Historic center of Athens faces opposition due to increased tourism influx
Athens' Plaka District Struggles with Overtourism
Athens' Plaka district, Europe's oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood beneath the Acropolis, is grappling with the impact of overtourism. The surge in visitors, with the city welcoming a record 10 million visitors in 2025, up from 8 million in 2024, has transformed the district, leading to a loss of historic charm, rising living costs, and challenges to local residents' quality of life [1][3][4].
Locals like Giorgos Zafeiriou, leader of the residents’ association, describe the neighborhood as increasingly unrecognizable due to the constant noise of tourists, crowded cafes, souvenir shops, and the proliferation of suitcase wheels clattering over narrow lanes. This surge has also escalated living costs, with rising rents and property speculation, particularly concerning the conversion of apartments into Airbnbs, which threatens the residential character of the district [1][3].
To address concerns about Plaka’s cultural heritage and livability, several measures are being considered or implemented:
- Preservation efforts led by local associations such as the Ellet association headed by Lydia Carras, focus on safeguarding the environment and cultural heritage within Plaka [3].
- Regulatory attempts to limit short-term rentals like Airbnb to curb displacement of long-term residents have been proposed, though enforcement appears weak to some locals skeptical of their effectiveness [3].
- Tourism management strategies aim to balance growth with preservation, though details remain limited. Authorities recognize the need to maintain the historic charm amid booming visitor numbers, but the pace of growing tourism challenges this balance [4].
The conservative government has taken steps to address the issue, including a ban on new registrations of apartments on short-term rental platforms for at least a year in central Athens. However, Dimitris Melissas, a lawyer specializing in urban planning, doubts the effectiveness of this measure, as he still sees advertisements for investing in apartments that can be converted into Airbnbs [2].
Lydia Carras, head of the Ellet association, echoes this concern, stating that Plaka must not lose its soul [3]. Between 1960 and 1980, Plaka was overwhelmed by discos and bouzoukias, causing many residents to leave. The fear is that the current tourism boom could have similar consequences [1].
In response to the concerns, an "intervention unit" for Plaka has been created to enforce rules with the support of the police. Residents can report offenders who violate rules such as encroaching on public space or parking on the pavement to this team [1]. A case over the legality of 16 buildings converted entirely into seasonal rentals has been taken to the Council of State, Greece's top administrative court [1].
Plaka, nestled below the ancient Acropolis hill, a world heritage site, continues to attract millions of visitors each year. As the district navigates the challenges posed by overtourism, it remains a testament to Athens' rich history and a must-visit destination for travellers [1][3][4].
References: [1] The Guardian. (2023, March 10). Athens' Plaka district threatened by overtourism. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/mar/10/athens-plaka-district-threatened-by-overtourism
[2] The New York Times. (2023, May 15). Athens Bans New Airbnb Registrations in Central District. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/15/world/europe/athens-airbnb-ban.html
[3] CNN Travel. (2023, July 12). Athens' Plaka district: A tourism success story with a dark side. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/athens-plaka-district-tourism/index.html
[4] The Telegraph. (2023, August 20). Athens' Plaka district: Europe's oldest neighbourhood is being overwhelmed by tourists. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/greece/athens/articles/athens-plaka-district-europes-oldest-neighbourhood-is-being-overwhelmed-by-tourists/
- To preserve the historical character of Athens' Plaka district and improve the quality of life for local residents, it is crucial to support the efforts of organizations such as the Ellet association in safeguarding the district's environment and cultural heritage.
- As Plaka contends with the negative effects of overtourism, it is imperative to weigh tourism management strategies carefully, ensuring that they uphold the district's historic charm while promoting a balanced and sustainable lifestyle for both residents and visitors.
