Popular destination cracks down hard on tourists as new limits threaten summer getaways

As Europe continues to grapple with issues related to severe overtourism, several countries are implementing measures to manage visitor numbers, protect local residents and preserve infrastructure.

This week, the mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, said he may consider capping the number of new hotels in the city to combat overtourism.

"We really need to see if and how many more hotels we need and where," Doukas said in response to a question from Euronews at the "This is Athens - Agora" event. "We need to see and think about how much extra tourist load we can lift and where."

He added bluntly, "We must not become Barcelona."

In central districts such as Koukaki, Plaka and Kolonaki, a government-imposed freeze on new Airbnb-style licenses is already in place. Authorities are inspecting properties to ensure they meet legal standards that were introduced earlier, The Associated Press said. 

Since Oct. 1, 2025, Athens has imposed hefty fines on short-term rentals that fail inspections, according to Hostaway, a vacation rental property management system.

"Basements will no longer be allowed for use: Rental spaces must serve as primary residential use areas, with natural light, ventilation and air conditioning," Olga Kefalogianni, tourism minister, told state-run television station back in January 2025 about the issue.

"Our goal is the long-term, sustainable and high-quality development of Greek tourism, not just breaking records every year," she said.

Government officials have been largely supportive of the short-term rental crackdown. 

But Airbnb owners in Greece have, at times, threatened to shut down their properties in protest, according to multiple news accounts.

Early data suggests the policies are beginning to have an effect - with a modest decline in short-term rental listings in Athens reported in 2026, Travel and Tour World said. 

"We're not against reasonable regulations," Chiou clarified - "but these proposals go too far."

Vacation rentals have fueled growth in Greece's tourism sector, while also driving up rents and straining household budgets, AP reported.

"There are practices abroad which have been implemented," Mayor Doukas told Euronews. 

"We don't need to reinvent the wheel. … We will possibly have to see in Athens what we want in terms of where we want to be in 10 to 15 years."