Greece is bringing its legendary Xenia hotels back to life, transforming them into luxury and wellness destinations that respect history while embracing sustainability. Once celebrated as symbols of post-war progress and modern hospitality design, the Xenia hotels are being restored through a state-led initiative supported by private investors. These projects highlight Greece’s determination to protect its cultural identity, diversify tourism offerings, and boost local economies with heritage-driven travel.
The Legacy of Xenia
The Xenia project was first launched in the 1950s under the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO). Designed by renowned architects such as Aris Konstantinidis and Pericles Sakellarios, the hotels embodied modernist principles of simplicity, environmental harmony, and functional elegance. Spread across islands and mainland Greece, these properties were not just accommodation—they were statements of national ambition, blending architecture with the landscape.
For decades, Xenia properties shaped the image of Greek hospitality. Yet, as tourism patterns shifted and resources dwindled, many hotels fell into disrepair. Today, thanks to the efforts of the Hellenic Public Properties Company (HPPC) and ETAD (Public Real Estate Company), these icons are being restored, repurposed, and relaunched as part of a broader strategy that ties heritage preservation to tourism innovation.
Government Plans and Partnerships
The revival of Xenia is being driven through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and long-term leasing programs. HPPC and ETAD have opened tenders for historic properties in destinations such as Drama, Kavala, and Kythnos. These projects ensure private capital supports restoration while government oversight protects architectural integrity and sustainability.
By aligning redevelopment with national policies for sustainable tourism, Greece ensures that restored hotels serve more than travelers. They become engines of local growth, providing jobs, supporting small businesses, and spreading tourism beyond traditional hotspots. The model combines heritage conservation with practical economic benefits, a balance that strengthens the resilience of the tourism industry.
Case Study: Xenia Ouranoupolis
One of the most remarkable examples of revival is Xenia Ouranoupolis in Chalkidiki. Designed in 1959 by Pericles Sakellarios, the hotel sits at the gateway to Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After decades of neglect, the property has been leased to Domes Resorts for 30 years through a transparent public e-auction.
The redevelopment project preserves the hotel’s mid-century design while reimagining it as a five-star resort. Plans include 82 rooms, 16 bungalows, and high-end wellness facilities with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Once completed, Xenia Ouranoupolis will elevate northern Greece’s luxury tourism profile, blending cultural authenticity with modern indulgence.
Kythnos: A Wellness Transformation
On Kythnos Island, another Xenia property is undergoing a dramatic transformation into a wellness retreat. With a €30 million investment, the project will restore 46 rooms, integrate modern hydrotherapy facilities, and expand access to the island’s famous thermal springs.
This initiative aligns with Greece’s strategy to strengthen year-round tourism by promoting wellness and health-focused travel. By merging history with cutting-edge spa facilities, the resort positions Kythnos as a leading destination for sustainable wellness tourism. Local communities will benefit from job creation and the steady flow of high-value visitors.
Beyond Kythnos and Chalkidiki
The revival of Xenia extends across the country. In Mycenae, an abandoned hotel is being adapted into a visitor information and refreshment center. In Samothrace, proposals include museum and hospitality functions. Plans in Paliouri, Chalkidiki, involve turning another Xenia property into a modern tourist complex. Meanwhile, sites in Spetses, Delphi, and Epidaurus are under cultural assessments for potential redevelopment.
Each project is designed to respect heritage while meeting the needs of today’s travelers. Together, they form a national network of restored landmarks that celebrate Greece’s modernist architecture while boosting regional economies.
Cultural and Architectural Importance
Xenia hotels are regarded as architectural treasures that showcase Greek modernism’s unique dialogue with the environment. Their minimalist design, open layouts, and integration with landscapes highlight a vision of progress that was deeply rooted in local identity.
Restoring these structures delivers cultural as well as economic value. Conservationists argue that the Xenia revival educates visitors about Greece’s architectural evolution while preserving cultural memory. Several properties have been listed for heritage protection by the Ministry of Culture, ensuring their legacies are safeguarded for future generations.
Sustainability at the Core
The Xenia revival reflects Greece’s broader vision for sustainable tourism. Renovations emphasize eco-friendly practices, from energy-efficient systems to environmentally conscious design. Projects like Xenia Kythnos highlight a focus on wellness, culture, and environmental respect, aligning with global trends in responsible travel.
By integrating sustainability into these restorations, Greece demonstrates that heritage preservation can coexist with innovation. The goal is not only to attract tourists but to create long-term value for communities and ecosystems alike.
A New Chapter in Greek Hospitality
The rebirth of Xenia hotels marks a powerful chapter in Greek tourism. What began as a post-war vision of progress has now evolved into a model for sustainable luxury. From Chalkidiki to Kythnos and beyond, these hotels are being reborn as destinations where heritage, architecture, and wellness meet.
This initiative reaffirms Greece’s commitment to cultural preservation and its leadership in shaping sustainable tourism. By breathing new life into historic landmarks, the country proves that honoring the past can inspire a brighter, greener future for travel.
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