New registrations remain suspended in central Athens and Thessaloniki as short-term rentals continue to command higher prices than the European average

AirDNA data show Greece among Europe’s most expensive short-term rental markets, with a €142.80 RevPAR in July, well above the €110.10 European average

Greece’s Airbnb market remains buoyant, with pre-bookings reaching 95% in top destinations as strong summer demand continues to drive occupancy and rates.

A new Athens court ruling sets limits on Airbnb rentals, as the Justice Ministry prepares its first major overhaul of property law since 1929

Athens sees tourism surge beyond pre-pandemic levels, while short-term rental growth slows in areas where new permits have been suspended.

The Greek capital's historic center hosts 60% of tourist beds, highlighting persistent pressure despite licensing restrictions

Thessaloniki freezes new Airbnb-style rental registrations until Dec 2026 in central areas, tightening rules and imposing heavy fines for violations.

Greece’s new tourism spatial-planning framework introduces the possibility of suspending the use of newly built homes on islands for short-term rentals.

A new spatial framework introduces stricter building limits, coastal protections and controls on short-term rentals amid concerns by some quarters over overtourism, environmental impact

Shoulder-season travel continues to expand, effectively extending Greece’s tourism season to nine months.

In Greece, the average daily rate (ADR) declined by 3%, from 143 euros in 2024 to 139 euros in 2025, broadly in line with trends seen elsewhere in Europe.

Failure to register a property can lead to penalties equal to 50% of annual gross revenue, with a minimum fine of 5,000 euros, escalating sharply for repeat offenses.

Alexandroupoli shows the steepest rise, with listings doubling from 294 in 2023 to 720 in 2025, driven partly by growing Turkish tourism for shopping and short breaks.

According to data from INSETE, 2025 began with strong growth. In January, 213,000 listings were recorded, up from 190,000 a year earlier.

Rising temperatures and frequent heatwaves are nudging visitors toward cooler months, while lower off-peak prices add to the appeal.

Tourism authorities highlight that the framework sets out clear rules, establishing quality and safety criteria that reflect the rapid expansion of this segment of the hospitality industry.

Greece tightens the screws on illegal STRs, aiming to balance booming tourism with residents’ right to housing.

The government is weighing further limits, including the possible suspension of new listings outside Athens in other popular destinations.

This surge in supply comes with consequences. Occupancy rates for short-term rentals in June and July remained flat compared to last year, at 40% and 51% respectively.

Though the enforcement of the new rules is set to begin on October 1, 2025, property owners are being urged to start preparations immediately.