![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-1198976262-e992.jpg\")
\n\t\tAthens is one of the most fascinating \u2014 and ancient \u2014 cities in the world (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tAthens is one of the most fascinating \u2014 and ancient \u2014 cities in the world (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
In 2024, some 7 million international tourists visited Athens<\/a>. This year, 10 million people are expected to take to the streets of Greece<\/a>\u2019s ancient capital.<\/p>\n It\u2019s no secret that tourism<\/a> has played a key role in boosting Greece\u2019s economy since the 2008 financial crisis. <\/p>\n However, there\u2019s now concern about overtourism \u2014 a problem several other European destinations<\/a> are also facing.<\/p>\n But Plaka, the oldest continuously inhabited district in Europe \u2014 also dubbed \u2018Neighbourhood of the Gods\u2019\u00a0due to its proximity to the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site \u2014 is feeling the heat more than most.<\/p>\n What is happening in Plaka?<\/p>\n Athens Mayor Haris Doukas told AFP that while he is happy to see people coming to the city, areas like Plaka are becoming \u2018saturated with tourists.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tSign up to The Getaway newsletter\t\t\t<\/p>\n Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.\u00a0Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2018We are not yet at the stage of Barcelona<\/a>, but we must act before it is too late.\u2019<\/p>\n For context, the Spanish city<\/a> has been gripped by anti-tourism protests, with activists chanting \u2018Go home!\u2019 and drenching visitors with water pistols<\/a>.<\/p>\n And in Plaka, known for its Ottoman-era landmarks and Byzantine churches, footfall is increasing.<\/p>\n This has led to narrow streets being blocked, the constant screeches of suitcases, and local businesses becoming overwhelmed with the number of tourists.<\/p>\n Alexandra Dubakova, travel expert with FreeTour<\/a>, visited Athens for the third time last month. She told Metro <\/strong>that the district is facing too much congestion, and that long-time residents are being priced out.<\/p>\n To tackle these issues, a local \u2018intervention unit\u2019 has been created to enforce rules with the support of the police.<\/p>\n Residents now have the power to report businesses taking over public spaces or cars parked illegally on pavements.<\/p>\n Alexandra, who first travelled to Athens in 2019, told us that Plaka is \u2018almost unrecognisable\u2019 to her.<\/p>\n \u2018The first time, it had a gentle charm,\u2019 she recalled. <\/p>\n \u2018I walked through Anafiotika in the morning and loved seeing the locals chatting on their balconies. There were a few souvenir stalls and quiet cafes, barbershops and grocers that the locals preferred.\u2019<\/p>\n However, in July, the \u2018balance had cracked.\u2019 <\/p>\n \t\t By midday, she said tour groups had overshadowed the locals. Alexandra watched one group spill into a residential side alley where a grandmother trying to carry groceries went unnoticed.<\/p>\n \u2018The volume of tourists is up, yet awareness seems to have faded.\u2019<\/p>\n Alexandra also noted that local shops have morphed into souvenir outlets, and that owners are having to stay open after hours to keep up with the crowds.<\/p>\n \u2018Trash bins are overflowing, and delivery vans barely get through the foot traffic.\u2019<\/p>\n Athens is not yet at Barcelona-level overcrowding. However, Alexandra said that if it continues on this path with no caps on group sizes and unrestricted rentals, it is headed there, fast.<\/p>\n Overtourism in Greece<\/p>\n Jaroslaw Grabczak, Head of Commercial Product at Thomas Cook and eSky Group, told Metro <\/strong>that similar patterns are emerging across Greece.<\/p>\n He said congestion in historic centres, under pressure water and waste systems, and residents\u2019 frustration are now the norm.<\/p>\n These impacts are no longer confined to peak summer months, either. The expert said shoulder seasons are also becoming saturated due to flexible travel habits and the rise of digital nomadism.<\/p>\n Jaroslaw added: \u2018What Greece needs now is a collaborative approach: smart regulation of short-term rentals, better management of cruise traffic, and investments in green urban mobility.\u2019<\/p>\n Just as importantly, travellers themselves must be encouraged \u2014 through education and incentives \u2014 to explore more consciously. <\/p>\n The goal isn\u2019t to limit tourism, but to ensure it remains a force for good: enriching local communities and protecting cultural heritage.<\/p>\n \u2018The future of places like Plaka depends on a simple, yet critical choice. Do we want to be tourists who just visit, or travellers who truly care?\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tGreeces fight against overtourism: by numbers \t\t\t<\/p>\n Greece has rolled out a series of anti-tourism rules and fees. As it stands, the main ones are:<\/p>\n \u2022 Cruise passengers disembarking at\u00a0Mykonos or Santorini<\/a>\u00a0between June 1 and September 30\u00a0will face a fee\u00a0of \u20ac20 (\u00a317.35) each<\/a>. Those who come ashore throughout the rest of the year will be charged between \u20ac4 (\u00a33.47) and \u20ac12 (\u00a310.41)<\/p>\n \u2022 For other ports across Greece\u2019s six island groups, the amount will be \u20ac5 (\u00a34.34) in summer, \u20ac3 (\u00a32.60) during shoulder season and \u20ac1 (87p) in the winter months<\/p>\n \u2022 The Acropolis has a visitor cap of 20,000 people per day<\/p>\n \u2022 70% of public beaches must remain free of sunbeds<\/p>\n \u2022 It is illegal to collect seashells from beaches. Fines can reach up to \u20ac1,000 (\u00a3869)<\/p>\n \u2022 Greece\u2019s tourist tax \u2014 the Climate Resilience Levy \u2014 applies to anyone staying in paid accommodation, including Airbnbs, hotels, and villas. It\u2019s charged per room, per night, not per person.<\/p>\n \t\t\tComments Arrow Arrow![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-2148403247-764f.jpg\")
\n\t\tTourism is increasing, and locals are worried (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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