The General Directorate of Environmental Policy of the Ministry of Environment and Energy recently proposed the approval of environmental conditions for the project to upgrade the tourist shelter in Batsi, Andros, with the aim of enhancing the functionality and safety of the port for tourist boats. The project, which is part of the broader strategic plan for the development of maritime tourism in the South Aegean, foresees significant interventions in land and marine infrastructure.
As part of the upgrade, the shielding of the outer side of the 160-meter-long windward pier is being reinforced, with the use of a quay wall and protective rockfalls, while dredging will be carried out to ensure the required depth. In addition, the installation of a 62.4-meter-long floating pier, shaped like a “C”, is planned, which will improve access and safe docking of pleasure boats.
The expansion and rationalization of the land zone reaches 2,473.22 sq.m., while the marine zone is formed at 46,752.78 sq.m., ensuring the integration of all existing and new port projects. The shelter, which has a capacity of 93 berths for boats up to 25 meters long, is located in the Local Community of Batsi, Municipality of Andros and constitutes an important pole for the development of marine tourism activity in the area.
The choice of this specific location is based on existing spatial and urban planning frameworks. The project is part of the General Framework for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development, which promotes the upgrading of port infrastructure to enhance maritime tourism, and the Regional Framework for the South Aegean, which highlights the development of marinas and tourist anchorages in areas such as Batsi. At the same time, the area is not subject to Natura 2000 protected areas, which makes it possible to implement the projects with limited environmental impacts.
The upgrading of the shelter is expected to contribute to the upgrading of the visitor experience and the improvement of the competitiveness of the destination, while the monitoring of the works will ensure the protection of the marine environment. It is also planned to limit the traffic of heavy vehicles during the tourist season, in order to reduce the impact on local traffic.
With the completion of the projects, Batsi is expected to significantly strengthen its position as a marine tourism destination in the Aegean, offering safe and modern infrastructure for pleasure boats and enhancing the sustainable development of the region.
