Spyros Kokotos, the man who connected his name with the development of Elounda and its establishment as an international luxury destination, passed away at the age of 91. The news of his death was announced by his son, Fotis, through a touching social media post.
With his keen insight and vision, Spyros Kokotos transformed the area into one of Greece’s most sought-after tourist destinations. As founder of “Elounda SA,” he created the Peninsula, Porto Elounda and Elounda Mare hotels, which defined the course of luxury tourism in Lasithi.
“Captain Spyros,” as locals called him, was known for his simplicity and love of fishing. His son Fotis took over the family business, while his second son, Ilias, handles business management.
In his post, Fotis Kokotos mentioned that his father loved sailing and fishing, describing their final moments together in the hospital, where they talked about future trips with his beloved boat, “Eliana.” “He left peacefully,” he wrote emotionally.
Condolence messages were expressed by politicians. Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis called him “a great architect and proud Cretan who contributed to the upgrading of Greek tourism.”
Με θλίψη αποχαιρετώ τον Σπύρο Κοκοτό. Έναν σπουδαίο αρχιτέκτονα και έναν περήφανο Κρητικό, που με τη δουλειά του συνέβαλε καθοριστικά στην αναβάθμιση του ελληνικού τουρισμού και στην ανάδειξη της Ελούντας σε σημείο αναφοράς. Θερμά συλλυπητήρια στην οικογένειά του!
— Kostis Hatzidakis (@K_Hatzidakis) September 2, 2025
Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni emphasized that “with his work and vision he left an indelible mark that will inspire future generations.”
