Starting time for the project OnSea, a strategic operation funded under the Interreg VI-A Greece-Italy 2021-2027 Programme. With a budget of €10 million (€75% from the European Union and €25% from national resources), the project aims to develop a modern, flexible and multi-dimensional alternative tourism destination in the Greece-Italy cross-border region.
The official kick-off meeting will take place on Wednesday 25 February 2026, at 09:30, in Frodzou State, with the participation of representatives of the European Commission, the Joint Secretariat and the Managing Authority of the Programme, as well as the project partners.
The Region of Epirus, as lead partner, organises an event on the main aspects of implementation: objectives, expected deliverables and results, structure of work packages and establishment of the 1st Transnational Monitoring Committee.
OnSea is one of the four strategic projects of the current programming period and seeks to create a destination that will offer various forms of alternative, cultural, nature, marine and outdoor tourism, covering different interests and needs of visitors, with emphasis on sustainability and accessibility.
The partnership consists of the Region of Epirus (Lead Partner) and, on the Greek side, the Development Company of Epirus SA - AOTA, the Ministry of Tourism and the Region of Ionian Islands, as well as, on the Italian side, the Regions of Apulia, Basilicata and Calabria. The Greek Ministry of Tourism will be responsible for the promotion and dissemination of the new cross-border destination.
For the Region of Epirus, a key intervention is the completion of the restoration of the Anagnostopoulio School in Konitsa and the creation of a modern Alternative Tourism Hub, which will serve as a reference point for the cross-border region, while the main intervention of HEPIROS SA is the creation of the Geopark Information Centre of Vikos-Aoos Geopark in the Anagnostopoulio School in Konitsa.
Interventions by other partners include:
- Enhancing accessibility and sustainable mobility in Lake Trichonida.
- Promotion of marine tourism and organization of an international sailing regatta in the Ionian Islands.
- Revitalisation and functional upgrade of the Museo Castromediano in Puglia.
- Development of a naturalistic-geological route in Matera, Vasilikata.
- Upgrading and extending the network of hiking trails in Calabria.
OnSea is a flagship project of strategic importance, investing in cooperation, innovation and sustainable development, aiming to create a dynamic, multi-disciplinary tourist destination with strong international prospects.
The Interreg VI-A Greece-Italy Programme is a European Territorial Cooperation programme that supports public bodies and local actors in the development of cross-border projects and pilot actions for the creation of new policies, products and services, with the ultimate aim of improving the quality of life of citizens. The total budget is co-financed with 75% from the European Regional Development Fund and 25% from national resources from Greece and Italy.
