Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about whether you can still run an Airbnb in the heart of Athens. With tourism becoming a normal part of life in the city, many visitors now prefer renting a local apartment instead of staying in a hotel – especially in areas close to the historic center.
Because of this massive demand, short-term rentals have increased a lot. However, this has also sparked a big discussion about housing in central Athens. As a result, the government introduced new regulations to monitor and organize the market. This is why many property owners keep asking the same thing: is it still actually possible to run an Airbnb in central Athens?
In many situations, the answer is yes. But it isn’t the same for every property. The location of the apartment matters, and so does the question of whether the property has already been registered for short-term rental activity.
The AMA number explained
If you are renting a property for short stays in Greece, you need to register it in the Short-Term Rental Registry, managed by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). After completing the registration, the property receives an identification number called an AMA.
If you look at Airbnb listings in Greece, you will usually notice this number somewhere in the description – platforms now require hosts to display it. In simple terms, the AMA is the proof that the property is officially registered and “legal” for short-term use.
Where the restrictions mainly apply
When people talk about Airbnb restrictions in Athens, they are usually referring to the historic center, where tourism is highest. This includes well-known neighborhoods such as:
- Syntagma & Plaka
- Monastiraki & Psyrri
- Kolonaki & Koukaki
- Thissio, Kerameikos & Metaxourgeio
Most of these areas belong to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd municipal districts. In these specific zones, authorities have introduced measures aimed at controlling the number of new short-term rental registrations.
Properties that “already have an AMA”
In the Athens property market, you might hear that an apartment “already has an AMA.” This usually means the property was registered in the past and has been used for this purpose before. For investors, this detail can be very important. A property that has previously operated as a short-term rental may offer different possibilities compared with one that has never been registered. That’s why it often comes up during property viewings or investment discussions.
A few things you should check first
Before listing a property on Airbnb, it’s worth looking into a few practical points:
- Are new registrations currently allowed in that specific street or block?
- Has the property been registered in the past?
- Who will be the official manager in the registry?
- What are the specific tax obligations for your situation?
Since regulations can change, it’s always a good idea to check the latest rules before making big plans.
Final thoughts
Short-term rentals are still a massive part of the Athens economy. However, navigating the legal side of the market doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you already have an AMA or you’re starting from scratch, we can handle the red tape and the day-to-day management for you.
Still unsure about your property’s status? Reach out to us today to see if your apartment is eligible and how we can maximize its potential under the current rules.
