As Europe continues to grapple with issues related to severe overtourism, several countries are implementing measures to manage visitor numbers, protect local residents and preserve infrastructure.

After experiencing soaring housing costs and an influx of tourists, the city of Athens, Greece, is considering stricter regulations, Euronews reported.

This week, the mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, said he may consider capping the number of new hotels in the city to combat overtourism.

TRAVELERS MAY BE SLAPPED WITH 'RIDICULOUS' NEW FEES AS POPULAR CITY SEEKS MILLIONS PER YEAR

"We really need to see if and how many more hotels we need and where," Doukas said in response to a question from Euronews at the "This is Athens - Agora" event. "We need to see and think about how much extra tourist load we can lift and where."

He added bluntly, "We must not become Barcelona."

After soaring housing costs for locals, the city of Athens, Greece, is enforcing a strict crackdown on short-term rentals. (iStock)

He went on, "We have to understand that there are saturated areas that cannot afford new beds, whether short-term rentals or not. Talking at events around the globe, we see that capping is not only being put on short-term rentals but also on hotels; in specific, 'saturated' areas."

"We must not become Barcelona."

In central districts such as Koukaki, Plaka and Kolonaki, a government-imposed freeze on new Airbnb-style licenses is already in place. Authorities are inspecting properties to ensure they meet legal standards that were introduced earlier, The Associated Press said. 

Since Oct. 1, 2025, Athens has imposed hefty fines on short-term rentals that fail inspections, according to Hostaway, a vacation rental property management system.

TOURISTS COULD GET SLAPPED WITH FEES AS PRICEY GETAWAY LOOKS TO CASH IN EVEN MORE

While penalties are aimed at property owners, travelers may feel the impact if a booking is suddenly deemed illegal. 

"Basements will no longer be allowed for use: Rental spaces must serve as primary residential use areas, with natural light, ventilation and air conditioning," Olga Kefalogianni, tourism minister, told state-run television station back in January 2025 about the issue.

"Our goal is the long-term, sustainable and high-quality development of Greek tourism, not just breaking records every year," she said.

While rental penalties in the city of Athens are aimed at property owners, travelers may feel the impact if a booking is suddenly deemed illegal. (iStock)