Europe’s oldest neighbourhood creates local ‘intervention unit’ to snitch on tourists

In 2024, some 7 million international tourists visited Athens. This year, 10 million people are expected to take to the streets of Greece’s ancient capital.

It’s no secret that tourism has played a key role in boosting Greece’s economy since the 2008 financial crisis.

However, there’s now concern about overtourism — a problem several other European destinations are also facing.

But Plaka, the oldest continuously inhabited district in Europe — also dubbed ‘Neighbourhood of the Gods’ due to its proximity to the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site — is feeling the heat more than most.

What is happening in Plaka?

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas told AFP that while he is happy to see people coming to the city, areas like Plaka are becoming ‘saturated with tourists.’

‘We are not yet at the stage of Barcelona, but we must act before it is too late.’

For context, the Spanish city has been gripped by anti-tourism protests, with activists chanting ‘Go home!’ and drenching visitors with water pistols.

And in Plaka, known for its Ottoman-era landmarks and Byzantine churches, footfall is increasing.

This has led to narrow streets being blocked, the constant screeches of suitcases, and local businesses becoming overwhelmed with the number of tourists.

Alexandra Dubakova, travel expert with FreeTour, visited Athens for the third time last month. She told Metro that the district is facing too much congestion, and that long-time residents are being priced out.

To tackle these issues, a local ‘intervention unit’ has been created to enforce rules with the support of the police.

Residents now have the power to report businesses taking over public spaces or cars parked illegally on pavements.

Alexandra, who first travelled to Athens in 2019, told us that Plaka is ‘almost unrecognisable’ to her.

‘The first time, it had a gentle charm,’ she recalled.

‘I 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.’

However, in July, the ‘balance had cracked.’

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.

‘The volume of tourists is up, yet awareness seems to have faded.’

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.

‘Trash bins are overflowing, and delivery vans barely get through the foot traffic.’

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.

Overtourism in Greece

Jaroslaw Grabczak, Head of Commercial Product at Thomas Cook and eSky Group, told Metro that similar patterns are emerging across Greece.

He said congestion in historic centres, under pressure water and waste systems, and residents’ frustration are now the norm.

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.

Jaroslaw added: ‘What Greece needs now is a collaborative approach: smart regulation of short-term rentals, better management of cruise traffic, and investments in green urban mobility.’

Just as importantly, travellers themselves must be encouraged — through education and incentives — to explore more consciously.

The goal isn’t to limit tourism, but to ensure it remains a force for good: enriching local communities and protecting cultural heritage.

‘The 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?’