The investment concerns the creation of a multifunctional commercial and entertainment center on a total area of approximately 140 acres, located outside the city plan in a prime position near the Northern Road Axis of Crete (VOAK) and close to Heraklion International Airport. The project combines commercial activities, local production, tourism, and cultural promotion, creating a unified space that serves the needs of both residents and visitors to the island.
The company VITA has leased the land for 50 years from the Municipality of Heraklion.
At the heart of the proposal is the construction of the “Cretan Basket,” a commercial complex exclusively featuring products of Cretan origin. The site will host shops of local producers offering both modern and traditional products such as furniture, ceramics, textiles, food, herbs, sweets, olive oil, dairy products, cosmetics, and more. The goal is to promote and commercially strengthen local entrepreneurship and Cretan culture.
In parallel, the recreation and dining area will include restaurants, cafés, and spaces for outdoor games and activities such as playgrounds and skateparks. The design of the surrounding environment will adhere to modern standards of safety and aesthetics, incorporating water features and ample green spaces to offer a comprehensive experience of both passive and active recreation.
Furthermore, the center will host a variety of retail stores, including clothing, footwear, home goods, supermarkets, technology and electronics shops. Services such as banks, hair salons, travel agencies, tailors, and dry cleaners will also be available, making the center fully functional and convenient.
A significant addition to the project design is the creation of a themed outdoor space dedicated to the history and cultural heritage of Crete. Through staged reenactments, visitors will explore the daily life of Cretans from 1000 BC to the 1950s, giving the space an educational and cultural dimension.
Resolving the “Roma Relocation” Challenge
As part of the investment, VITA PROTI took the initiative to develop and promote a plan for the organized and dignified relocation of the Roma community to a new area within the total property but outside the main investment core. The new site is located south of the current one and was selected based on criteria of safety, functionality, and accessibility.
The proposal was approved by the competent authorities and published in the Government Gazette (ΦΕΚ 504/Β/2025). It provides for:
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The construction of 214 modern-standard housing units, in two different types (106 and 108 units)
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The creation of two Multicenters—multifunctional spaces providing social services, support, and education
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The development of infrastructure including water supply, sewage, electricity, roads, and communal spaces
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The settlement will take place on land granted by the Municipality of Heraklion
