Kyllini Joins Greece’s Seaplane Network: Boosting Tourism and Real Estate Potential
Seaplanes are now connecting Kyllini with the Ionian Islands and the Peloponnese, offering a new and exciting choice in transportation. From improving travel times to increasing the appeal of nearby properties, this new seaplane connection is set to benefit homeowners, tourists, and future buyers. In this article, we’ll explore what Kyllini’s inclusion in the seaplane network means for regional mobility, tourism growth, and real estate opportunities across the Ionian Islands and the Peloponnese.
Kyllini: A Coastal Hub
Kyllini, a town in Ilia, is located on the northwestern coast of the Πελοπόννησος. It has the largest coastal passenger port in the Ionian Sea, handling over 1.5 million passengers annually. It ranks as the third largest port in Greece and has daily ferry connections to:
– Zakynthos
– Kefalonia
– Ithaca (mainly during the summer period)
Easier Access to the Ionian Islands
Kyllini is officially part of Greece’s growing seaplane network, a move that promises to boost regional connectivity, tourism, and real estate opportunities across Western Greece and the Ionian Islands.
The coastal town has received final approval from national authorities to operate its own licensed waterway, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise travel between the mainland and the islands.
Kyllini enters the maritime aviation map and becomes a gateway to the Ionian Islands, as well as a connection point to the approved destinations of Alimos, Kalamata, Eratini, and Patras. In the coming weeks, Hellenic Seaplanes will carry out pilot familiarisation flights to Kyllini, similar to the recent trials in Kalamata, giving local residents in Ilia a firsthand look at this innovative mode of transport and its possibilities.
Seaplanes are aircraft that take off and land on water, ideal for islands and coastal regions with limited airport access. Unlike traditional planes, seaplanes use rivers, lakes, or coastal waters as runways, opening up new travel routes and cutting down transit times significantly. They also offer stunning aerial views of the coastline, beaches, and islands along the way.
Kyllini is known for thermal springs (Loutra Kyllinis) whose use dates to antiquity. In ancient times, there were sanctuaries to Asclepius (the god of healing) and other deities in the area.
For property owners and visitors, this improvement in accessibility offers another fun way to reach the islands like Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Ithaca, just a short distance away.
Mayor Ioannis Lentzas emphasised that the project is a milestone for the region, one that will “create new opportunities for tourism growth and strengthen Kyllini’s connection to the Ionian and the Peloponnese.”
Announcing the approval of the Kyllini Waterway, Hellenic Seaplanes President and CEO Nikolas Charalambous stated:
“Kyllini officially joins our network, offering seaplanes direct access to the Ionian Sea and the Peloponnese. The approval of this infrastructure is another decisive step toward launching regular routes that bring travellers closer together and offer unique travel experiences. In collaboration with local communities and stakeholders, we are dynamically moving forward with our vision of a fully functional waterway network across Greece.”
With Kyllini now serving as a strategic hub, travellers will soon enjoy direct connections between the Ιόνια Νησιά, the Peloponnese and other destinations. While seaplanes won’t replace ferries or traditional flights, this new transport link gives some clear advantages to real estate owners, such as:
– A unique, scenic travel experience to the islands and coastal towns.
– Added convenience for property owners who travel frequently between Greece and abroad.
– Potentially increased appeal for short-term rentals and holiday properties near Kyllini.
As Greece continues to grow as a top holiday destination, Kyllini is positioning itself as a gateway offering new travel experiences. The inclusion of Kyllini in the Hellenic Seaplanes network is part of a broader vision to enhance tourism and leisure travel across Greece. For homeowners and investors, it represents another way to connect with the region, enjoy the islands, and showcase properties to potential visitors in a more appealing way.
As Greece continues to modernise its travel infrastructure, towns like Kyllini are transforming from quiet coastal gateways into key nodes of connectivity. This means greater accessibility and higher property value across the Ionian and Peloponnese regions.
