Athens’ Tourism Carrying Capacity Under Strain, Reveals Study

Athens is currently not experiencing overtourism, but recent findings highlight its vulnerability due to rising visitor numbers and the strain on its infrastructure.

A new study, commissioned by the Municipality of Athens, reveals that the Greek capital is facing a “tourism fragility”, with specific neighborhoods showing signs of over-concentration.

This is the first time the municipality has conducted such an in-depth study, according to Athens Mayor Haris Doukas. The “Tourism Carrying Capacity Study”, which examines the city’s ability to manage tourism growth, serves as a crucial tool for proactive urban planning.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas. Photo source: Develop Athens

“The Carrying Capacity Study offers us a significant advantage: the ability to operate proactively,” Doukas said, highlighting that the research will allow the municipality to address pressures before they worsen.

The study identifies areas of Athens where tourism-related pressures are most noticeable, including popular neighborhoods such as the city center, Monastiraki, Plaka, and Psyrri.

According to the study, these areas are experiencing “significant over-concentration” of both residents and visitors, resulting in high consumption of resources like water, energy, and waste.

However, the research also points to “touristization” effects spreading to peripheral neighborhoods, with rising rental prices and market pressures beginning to be felt outside the city center.

The study breaks down the findings into two main categories: “saturated” neighborhoods, where tourism activity is the most intense, and “moderately saturated” areas, where tourism is growing but not yet overwhelming. Notably, some neighborhoods in the 1st and 2nd municipal districts, such as Monastiraki, Psyrri, and Makrygianni, are among the most saturated, while areas like Ampelokipi and Kato Patisia are increasingly affected by rising tourist numbers.

More specifically:

Saturated neighborhoods

1st Municipal District: Ioulianou – Filadelfia, Agios Pavlos, Agios Konstantinos – Vathis Square, Mouseio, Exarchia, Psyrri – Koumoundourou, Commercial Center, Kolonaki, Monastiraki – Plaka, Makrygianni, Veikou, Koukaki
2nd Municipal District: Kallirrois, Dourgouti I

Moderately saturated

1st Municipal District: Strefi Hill, Neapoli I, Kolonaki – Lycabettus, Ilisia – Park
2nd Municipal District: Plastira, Lambraki Hill, Dourgouti II
3rd Municipal District: Kerameikos, Kampa, Thisio
5th Municipal District: Agios Eleftherios I
6th Municipal District: Attikis Square, Victoria Square
7th Municipal District: Pedio tou Areos, Kountouriotika, Ampelokipi I, Agios Thomas

Photo source: Develop Athens

A key concern highlighted by the study is the “significant impact of tourism” on waste management and public services.

According to the study, the volume of waste generated by both tourists and residents has increased substantially in recent years. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd municipal districts have been identified as the “most pressured by tourism”, with over 50 percent of waste production, as well as energy and water consumption, coming from visitors in the city center.

While some areas face an influx of tourists during the peak season from May to October, the study also reveals that the city remains under strain year-round, as Athens continues to be a popular “city break” destination.

“This ongoing tourism activity leads to continuous pressure on local infrastructure, without any distinct off-season periods to alleviate the burden,” the study notes.

Survey: Tourism has negative impact on quality of life, say locals

The study also includes a survey of local residents, showing that many perceive tourism to have a “negative impact” on their quality of life, particularly in the city center. High rents, noise pollution, and overcrowded public transportation are cited as the most significant challenges.

However, residents are also aware of the economic benefits that tourism brings to Athens, with the majority still holding a positive view of tourists despite these pressures.

To address these issues, the municipality has outlined a series of strategies aimed at achieving balanced, sustainable tourism growth.

Seven key pillars have been identified for future action, including regulation of tourism development, better management of short-term rentals, promotion of responsible tourism, and investment in infrastructure.

The city also plans to create a Sustainable Tourism Observatory to monitor and manage the impact of tourism through real-time data analysis, in collaboration with neighboring municipalities, including Nea Smyrni, Kallithea, Galatsi, Egaleo, Peristeri, Zografou, Vyrona and Dafni.

“The study underscores the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to tourism, one that protects the interests of both residents and visitors while ensuring Athens’ infrastructure can support future growth,” said Doukas. “Our next steps will focus on balancing tourism’s benefits with the well-being of our citizens and the preservation of our cultural and environmental resources.”

Plaka district in Athens. Photo source: VisitGreece/YSkoulas

The Tourist Carrying Capacity Study was conducted by the Municipality of Athens, through Develop Athens S.A., in collaboration with the Department of Tourism Studies at the University of Piraeus and the technical office of Goimisis and Associates.

Develop Athens serves as the city’s official Destination Management Organization and operates the This is Athens – Convention & Visitors Bureau (This is Athens-CVB), the official tourism board of the Municipality of Athens.