tourism

Greece Tightens Rules on Short-Term Rentals to Combat Overtourism

Thursday, 18 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Greece has joined Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, and several other European nations in introducing stricter regulations to address overtourism and protect local housing. Measures include freezes on new short-term rental licences, bans on new Airbnb-style registrations in high-demand areas, and laws prioritising long-term residential housing over tourist accommodation. In Greece, authorities are targeting popular destinations where visitor pressure has strained infrastructure and driven up rents for locals. For tourists, this means the supply of short-term rental properties may shrink in coming seasons, potentially affecting availability and pricing for stays outside traditional hotels. Visitors booking accommodation in Crete should confirm their rental holds a valid licence before payment. These regulations are part of a broader European shift toward balancing tourism growth with the needs of permanent residents.

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