Why I Don’t Recommend Airbnb in Athens

For years, Airbnb felt like the smarter choice. Indeed, it promised more space, lower prices and more local-feeling vacations. In fact, short term rental bookings in Athens have already surpassed those of hotels.

But the situation has changed a lot over the last decade. Slowly and steadily, apartments were converted to short term rentals to cater to the massive demand and this helped worsen the Athenian housing crisis.

I know that this article is a little different from the rest of my content. But when I decided to focus this blog on Athens, I was always planning on making it.

This is a guide on why I wouldn’t recommend renting an Airbnb in Athens during your visit.

I don’t want this to be an anti-Airbnb rant by any means, but rather an honest take from someone who’s lived his entire life in the Greek capital.

Just so you know: Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you book or buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

The Housing Reality in Athens

While Athens is a big European capital, it reached its limit many years ago. Almost 50% of Greece’s population lives in the broader Athens metropolitan area and the city doesn’t have an unlimited housing supply.

Indeed, rents had been increasing before Airbnb existed. And of course, Airbnb is not even the main reason for Athens’ housing crisis. The financial crisis, inflation, and investment trends all played roles. 

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.

If you’re trying to understand how these areas differ, I break them down in detail in my guide to the best areas to stay in Athens.

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.

When talking a walk in Koukaki a few weeks ago, I was very surprised to see multiple key locks in every single building I was passing, and it got me thinking even more.

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, that’s a fancy name for a loophole.

If you combine that with uneven enforcement, the ban hasn’t had any real effects for now.

Other reasons why I wouldn’t book Airbnb in Athens

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 Airbnb does make 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:

• Where to Stay in Athens
• Best Boutique Hotels in Athens
• Hotels in Athens with Acropolis Views

Frequently asked Questions

1. Is Airbnb banned in Athens?

No. But there have been increasing regulations and taxation efforts.

2. Is Airbnb cheaper than hotels in Athens?

Not always. In peak season, prices are often comparable or more expensive than those of traditional hotels.

3. Is Airbnb safe in Athens?

Generally yes, but as in every other city, safety depends on location and building.

4. Where should I avoid booking an Airbnb?

Parts of Omonia, Metaxourgio, and some transitional streets near central stations can feel uncomfortable at night for first-timers. They aren’t inherently dangerous, but can feel sketchier.

Final Thoughts

While Airbnb is not the main driving factor behind Athens’ housing crisis, it has not helped it either. In my opinion a hotel can provide a better, more comfortable, and sometimes cheaper experience.

I don’t believe that you should feel guilty if you need or want to book an Airbnb. But I would urge you to think twice before you do it – and let that be the message of this post.