News Summary
Rhodes is set to undergo a €400 million redevelopment of the Afantou Golf Course, aiming to establish the island as a premier luxury tourism hub. The redevelopment will include high-end hotels, a shopping complex, and a marina, all designed to blend modern luxury with the region’s natural beauty. This initiative focuses on sustainable tourism and aims to attract international travelers while enhancing local infrastructure and creating jobs.
Rhodes Sets Stage for Luxury Tourism with €400 Million Golf Course Redevelopment
Rhodes, Greece — An ambitious project to revitalize the Afantou Golf Course is underway, with a substantial €400 million investment aimed at transforming the area into a premier luxury destination. The initiative, led by the Mitsis Group, seeks to position Rhodes as a leading hub for golf and high-end leisure tourism, offering modern facilities while preserving its natural charm.
Background and Current Status
The Afantou Golf Course, established as the only 18-hole golf course on Rhodes, was purchased by the Mitsis Group in 2022. Recognizing its potential to enhance Rhodes’ appeal as a luxury tourism destination, the group has announced plans for a large-scale redevelopment project, which will span over 500 stremma (approximately 123.7 acres). This investment aims to blend contemporary design with the area’s intrinsic natural beauty, ensuring a balance between modern luxury and environmental sustainability.
Project Details and Development Goals
The redevelopment is designed to create a state-of-the-art golf experience that maintains the original course’s character but introduces modern aesthetics, upgraded playing conditions, and breathtaking visuals. Verdant fairways, picturesque views, and improved aesthetics will define the new layout, promising an enhanced experience for both amateur and professional golfers.
The project extends far beyond golfing amenities. It includes the construction of three high-end hotels aimed at attracting luxury travelers seeking comfort, style, and exclusivity. These accommodations will be integrated into the overall resort, featuring top-tier amenities and environmentally friendly architecture.
Additional Facilities and Attractions
A key component of the redevelopment includes a marina that connects directly to the Mediterranean Sea, providing opportunities for maritime tourism and leisure activities such as yachting and boat trips. To cater to high-end shoppers and tourists, a shopping complex will be built, hosting designer boutiques alongside local craft shops, further reinforcing Rhodes’ luxury appeal.
Long-term visitors will benefit from residential units designed for extended stays, offering opulent living spaces that naturally blend with the resort environment. The overall development emphasizes sustainable tourism, with eco-conscious initiatives in architectural design and landscape planning.
Urban and Cultural Enhancements
New infrastructure will include pedestrian routes, public squares, recreational areas, and promenades, designed to serve both residents and visitors while promoting safe, walkable spaces. The project aligns with Greece’s broader policy to diversify tourism, emphasizing sustainable, high-quality experiences outside of the peak summer months.
Expected Impact and Broader Context
The redevelopment of Afantou Golf Course is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including job creation during and after construction, improved local infrastructure, and increased attractiveness of Rhodes as an elite tourism destination. The plan aims to draw international high-end travelers, boosting the island’s profile as a European-standard luxury venue.
This initiative is also part of Greece’s strategic effort to diversify tourism offerings, reducing dependency on traditional sun-and-sea holidays by adding multifaceted leisure options like golf, yachting, and luxury shopping.
Future Outlook
The project exemplifies a comprehensive approach to tourism development, emphasizing sustainability, modern design, and cultural integration. As construction progresses, Rhodes aims to establish itself as a prominent destination where visitors can enjoy both relaxing and adventurous experiences year-round, reinforcing its status as a world-class luxury locale in the Mediterranean region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Travel and Tour World
- Wikipedia: Rhodes
- Ladies European Tour
- BBC Sport
- Sky Sports
- Google Search: Afantou Golf Course Rhodes
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
