The construction of Europe’s largest and greenest smart city, Ellinikon, is underway near Athens. The project, which has been in the works for over a decade, is estimated to cost $8 billion. At its heart is the Riviera Tower, which will be Greece’s first skyscraper.
The site of a former Athens airport, Ellinikon will feature not only the skyscraper but also a high-end mall and a sports park. Developers have described it as a “zip-code paradise,” blending stunning coastal views with cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly infrastructure. The first phase of the project is set to be completed by 2026 and is expected to attract a million new tourists and bolster the Greek economy by 3.3 billion euros ($3.6 billion).
Ellinikon is one of several new high-tech cities being built around the world, though they are typically located in China or the Middle East rather than Europe. The Ellinikon Experience Center, which opened in 2022, highlights the site’s history while also showcasing the eco-friendly technology that is envisioned to be a core component of future cities.
