Athens is in a moment of turbulence. It seems it is increasingly becoming a "tourists not welcome" zone as large anti-tourism protest continue to take place in the city. But what is at the heart of it all, and when did this all start? 

 

The protests in Athens began in the earlier parts of 2024, with the earliest demonstrations beginning back in 2023. This was when "tourists get out" graffiti first started making it's mark around the ancient city. The rise of this sentiment was part of a broader anti-tourism sentiment sweeping a large part of Western Europe since at least 2017.

 

The protest began as an act of resistance to what Athenians, and people in other parts of Europe, are calling over-tourism. Greece has seen record breaking tourism in recent years and this has had a major effect on the city of Athens. As millions of tourists flock to the capital, local Athenians are experiencing gentrification, overcrowding, and a loss of their authentic Greek environments.

 

Some neighborhoods are said to have become 80% Airbnb rentals, and traditional Athenian business areas have become tourist traps. Some also complain about experiencing what they feel is disrespectful behavior from tourists.

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Safe to say, a lot of Athenians are not happy with the changes that "over-tourism" has brought to their city. But over the past month, this unrest has escalated. The unrest is no longer simply driven by community grievances. It has now become political.

 

The protests have now become against Israeli tourism. Israeli cruise ships have had to re-route as a result of protests that are taking place in response to Israels continuous presence in Gaza. Large scale political demonstrations have been taking place across Athens. The people are combating not just Israel's grievances, but also what they perceive to be their governments continued pro Israel stance.

 

The anti-Israeli tourism protests are not meant to be specifically anti Zionist, claim protesters. They are only meant to send a broader message. A message that they will not support any form of action that supports what they feel are war crimes taking place in Gaza.

 

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Athenians aren’t rejecting tourism outright. Many support the economy tourism brings. But they want to reclaim their city from commodification. They’re asking: who truly benefits from tourism? When housing costs rise and cultural identity erodes, tourism can feel like an extraction, not a celebration. And when tourists visibly align with states accused of ethnic violence, they can become unwitting actors in contested political grievances.

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The protests are not aimed to be antisemitic and should not be viewed that way. Organizers insist their criticism is directed at state policies, not people of Jewish faith. More than a backlash against visitors, this movement is a demand for Athens to remain a livable city.

 

Locals are calling for regulation of short‑term rentals, reinvestment of tourism revenue into affordable housing and local services, limits on cruise disembarkation in sensitive areas, and meaningful inclusion of residents in planning decisions. They don't oppose all tourism. They oppose being marginalized by it.

 

Athens needs policies that protect residents and preserve community life. Growing unrest, whether against generic tourism or specific nationalities, signals a deeper crisis: a city fighting to stay itself beneath the current tide of inequality and political theater.