Greece is about to revolutionize its tourism sector with new regulations aimed at regulating the growing short-term rental market, set to commence on October 1, 2025. These comprehensive rules are geared toward ensuring the safety of tourists and addressing the challenges posed by overtourism, which has sparked concern among local communities.
Among the most significant changes is the requirement for stricter safety measures for short-term rentals. Properties will now need to adhere to specific conditions, including adequate natural light, ventilation, and air conditioning. Additional mandates will see hosts installing safety equipment such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and escape signs, alongside obtaining certification from licensed electricians.
The Greek government is also emphasizing civil liability insurance to shield against potential accidents or damages, along with other important safety features like pest control certification and first aid kits. Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, has emphasized the importance of these regulations, stating, "The regulations meet the requirements of the time and represent another step toward sustainable and qualitative development." Under the new guidelines, not all properties will qualify as short-term rentals; spaces like basements lacking sufficient natural light will be outright banned.
To enforce these measures, Greece has established stringent inspection protocols, with fines set at €5,000 for violations doubling for repeat offenders. The Ministry's spokesperson indicated the stringent approach is intended to safeguard both visitors and residents from subpar accommodations.
Importantly, these regulations also address the broader ramifications of short-term rentals on the local housing market. Beginning January 1, 2025, there will be a freeze on new short-term rental registrations across popular neighborhoods such as Kolonaki, Koukaki, and Exarchia—areas particularly hard-hit by housing shortages. Property owners ignoring this freeze risk incurring hefty penalties of €20,000.
Alongside new regulations, the government is raising taxes on short-term rentals and hotels. From April to October, the daily tax for such rentals will jump from €1.50 to €8, and winter rates will rise from €0.50 to €2. These tax hikes are part of Greece's strategy to curb the oversaturation of tourism, which has placed unsustainable demands on resources, especially in iconic destinations like Mykonos and Santorini.
Meanwhile, Spain is grappling with similar issues as evidenced by the growing anti-tourism protests among locals, particularly affecting hotspots like Barcelona and Tenerife. Irish tourists have consistently flocked to Spain, and travel expert Eoghan Corry has offered insights on these trends amid rising tensions. Corry noted, "I was surprised by the scale of the protests. The concerns raised are valid, but these incidents have not significantly influenced travel decisions. Often, the discontent is directed toward local authorities rather than tourists themselves."
Despite glimpses of unrest, over 400,000 Irish travelers still visit the Canary Islands each year, indicating strong continued interest. While some isolated cases of tourist harassment have been reported, experts assert the impact on travelers remains minimal.
Both Greece and Spain’s situations reflect the fine line between tourism growth and the welfare of local communities. Striking the right balance is increasingly important as both countries implement measures aimed at promoting sustainability. Greece’s actions are tied to broader EU goals for managing resources effectively and ensuring community support.
Looking at the big picture, the new regulations introduced by Greece highlight the government’s commitment to managing tourism responsibly. By implementing regulations focused on safety and local needs, they aim to create a sustainable tourism model. It seems clear these moves are not just about preserving the economy but also the quality of life for residents affected by the surge of tourists, which can so often disrupt daily living conditions.