In one of Europe’s oldest neighborhoods, Plaka, overtourism, noise pollution, and the uncontrolled growth of short-term rentals have driven residents to despair.
The situation has reached a critical point, reports the British newspaper The Guardian, with the Mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis ( Note: In February 2025, the Mayor of Athens would be Kostas Bakoyannis, unless the article refers to a future election and change in office ), announcing the creation of a special task force to protect the historic neighborhood.
“It was the news we were all waiting for,” said Lydia Karra, president of the Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (Ellet). “Finally, measures are being taken.”
Plaka, known as the “neighborhood of the gods,” is facing an existential threat. The increase in tourism and the exploitation of properties by investment funds and developers have displaced permanent residents, transforming entire buildings into Airbnb-type accommodations.
Plaka Under Pressure: 10 Million Tourists Expected in Athens
Greece expects 35 million tourists in 2025, with 10 million of them visiting Athens, a number almost equivalent to the country’s population.
“For the first time, Athens will be Greece’s top destination, but this is not sustainable,” warns the Mayor of Athens. “Plaka has exceeded its limits.”
A study by the University of Piraeus, commissioned by the Municipality of Athens, emphasizes that if immediate measures are not taken, the city risks becoming a victim of its own success, as has happened with cities like Barcelona.
Municipality of Athens: “We Will Not Become the Next Barcelona”
The Mayor of Athens made it clear that the Plaka task force will operate immediately and strictly, with the support of the Municipal Police.
“There is not a single day to lose. We must act now if we don’t want to become the next Barcelona,” he stressed.
Residents will be able to report violations anonymously, while the competent authorities will intervene immediately to put an end to illegal activities, especially regarding short-term rentals.
“Plaka is Losing its Residents – and This is Catastrophic”
The depopulation of Plaka is now a serious problem.
“When residents leave, neighborhoods die,” warns architect George Zafeiriou, head of the Plaka residents’ association.
The situation is “desperate,” as the remaining residents are forced to coexist with cafes, bars, and restaurants that are expanding uncontrollably, while in the summer the situation worsens due to tourism.
Even the neighborhood’s infrastructure, such as the sewage system, cannot withstand the pressure. For this reason, residents have joined the Network of Mediterranean Historic Cities, seeking solutions from similar cases.
Council of State: Crucial Decision on Airbnbs in Plaka
An upcoming decision by the Council of State will determine the future of Plaka.
The Hellenic Society for the Environment and Culture has appealed to the Court, questioning the legality of 16 buildings that have been converted into Airbnb accommodations, violating the area’s protected residential status.
“If the Council of State rules in our favor, a legal precedent will be created,” notes Dimitris Melissas, a law professor representing the Hellenic Society for the Environment and Culture.
Municipality Increases Pressure on Real Estate Investors
The government recently placed restrictions on new short-term rental listings in the center of Athens, in an effort to address high rents and the exodus of residents.
The Mayor of Athens warns investors not to underestimate Plaka’s urban planning restrictions:
“Foreign investors see Athens as a new El Dorado. They reap the profits, not the Greeks,” he notes.
Furthermore, he accuses developers and funds of exploiting legal loopholes to continue their activities:
“They tried to bypass the hotel ban through Airbnb. Now they are advertising properties as ‘serviced apartments’ to bypass the ban on short-term rentals,” he emphasizes.
As the Mayor of Athens states, “Plaka is our connection to antiquity. It is an integral part of Athens’ strength. We will not allow it to become some tourist amusement park, an endless shopping mall, stripped of its residents and destroyed.”
He concludes with a clear message to those planning to invest in short-term rentals in the area:
“If you are thinking of investing in Airbnb in Plaka, forget it.”
Note: I have corrected some minor grammatical errors and improved the flow of the text. I also added a note regarding the Mayor’s name for accuracy.