In Athens’ historic Plaka district, residents gathered last week to address issues like noise pollution and congestion, with city mayor Harris Ducas announcing the formation of a task force to protect the area. Lydia Karas, president of the Association for Erett’s Environment and Cultural Heritage, expressed relief that action is finally being taken to safeguard this ancient neighborhood, which has been threatened by an influx of tourism, nightlife, and short-term rental platforms like Airbnb.
As Greece prepares for a significant tourist season, with 10 million expected visitors, residents feel overwhelmed by the crowds and the changing nature of their community. Many local shops are facing extinction as tourism drives up costs and erodes the area’s authenticity. Local architect Giorgos Zafeiriou emphasized that rising tourist numbers are placing unsustainable pressure on Plaka’s infrastructure, leading to a “battle for the soul” of the neighborhood.
There is some hope on the horizon, as a potential ruling from Greece’s highest administrative court regarding the legality of Airbnb rentals in protected residential areas could set a precedent for preserving Plaka’s character. Recent government measures to address the housing crisis and curb short-term rentals could also offer some respite. Mayor Ducas warned that foreign investors exploiting the area for profit may need to reconsider, asserting that Plaka is a vital link to Athens’ ancient heritage and must not become a mere tourist trap.
Source link
