Former airport becomes one of Europe’s largest urban parks

A former airport is becoming one of Europe’s largest urban green spaces, transforming 200 hectares into a climate-resilient coastal park in Greece.

The park is designed as integrated urban infrastructure that combines management of vegetation, water, routes and microclimates to help cities respond to environmental challenges.

Expected to open to the public in early 2027, The Ellinikon Park will feature more than 30,000 trees and around three million shrubs, with greenery covering 70% of the site. At 200 hectares, it will be Europe’s largest coastal urban park and 40% larger than London’s Hyde Park. Smart irrigation could reduce water use by up to 90%, while shaded “cool routes” are designed to be up to 4°C cooler than nearby asphalted areas. More than 520 plant species are planned, alongside systems to reuse treated wastewater and manage all rainwater on site.