Thriving Tourism in Athens' Ancient Core Sparks Reaction of Opposition
In the heart of Athens, the historic neighbourhood of Plaka is undergoing a transformation. Known as "the neighbourhood of the gods" and Europe's oldest continuously inhabited area, nestled below the ancient Acropolis hill, Plaka is now at the forefront of efforts to balance tourism growth with the preservation of local life.
The intervention is led by an "intervention unit" for Plaka, enforcing rules with the support of the police. This unit was created to maintain order and protect the neighbourhood from the negative impacts of overtourism. The unit's remit includes monitoring and addressing local rule violations such as illegal parking and the overtaking of public spaces by businesses.
Current regulations in Plaka include a temporary ban on new registrations of short-term rental properties in central Athens, which took effect in January 2025. This ban aims to curb the growth of Airbnb-type rentals in the historic area. Enforcement efforts have been stepped up with the creation of the intervention unit, supported by police.
Legal action is ongoing against certain buildings converted into multiple short-term rental units operating like unauthorized hotels. A case regarding the legality of 16 such buildings is now before Greece's highest administrative court, the Council of State. This case could set important legal precedents for the future of short-term rentals in Plaka.
The regulations and enforcement measures are a response to growing local concerns about overtourism in Plaka. Residents, including Giorgos Zafeiriou, head of the Plaka residents' association, believe the neighbourhood is threatened by rising living costs, increased rent prices, and commercialization that threaten the character of the historic neighbourhood.
However, Plaka still welcomes millions of visitors each year. Last year, the Parthenon temple in Plaka received almost 4.5 million visitors. Tourism is a significant contributor to Greece's economy, playing a crucial role in its recovery from years of austerity following the 2008 global financial crash and the ensuing eurozone debt crisis.
Konstantinos Marinakis, a souvenir shop seller, attributes Greece's economic improvement to the good health of tourism. Yet, he expresses concerns about the impact of overtourism on Plaka. Lydia Carras, head of the Ellet association, is working to preserve the environment and cultural heritage of Plaka, with a focus on sustainability.
As Athens gears up to welcome an expected 12 million visitors in 2025, an increase of 2 million from 2024, efforts to balance tourism growth with the preservation of local life in Plaka are more important than ever. The city's acknowledgment of the saturation of tourists signals a shift towards a more sustainable future for Plaka and the wider tourism industry in Greece.
- The intervention unit in Plaka is working to maintain order and protect the neighbourhood from the negative impacts of overtourism, enforcing rules with the support of the police.
- The regulations in Plaka, such as the temporary ban on new short-term rental properties, aim to curb the growth of Airbnb-type rentals in the historic area.
- The case regarding the legality of buildings converted into multiple short-term rental units is currently before Greece's highest administrative court, the Council of State, and could set important legal precedents for the future of short-term rentals in Plaka.
- While Plaka still welcomes millions of visitors each year and is a significant contributor to Greece's economy, concerns about the impact of overtourism on the neighbourhood's character, rising living costs, and increased rent prices persist.
