Published on
September 15, 2025
Greece is implementing new regulations to tackle the growing challenges of overtourism and housing shortages in popular destinations. These measures aim to protect local communities by controlling the rise of short-term rentals and limiting access to overcrowded areas. As a result, UK travelers may face changes in accommodation availability and travel restrictions, particularly in high-demand spots like Athens and the Cyclades. These steps are necessary to ensure that tourism remains sustainable without compromising the quality of life for residents.
Greece is rolling out new policies designed to tackle two pressing issues: overtourism and the scarcity of affordable housing. These measures are likely to have significant effects on travelers from the UK and other regions. The focus is on regulating short-term rentals and restricting access to some of the country’s most popular destinations. The government’s goal is to strike a balance between maximizing tourism’s economic benefits and safeguarding the well-being of local communities.
Key DevelopmentsNew rules are targeting overtourism and housing shortages in some of Greece’s top tourist spots.Starting from October 1, 2025, stricter regulations will govern short-term rental properties, including enhanced safety and insurance requirements.Authorities are contemplating restrictions or outright bans on short-term rentals and even on UK visitors in high-demand areas.Penalties for violating these new short-term rental regulations can reach up to €20,000 for repeated offenses.New Travel Restrictions for Popular Destinations
In an effort to manage the increasing strain on its infrastructure, Greece is imposing fresh travel restrictions aimed at curbing overtourism, particularly in its most popular tourist areas like Athens and the Cyclades Islands. These areas have seen significant overcrowding, which has stressed local services, raised accommodation prices, and negatively impacted residents’ quality of life. As part of these efforts, the government is considering restrictions on new short-term rental licenses in regions that are already under heavy pressure. For UK travelers, this could mean fewer options for accommodation, especially in some of the country’s most sought-after destinations.
The Rise of Short-Term Rentals and Its Effects
The expansion of platforms such as Airbnb has fueled the surge in short-term rentals across Greece. While this has been beneficial for tourism, it has exacerbated the housing crisis by reducing the number of properties available for local residents. In tourist-heavy areas like the Cyclades Islands, the number of short-term rentals has reached a point where it outnumbers the local population, driving up property prices and altering the social dynamics of these communities. In response to this imbalance, the government is introducing a ban on new short-term rental licenses in high-demand areas, which is expected to help mitigate the housing shortage for residents.
Potential Impact on British Tourists
British tourists make up a significant portion of Greece’s tourism market, and these new regulations may affect their travel plans in various ways. The availability of accommodations in popular destinations such as Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos may become more limited, particularly for those who prefer staying in short-term rental properties. The surge in low-cost airlines and the ease of booking accommodations online have led to an increase in overtourism, which in turn has led to overcrowded destinations. As a result, British visitors may need to adapt their travel plans, possibly exploring alternative destinations or opting for different types of accommodations.
Stricter Short-Term Rental Regulations
From October 1, 2025, Greece will enforce tougher regulations on short-term rentals. Property owners will be required to comply with a set of safety standards, such as ensuring proper ventilation, natural light, and installing essential safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. In addition, mandatory civil liability insurance will be required, and property owners will need to submit a safety declaration certified by a qualified electrician. Inspections will be conducted by both the Ministry of Tourism and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). Violators of these regulations could face significant fines, ranging from €5,000 to €20,000 for repeated offenses.
Striking a Balance Between Tourism and Local Well-Being
The new rules are designed to achieve a balance between sustaining Greece’s vital tourism industry and ensuring that local residents’ needs are met. By limiting the growth of short-term rental properties and placing restrictions on hotel developments in certain areas, the government aims to promote sustainable tourism that does not come at the expense of the local population’s well-being. These measures are part of a broader push for responsible tourism, and they reflect a growing recognition of the need to preserve the quality of life for local residents while maintaining tourism’s economic contribution. This strategy may serve as a model for other European countries that are facing similar challenges, such as rising housing costs and the pressure of mass tourism.
A Shift Towards Sustainable Tourism
These regulatory changes mark a significant shift towards sustainable tourism practices in Greece. The government is increasingly focused on managing the effects of overtourism, seeking to ensure that the benefits of tourism are distributed more equitably and that the environmental and social impacts are minimized. As a result, travelers heading to Greece in the coming years will need to remain flexible and adaptable. It will be essential to keep an eye on the evolving landscape of travel restrictions and short-term rental policies in order to plan a trip that aligns with these new rules.
For those eager to explore Greece, there will likely be more opportunities to visit less crowded, off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer a more authentic experience. Travelers who venture away from the heavily touristic regions could enjoy a quieter, more personal experience of Greece, while also helping to reduce the strain on popular areas. The shift towards sustainable tourism will require a more conscious approach from visitors, who will need to embrace the evolving rules and regulations in order to help preserve the destinations they love.
The Evolution of Tourism in Greece
The introduction of these new regulations in Greece signals a broader trend toward more thoughtful, sustainable tourism. As the government seeks to balance the needs of tourists and local residents, travelers will be encouraged to consider their impact on the destinations they visit. This shift may lead to a more responsible, less disruptive form of tourism that benefits both the economy and the communities that make these destinations so special. For British travelers and others planning trips to Greece, staying informed and flexible will be key to making the most of their visit, while also contributing to the long-term preservation of the country’s cultural and social fabric.
