas into vibrant, sustainable spaces that will contribute significantly to attracting tourists who seek eco-friendly destinations and also offer a better quality of life for residents.

Enhancing Tourism through Green and Blue Infrastructure

The goal of Thessaly’s green and blue infrastructure network is to create a unified system of natural and semi-natural spaces that improves both environmental quality and public access to leisure areas. By focusing on the integration of green infrastructure—such as parks, tree-lined routes, and gardens—with blue infrastructure like rivers, streams, and wetlands, the initiative will have a major impact on the tourism sector in Greece.

Greece has long been recognized for its stunning landscapes and natural beauty, making it a top destination for eco-tourism and nature-based tourism. This new initiative will elevate Thessaly as a premier location for travelers who seek outdoor experiences, combining the region’s rich cultural heritage with its emerging eco-tourism offerings. Visitors to Thessaly will be able to explore the newly revitalized green corridors and waterfronts, while experiencing the biodiversity and natural beauty that Greece is famous for.

Sustainable Tourism: Connecting People with Nature

As part of the project, urban parks, sports fields, and waterfronts in seventeen urban centers, including Volos, Larissa, Tyrnavos, Farsala, Meteora, and the islands of Skiathos and Skopelos, will undergo extensive redesigns. These spaces will not only serve the local population but will also be attractive to tourists, particularly those interested in outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water-based sports. The integration of natural elements into urban settings will contribute to the development of Thessaly as a top destination for sustainable tourism in Greece.

The inclusion of blue infrastructure will also enhance the region’s ability to manage water resources, address flood risks, and create more resilient aquatic ecosystems. These factors will directly contribute to Greece’s tourism appeal, especially for those seeking nature tourism experiences in destinations with strong eco-conscious values.

The Economic and Tourism Impact of Thessaly’s Green and Blue Initiative

The creation of this green and blue network will not only benefit the environment but also have a significant economic impact on Thessaly’s tourism industry. The initiative is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists, contributing to the region’s local economy by increasing demand for hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related services.

By revitalizing urban parks and green spaces, Thessaly will create more opportunities for outdoor tourism, a sector that has grown in popularity in recent years as travelers look for nature-based experiences. The project will also appeal to eco-tourists, who prioritize destinations that focus on environmental sustainability. With Thessaly’s growing reputation as a tourism hub, this initiative will undoubtedly help the region capture a larger share of Greece’s overall tourism market.

Additionally, the development of recreational areas in Thessaly will encourage local tourism as well. Greek residents will benefit from enhanced public spaces that encourage outdoor activities and healthier lifestyles, which can help foster community pride and support local tourism industries.

A Key Moment for Thessaly’s Long-Term Resilience

This green and blue infrastructure initiative also comes at a critical moment for Thessaly, as the region continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change. With rising temperatures and increasing flood risks, the need for climate adaptation is more urgent than ever. By enhancing its green and blue networks, Thessaly is taking a proactive step in building long-term climate resilience while also improving the quality of life for its residents and visitors.

The integration of sustainable urban planning strategies into tourism infrastructure represents a forward-thinking approach to managing the region’s natural resources and preserving its landscapes. This approach aligns with Greece’s broader goals to position itself as a leader in sustainable tourism and to attract tourists who are increasingly mindful of environmental impact.

Projects That Connect Communities and Boost Tourism

To qualify for funding, the projects must form cohesive networks rather than isolated upgrades. Each proposal must involve interventions in at least three nodes—such as parks, squares, or waterfronts—or connect two nodes through a designated route. This approach ensures that each project contributes to creating a unified, interconnected system of green and blue spaces across the region, improving access to public areas and making them more attractive to tourists.

The focus on creating cohesive networks of sustainable spaces is expected to be a major draw for eco-tourists and nature lovers, who will be able to explore interconnected parks, waterfronts, and green corridors. This will also help promote local businesses as tourists explore these newly revitalized areas, contributing to the overall economic development of Thessaly.

Thessaly’s Vision for Sustainable and Resilient Tourism

This €12 million green and blue infrastructure project launch is a bold step for Greece and Thessaly in particular, since it seeks to enhance its tourism appeal in addition to facing the challenges of climate change. Focusing on sustainable infrastructure, the region improves not only environmental quality but also enhances its tourism offerings to make Thessaly stand at the forefront of eco-tourism destinations within Greece. This serves as a model of how urban renewal and sustainability can blend into the tourism sector, thus offering long-lasting benefits for both residents and travelers alike.