Santorini Maritime News
Santorini’s Monolithos Marina Moves Forward, Opening Potential for New Charter Opportunities
A major planning milestone could support future yacht charters, sailing experiences and improved maritime connections on Santorini’s eastern coast.
Plans for the new Monolithos Marina in Santorini have reached an important milestone following the submission of the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment.
On 26 August 2026, the Municipal Port Fund of Thira submitted the study to the Electronic Environmental Registry of Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy. This assessment is an essential part of the environmental licensing process required before a major public infrastructure project can proceed.
The development could eventually create new opportunities for private yacht charters, sailing experiences and island-hopping trips around Santorini and the Cyclades.
What has been approved?
It is important to clarify that the marina itself has not yet received final approval and construction has not started.
The completed Environmental Impact Assessment examines how the proposed marina could affect the surrounding natural and coastal environment. Its submission allows the relevant authorities to begin the necessary review and approval procedures.
Following the required approvals, the project may progress to an international tender for the selection of a contractor responsible for its construction and management. No construction schedule or official opening date has been announced.
Potential new opportunities for yacht charters
If completed, Monolithos Marina could provide an additional operating base for private yacht charters and sailing excursions in Santorini.
Most sailing experiences currently operate from established ports and marinas elsewhere on the island. A properly equipped marina on Santorini’s eastern coast could potentially improve access for charter boats, leisure yachts and visitors staying near Monolithos, Kamari, Vothonas and the airport area.
Possible future benefits could include:
- More departure options for private yacht charters
- New sailing routes around Santorini
- Easier access to nearby Cycladic islands
- Additional facilities for leisure boats and visiting yachts
- More opportunities for customised private cruises
- Improved connections between sailing services and Santorini Airport
The marina may also support future island-hopping itineraries connecting Santorini with destinations such as Ios, Anafi, Sikinos and other Cycladic islands. The exact services will depend on the marina’s final design, licensing and future operators.
Why Monolithos is a strategic location
Monolithos is situated on Santorini’s eastern coast, close to Santorini International Airport and within a relatively short drive of Fira, Kamari and several popular accommodation areas.
This location could make the future marina convenient for travellers arriving by air who want to continue their journey by private yacht or begin a sailing charter shortly after landing.
It could also create new requirements for private transportation between Santorini Airport, local hotels and the marina. Blue Santorini will continue monitoring the development so visitors can receive accurate information about private Santorini transfers and future charter connections.
Other planned port improvements in Santorini
In addition to the Monolithos Marina study, environmental studies have also been completed and submitted for other proposed maritime infrastructure projects in Santorini.
These include:
- The construction of a small harbour at Athinios for tender boats serving cruise operations
- The repair and expansion of the landside port area at Lazareta in the Bay of Fira
Together, these projects could contribute to the long-term improvement of Santorini’s maritime infrastructure. However, each development must complete its respective approval, licensing and construction procedures.
What the project means for visitors
There are no immediate changes for travellers, yacht-charter customers or sailing operators. Existing ports, departure points and transfer arrangements continue to operate normally.
The submission of the environmental study represents an early but significant administrative milestone. Visitors should not yet make travel or charter plans based on the future marina until construction and opening arrangements are officially confirmed.
Blue Santorini will publish further updates when verified information becomes available about the marina’s approval, construction schedule, charter facilities and transport connections.
For current travel arrangements, visitors can explore our private Santorini transfers, boat trips and private island tours.
Information source: Municipality of Thira — official announcement, published 27 August 2026.