Ermioni (Ancient Hermione) has been selected as one of five Greek communities hoping to join U.N.'s Best Tourism Villages initiative.  Following an evaluation of applications submitted by local municipalities, the Greek Tourism Ministry selected Ermioni, Galissas, Kefalovrysi, Elati and Patrika as Greece's five nominees.  The programme recognises rural destinations that protect their cultural heritage, support local communities and pursue sustainable tourism.  The five Greek candidates highlight the country's geographical diversity, from popular seaside settlements like Ermioni to quiet mountain communities where traditional livelihoods still shape everyday village life.  The U.N.'s Best Tourism Village network currently includes 319 destinations worldwide, among them the Cretan village of Anogeia. 

Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has attracted more than 1,000 applications from over 100 countries, forming a global network of 319 rural destinations, including over 230 recognised Best Tourism Villages and 83 villages in the Upgrade Programme.  These destinations span 65 countries across Europe, Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, reaffirming the initiative’s role as the world’s leading rural tourism recognition scheme.  And Ermioni has been selected as one of five to represent Greece.

The coastal village of Ermioni (Medieval Kastri) offers visitors the atmosphere of a Greek island without leaving the mainland.  Green hills, sheltered bays and picturesque coves frame its cobbled streets and elegant residential houses.  Its long history and relaxed pace of life remain central to its appeal.  Ermioni retains an authentic local way of life, strong community values and a clear commitment to protecting cultural heritage and local identity, yet carefully develops its offering to its residents and visitors alike.

Ermioni has always pursued a tourism model that limits environmental and social pressure instead of encouraging uncontrolled development.  With this approach, Ermioni aims to balance visitor activity with the protection of its character and community life.  Its nomination also supports a broader strategy by the Municipality of Ermionida to expand tourism and strengthen the local economy.  The U.N. network plan places particular emphasis on cultural heritage, productive traditions and its distinctive natural landscape.

With the stone base construction of the Ermioni Super-Yacht Marina continuing throughout the Autumn/Winter of 2025 and Spring/Summer 2026, revised details have emerged regarding the completed project, expected to be operational in 2027.  The project located along Krothi Hill, opposite the Limani port and waterfront, will include 26 buildings constructed from local stone and plaster.  These buildings will include administration offices, retail spaces, restaurants and a 20-room boutique accommodation.  The layout will be based around a commercial street, a central plazza and a waterfront promenade linking all the different parts of the development.  Vehicle access and parking will be positioned behind the waterfront to prioritise pedestrian movement along its shoreline.  Landscaping will extend the promenade into the marina and include seating areas and small parks with native trees.

The completed Ermioni Marina project will cover 96.3 acres of sea and 20.4 acres of land.  The inner harbour basin will feature 4 floating piers totalling 385m, a 70m maneuvering circle with a 62m wide entrance.  The new marina will offer 256 mooring berths, including 231 permanent and 25 seasonal spaces, accommodating motor boats and sailing vessels up to 60 metres in length.