Check-in for Tourists, Check-out for Residents in Plaka

The Council of State issued a series of cryptic rulings regarding appeals for buildings in Plaka that have been transformed into tourist “hives” through short-term rentals like Airbnb. Residents have long complained that the historic neighborhood has lost its character—and its tranquility—due to constant tourist pressure. However, the top judges ruled that short-term rentals do not automatically constitute “tourist accommodations,” since this is not explicitly defined in urban planning or tourism legislation.

Thus, they passed the “ball” to the Urban Planning Departments, which must—following a complaint—carry out inspections to determine the property’s use. At the same time, they requested the opinion of the Ministry of Tourism, postponing a final decision for six months. Until then, tourists will continue to “check in” to Plaka via short-term rental platforms, while permanent residents effectively “check out.”

Experts speaking to To Vima note that regulating short-term rentals requires not only legal interpretation but also a political solution, with a clear framework for sustainable urban development, balancing tourism growth with neighborhood life. In any case, the Council of State’s decision left more mystery than it resolved, examining 10 of the 16 appeals filed by the Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ELLET) regarding the conversion of