Why I Wouldn’t Book an Airbnb in Athens
For years, Airbnb felt like the smarter travel choice. It promised more space, lower prices, and a more local version of city travel.
In Athens, that idea took off fast. Short-term rental bookings have already surpassed hotel bookings, and entire central neighbourhoods now feel shaped around visitor turnover.
But the reality has changed.
Over the last decade, more and more apartments were converted into short-term rentals to meet tourist demand, helping intensify an already difficult housing situation in the Greek capital.
At the same time, Airbnb is no longer the obvious bargain it once was.
Between service fees, cleaning charges, inconsistent service, and the fact that many listings now function more like unofficial hotels, the experience often makes less sense both practically and locally.
That is why I personally would not recommend booking an Airbnb in Athens in most cases.
This is not an anti-Airbnb rant, just an honest local perspective from someone who has lived in Athens his entire life.
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Is Airbnb Bad for Athens?
While Athens is a large European capital, it reached its limits long ago. Almost half of Greece’s population lives in the wider Athens metropolitan area, and housing supply has never fully caught up.
Rents were already rising before Airbnb existed. And of course, short-term rentals are not the only reason for the housing crisis. The financial crisis, inflation, and investment trends all played a role.
However, according to Proto Thema, a major greek news outlet, “Nationwide, an estimated 200,000 properties are listed for short-term rental, around 175,000 of which are non-exclusive (not solely used for Airbnb)”.
In central neighbourhoods like Koukaki, Psirri, Exarcheia, and parts of Pangrati, entire apartment buildings have been converted into short-term rentals.
That has led to severe rent increases for locals, fewer long-term housing options, and many neighbourhoods losing permanent residents.
I recently read a report about the Venice-isation of Athens, where more and more areas are turning into tourist-oriented hotspots – and I was really surprised to find out that the problem has started spreading far from the city centre.
Again, Airbnb is not the sole reason. But it is part of the ecosystem that reshaped central Athens.
A few weeks ago I was walking through Koukaki and noticed something that made this even clearer. Nearly every building entrance had multiple key lockboxes attached to it.
That says a lot about how the neighbourhood has changed.
The already existing ban – and the loopholes
Truth is that there have been restrictions on new short-term rental listings in central neighbourhoods over the past three years.
However, there have been accusations of people bypassing them by listing their properties as “Serviced apartments”. These are furnished apartments that can be used for both short and long rentals and are neither Airbnbs nor hotels – at least legally.
In other words, it’s essentially a loophole.
Combine that with uneven enforcement, and the restrictions haven’t made a major difference so far.
Is Airbnb Even Better Than Hotels?
Even if you set aside housing concerns entirely, the financial logic of Airbnb in Athens isn’t what it used to be.
Airbnb Isn’t always cheaper anymore. Ten years ago? absolutely. But now, between cleaning fees, service fees and higher nightly rates in peak season, you often end up paying the same or even more than a well-rated boutique hotel.
Hotels offer daily cleaning, luggage storage, a reception desk you can call if something goes wrong, help with transport, early check-in flexibility when possible, and someone physically present if you lock yourself out or your air conditioning stops working in August.
In an Airbnb, you’re often messaging someone who may or may not be nearby. Sometimes that works perfectly, but sometimes it doesn’t.
There’s also the idea of the “local experience,” which Airbnb helped popularize.
The truth is that many central Athens listings are professionally managed units in buildings that operate almost like unofficial hotels.
That doesn’t make them bad, but it does make the marketing outdated – and local life isn’t defined by having a keybox.
When Booking an Airbnb Still Makes Sense
I’m not saying “never”. Booking an Airbnb can work well in some cases.
Longer stays (two weeks or more) are one example. Families who need a kitchen and multiple bedrooms are another. Travelers who prefer cooking most meals at home or need a washing machine for extended trips may find it more practical.
I am not going to talk about ethics on people who are traveling on a budget and need a kitchen.
Travel is expensive and not everyone has the same budget or priorities.
If Airbnb fits your needs, there’s no reason to feel guilty. Conscious travel is about awareness and not perfection.
That said, if you do have the budget available and want to travel consciously, I’d urge you to think twice before booking an Airbnb or a short-term rental apartment from another platform.
What I recommend instead
I believe that booking a hotel can provide a better Athens experience.
Choosing a hotel supports regulated (at least more) businesses, preserves housing supply, and often gives you a better stay anyway.
If you want ideas:
Final Thoughts
Airbnb is not the sole cause of Athens’ housing crisis, but it has certainly played a role in how central neighbourhoods have changed over the past decade.
From a purely practical perspective, hotels often offer better service, fewer headaches, and sometimes even better prices.
You shouldn’t feel guilty if an Airbnb fits your budget or travel style. But if you have the choice, it’s worth pausing for a moment before booking, and considering the alternatives.
