The purpose of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) is to present and define the environmental impacts arising from the modernization and operation of the golf course, which spans approximately 501 hectares and includes 18 holes. The golf course has been operational to date without approved environmental terms.
The next step following the EIS is the issuance of an Environmental Approval (AEPO) and the licensing for the operation of the existing golf course, which has been functioning for over 20 years at the Afandou Beach. This licensing is a prerequisite for the initiation of procedures for the authorization and implementation of any investment project within the local Special Area Planning (ESCHADA) of Northern Afandou (Government Gazette 180/AA/P/2016).
The Investment
The property consists of the golf course and its accompanying facilities. It was established during the military dictatorship, with the land being allocated to the Greek Tourism Organization (EOT) in 1970, while expropriation by the State had begun in 1962. The dictatorial regime completed the absorption of the land from local small-scale farmers, and the construction of the golf course facilities was planned and financed by the junta. However, the restoration of democracy interrupted the implementation of the plans indefinitely. Since 1973, when it began operating, several calls for tenders have been made for the acquisition of the land, but all were declared void.
The existing 18-hole golf course was designed by Donald Haradine, a renowned architect who has designed around 580 golf courses in Europe, which makes Afandou Golf internationally recognized and prominent.
The land was acquired by the Mitsis Group for €26.9 million from the company M.A. Aggeliades Hellas, following the transfer of the property from the Public Property Utilization Fund.
The initial plan by the well-known hotel group estimates that the total investment required to develop the property will amount to €400 million. This plan includes the development of three high-standard hotels, a marina, a shopping center, tourist residences, and high-quality golf courses. The goal of the Mitsis Group leadership is to create one of the largest golf destinations in the Mediterranean.
The Mitsis Hotels Group has been present in the Greek hospitality market for over 40 years, with a portfolio of 17 hotels in some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, including Athens, Crete, Kamena Vourla, Kos, and Rhodes.
