Skorpios Isle to Become a Luxury Resort
After many years of abandonment the new owners of Skorpios believe that they will bring back its former glory. In particular, the Russian tycoon Dmitry Rybolovlev bought the island on a long term lease in 2013 from Athina Onassis. Today he plans to build on it a 184 million euro construction project of luxury villas and facilities. Also the construction company stated that the project will be environmental friendly. So, life and glamour of the past are about to return on the island. Only time will tell.
A Private Green Paradise on Earth
The Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis bought the little barren island of 74 acres in 1963 for only 20.000 $. However Onassis managed to transform the island into a green paradise by importing and planting almost 200 varieties of trees. Also, he imported sand from other beaches in Greece in order to create new ones around the island. Moreover, he built several facilities including a helipad and a boat quay. Finally, he built three residences and a chapel he used for his wedding in 1968 with the former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Unfortunately his big paradise on earth was meant to be the last residence for him and his children Alexander and Christina Onassis. Both died unexpectedly at the young ages of 24 and 38 respectively. Now the three graves of Onassis family are in Panagitsa chapel on the island. Today, Alexander Onassis Foundation in Athens manages almost half of Onassis fortune. The rest one belongs to the last heiress of the dynasty Athina Onassis Christina’s daughter. Athina sold the island in 2013 on a long term lease to the daughter of Russian tycoon Dmitry Rybolovlev, Ekaterina Rybolovleva.
A Deserted Green Paradise
Since 1988 when Christina died, Skorpios had been deserted and a strange silence had covered the whole island. Only a minimum number of personnel was there in charge of the island’s maintenance. However, only the summer tourists use to break this haunted silence. On a daily basis they approach the private beaches by boats. Usually, they like taking some good photos as souvenirs of the island from distance.
Today, the locals expect to see the end of this on going investment of the new owners. Also, they are curious about how this environmentally friendly construction project will benefit their lives. In conclusion, today the island remains a tourist attraction because of its “fairy tale” story. Also, its lush vegetation and the crystal clear waters around the island are stunning. So, when you are on summer vacations in Lefkas try a one day cruise. Sail around Skorpios and the other isles in Nydri gulf. In other words, sail in a blue and green paradise on earth.
Every summer we love to make you feel like a local in Lefkada. Finally, we are looking forward to hosting you for another beautiful summer in LEFKASEABNB.