The procedures for updating the preliminary study for the tourist shelter Kyra Dikia in Corfu are progressing with the cooperation of the Region of the Ionian Islands and IONIA DEVELOPMENT SA.
It should be noted that the former Municipality of Parelia, Corfu had prepared a Master Plan to investigate the possibilities of a partnership between the then Municipality and the private sector. In this context, a preliminary study was prepared for the creation of a Tourist Shelter on the islet “Kyra Dikia” with a capacity of 205 places.
The main difference between tourist shelters and marinas is the non-mandatory existence of a land area for the storage, maintenance and repair of boats and the provision of other services.
This preliminary study sets out the main assumptions and a preliminary study of the viability of the development of the area in question is carried out, as well as a sensitivity analysis of the main parameters and a survey of the possibilities of locating a tourist shelter on the islet of “Kyra Dikia” on the western coast of the island.
The western side of Corfu, despite the fact that it is the natural entrance to Greek territorial waters, is underdeveloped in terms of boat reception facilities and is far from the events of maritime tourism in our country.
The reasons are sought in the formation of the coastline and weather conditions. The coastline in a few cases forms natural protected bays that can be transformed into marinas, shelters or anchorages for tourist boats. At the same time, in many cases access to the coasts is difficult due to the formation of the terrain.
The western coastline is exposed to winds and waves from a wide range of directions with long active routes and strong protection is required to create protection zones for sailing vessels.
However, the western coast of Corfu constitutes a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty, with elements of wild beauty in some cases, capable of attracting a large number of visitors to the Greek landscape. This reason explains the development of significant hotel potential in the area to date, despite the difficulties mentioned above.
At the same time, the examination of the natural and historical landscape reveals important poles of attraction of various interest in the interior of the island, which their approach from its western gate would make them easily accessible, would highlight them as destinations and would activate their enormous potential in attracting visitors.
The surrounding areas have such attractions, while the planned projects in the area can demonstrate pluralism in attracting visitors.
Kyra Dikia is essentially a rock that rises to a height of approximately 30 m. from the sea, with a surface area of approximately 4,000 sq. m. and a perimeter of 290 meters and is located approximately 150 meters from the coast.
The update of the preliminary study constitutes the preliminary stage of searching for the possibilities of creating a tourist port (tourist shelter) for pleasure boats at the Kyra Dikia location. The creation of such a port will significantly change the balance in the area, will create a basis for the safe navigation of Corfu, but at the same time will create conditions for the development of important activities in the area, including high-level hotel units.
The update of the preliminary study will demonstrate the need for the studies and plans required for the location of anchorage and shelter zones for tourist boats, as well as for the issuance of building and other permits for all types of projects in the tourist port and its facilities.
