After three decades of legislative stalemates and bureaucratic hurdles, the Paphos Marina project is finally moving toward a definitive conclusion. Local stakeholders and regional authorities are anticipating a formal “green light” by the first quarter of 2026, marking a transformative moment for the district’s maritime tourism.
According to a report by Property News Cyprus, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism initiated the current tender process on September 17, 2025, inviting expressions of interest for the construction of the facility at the Potima site in Kissonerga.
A Strategic Economic Engine
The marina is not merely a docking station; it is envisioned as a mixed-use “anchor” for the Paphos economy. President Nikos Christodoulides recently categorized the project as a landmark development that will position Paphos as a premier Mediterranean destination.
Beyond basic maritime services, the development is expected to include:
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Residential & Commercial Zones: Luxury apartments and retail spaces.
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Hotel Infrastructure: High-end accommodation for international travelers.
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Cruise Capabilities: Optional facilities to host medium-sized cruise vessels.
Project Specifications at a Glance
The project spans approximately 165,000 square meters and focuses on a high-capacity, modern layout.
| Feature | Details |
| Total Vessel Capacity | Up to 1,000 leisure craft |
| Mooring Distribution | 70–80% Wet Berths / 20–30% Dry Docking |
| Project Model | DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer) |
| Location | Potima Bay, Kissonerga |
Overcoming a “Troubled History”
The journey to this point has been fraught with legal challenges. The 2025 tender aims to be the final chapter in a saga that began in the 1990s:
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1990s – 2006: Early feasibility studies and concept planning.
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2007 – 2015: A cycle of high-profile tender awards (Cybarco-Pandora, Poseidon) followed by immediate litigation and Supreme Court interventions.
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2018 – 2021: Further stalls as chosen concessionaires (like Pafilia) withdrew due to legal and commercial instability.
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2025: A rigorous two-phase procurement process designed to address financing and environmental constraints upfront.
The Road to Groundbreaking
The government has opted for a two-phase open tender. The current phase focuses on qualifying international and local firms based on technical and financial merit. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to submit binding offers. If the timeline holds, the district will finally see the end of the “litigation era” and the beginning of actual construction by mid-2026.
Source: Property News Cyprus