Why I Don’t Recommend Airbnb in Athens
For years, Airbnb felt like the smarter choice in travel. 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 my honest take on why I personally wouldn’t recommend booking an Airbnb in Athens.
It’s not meant to be an anti-Airbnb rant. Just the perspective of someone who has lived his entire life in the Greek capital.
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The Housing Reality in 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.
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:
Frequently asked Questions
1. Is Airbnb banned in Athens?
No. Short-term rentals are still legal, but regulations and taxation have increased in recent years.
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. As in any large city, safety mostly depends on the neighbourhood and the specific building.
4. Where should I avoid booking an Airbnb?
Some parts of Omonia and Metaxourgio can feel uncomfortable at night for first-time visitors. They are not necessarily dangerous, but they’re not the easiest places to stay if you’re unfamiliar with the city.
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.
