A New Era for Pothia
A major redevelopment of Pothia’s waterfront is moving towards implementation, backed by €3.58 million in European funding and expected to transform the appearance of Kalymnos’ capital while improving everyday life for residents and visitors.
The project, funded through Greece’s 2021–2027 National Strategic Reference Framework (ESPA), will cover 14,420 square metres along the coastal zone, extending from Kalymnos Town Hall to the island’s fish market.
The redevelopment aims to substantially improve the appearance and functionality of the waterfront, creating a modern, safe and welcoming public space that could become a new landmark for both Pothia and the island as a whole.
According to the Municipality of Kalymnos, the funding forms part of the South Aegean Region’s development programme. The available European resources were allocated specifically to the municipality without a competitive selection process, enabling local authorities to plan and prepare the project with secured funding.
Mayor of Kalymnos Ioannis Mastrokoukos described the redevelopment as a project that “Kalymnos needs and deserves,” stressing that the large-scale intervention will transform Pothia’s seafront and significantly improve the experience of residents and visitors.
The mayor also thanked the South Aegean Region and Regional Governor Georgios Hatzimarkos for their cooperation and support, as well as the Municipality of Kalymnos staff and external associate Iakovos Gryllis for their contribution to the project’s preparation.
“Kalymnos is changing. Through planning, projects and the effective use of available European resources, we are creating the infrastructure our island deserves,” Mastrokoukos said.
Securing the €3.58 million funding marks a significant step towards reshaping Pothia and creating a waterfront that reflects the identity, potential and future needs of Kalymnos.
