The port of Katakolo, in western Peloponnese, benefits from its proximity to Ancient Olympia.
The government will implement the development of cruise tourism destinations that are not among the most popular in Greece, so as to decongest saturated ports such as those in the Cyclades, especially Mykonos and Santorini.
Following the increased fees for passengers visiting these two hotspots and other popular destinations, the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (TAIPED) has called tenders for the development of cruise ports at Patra and Katakolo in the Peloponnese and at Kavala, East Macedonia.
The timing of the announcements is not only associated with the broader plans for cruise tourism but also with the perceived as favorable international conditions in this industry, which is dynamically rebounding after the deep recession caused by the pandemic.
As Katakolo is located near Ancient Olympia and Kavala is in close proximity to the archaeological site of Amphipolis, as well as other destinations of international interest, while Patra is strategically positioned even for visits to Attica, there is strong interest both from domestic groups active in construction and port infrastructure, and major cruise operators.
All leading groups, such as Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Lines and MSC Cruises, are active in the region through some of their brands, and some of their cruise liners use Piraeus for homeporting.
Therefore, at end-2024, TAIPED – which is set to be absorbed by the Growthfund but continues to implement public property utilization projects – has published an invitation for an international tender process regarding the further development of cruise activity at Katakolo, at a section of the old port of Patra and at part of the central port of Kavala (“Apostolos Pavlos”).
Katakolo port ranked among the top 10 cruise ports in traffic in 2023, mainly thanks to its proximity to Ancient Olympia, with 206 cruise ships calling and 390,153 passengers visiting. It can serve up to three cruise liners over 350 meters long.
Patra is categorized as a port of international importance, but in 2023 it was only visited by 13 cruise liners and 800 passengers. Kavala has two cruise ship slots and in 2023 received 36 cruise liners and 21,052 visitors.