Digital Realty, the leading provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data center, colocation, and interconnection services, has officially launched its first data center on the island of Crete, marking a major step in enhancing digital connectivity across the Eastern Mediterranean.

A Strategic Move for Digital Connectivity

Located near Heraklion, the new HER1 facility is not only Digital Realty’s inaugural presence on the island but also Crete’s first carrier-neutral data center. As the only global data center provider with infrastructure on the island, Digital Realty is strategically positioning Crete as a pivotal digital bridge between Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa.

“With HER1, we reaffirm our commitment to establishing the Mediterranean as a premier digital hub,” said Fabrice Coquio, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Digital Realty in France. “By delivering enhanced connectivity and robust infrastructure, we are meeting the growing needs of businesses and digital providers in this rapidly evolving region.”

Rapid Digital Transformation in Southern Europe

The launch comes at a time when Southern Europe is undergoing rapid digital transformation. Since 2016, international bandwidth in the region has increased sixfold, driven by an average annual growth rate of over 30%. The Mediterranean is now emerging as a critical global nexus for data traffic and digital infrastructure.

Expanding Digital Realty’s Network

HER1 joins Digital Realty’s expanding network of key facilities in the region, including a highly connected hub in Marseille and new developments in Barcelona and Rome. The facility is also a significant addition to the company’s global PlatformDIGITAL® footprint, offering businesses in Crete and beyond the ability to deploy scalable, secure, and high-performance digital infrastructure at the crossroads of multiple international subsea cable systems.

Strengthening Digital Realty’s Presence in Greece

The opening of HER1 strengthens Digital Realty’s presence in Greece, complementing its growing Athens campus, which currently includes three operational facilities, with a fourth expected to come online later this year and a fifth already in development. The Athens campus currently hosts more than 30 connectivity providers, serving the increasing demand for cloud services, enterprise interconnection, and hyperscale deployment.

“This investment underscores our leadership in global connectivity infrastructure and our commitment to supporting digital transformation across the Mediterranean,” added Coquio. “HER1 is not just a facility—it’s a gateway to the digital economy of the future.”

Official Launch Event

The official launch of the HER1 data center was marked by the presence of distinguished Greek officials, including the Minister of Digital Governance, Mr. Dimitris Papastergiou, the Governor of Crete, Mr. Stavros Arnaoutakis, and the Mayor of Heraklion, Mr. Alexis Kalokairinos, alongside other senior government representatives. The event also welcomed our valued partners, customers, and Digital Realty employees. Their collective presence underscored the strategic significance of HER1 as a key milestone in both national and regional digital infrastructure development.

Accelerating Digital Maturity in the Eastern Mediterranean

As the demand for computing power and digital services continues to surge, HER1 is set to play a crucial role in accelerating the region’s digital maturity, providing businesses and communities in the Eastern Mediterranean with direct access to a world-class, interconnected digital ecosystem.

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