Authorities in Athens are warning that the city's growing popularity risks affecting the lives of locals and the historic character of the centre, as Greece introduces wider measures to control the impact of tourism.
Tourists suffocate Athens/PHOTO: AFP
In the narrow streets around the Acropolis in Athens, the flow of visitors is constant and the historic districts are becoming more and more crowded. For mayor Haris Doukas, the beginning of the tourist season brings not only income, but also the risk of “overcrowding” of the city center.
“Athens cannot function as a giant hotel,” he told The Guardian, advocating for stricter rules and limiting tourist development in sensitive areas.
Increasing pressure on the city
In 2025, more than 8 million tourists visited the Greek capital — a record for a city that, until recently, was only considered a transit point to the islands. In the Plaka neighborhood, one of the most popular areas, the number of overnight stays has doubled in recent years, according to local studies.
Authorities say the effects are visible: rising rents pushing residents out of the center and overburdened infrastructure. The city is investing in electricity networks, water, sewerage and 5G technology to cope with the pressure, but the challenges remain significant.
Proposed restrictions
The mayor has announced that he is considering strong measures, including banning new tourism investment in areas such as Plaka and limiting hotel construction. The initiative comes in the context of a wider debate on the future of urban tourism.
Surprisingly, the idea also received support from the hotel industry. Industry representatives cited the example of Barcelona, where authorities have restricted hotel development to protect the urban balance.
The growth of short-term rental platforms is considered one of the main factors affecting access to housing. Athens City Hall is trying to counter the phenomenon through social housing programs and by encouraging residents to stay downtown.
