Finding Your Feet n Athens: The Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rental Reality

  • by XpatAthens
  • Thursday, 22 January 2026
Finding Your Feet n Athens: The Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rental Reality
If you’ve just landed in Athens, your first few weeks will likely feel like a blur of strong coffee, chaotic traffic, and the sudden realization that "central" means very different things depending on who you ask.

The biggest mistake I see newcomers make is trying to sign a long-term lease from a hotel room within five days of arriving. Athens isn't a city you can understand through a screen; it’s a city you have to walk until your feet ache.

The "In-Between" Strategy: Why Short-Term is Your Best Friend

In Athens, a "short-term" rental isn't just a vacation spot; it’s your laboratory. These are usually furnished studios or Airbnbs where you pay a premium for the luxury of not having to deal with the Public Power Corporation (DEI) or signing a three-year contract in a language you don’t yet speak.

Most of us who stayed here long-term started exactly like this. We booked a month in a serviced flat to give ourselves the "breathing room" to actually visit neighborhoods at different times of day. A street that looks charming at 10:00 AM might turn into a loud, outdoor bar scene at 2:00 AM. You want to discover that before you sign a lease.

A Resident's Map: Where You Actually Want to Live

Forget the tourist maps. Here is the ground-level vibe of the neighborhoods where expats actually end up:
  • Koukaki: This is the "soft landing." It’s right under the Acropolis, but it still feels like a village. You’ll find yourself at the same bakery every morning, and within a week, the owner will know your order. It’s walkable and friendly, but because everyone knows this, the rents have climbed significantly.
  • Pangrati: This is where you go when you’re over the "tourist" vibe. It’s dense, hilly, and feels lived-in. There’s no metro right in the center, but the sheer number of hidden squares and tavernas makes it feel like the heartbeat of the city.
  • Exarchia: It’s not a "postcard" neighborhood. It’s gritty, covered in incredible street art, and politically loud. If you’re a creative or someone who likes a bit of edge, you’ll love it. If you want quiet and manicured sidewalks, stay away.
  • Glyfada & The Riviera: If you need the sea to stay sane, head south. It feels less like "Old Athens" and more like a coastal resort. It’s where you go for air, light, and international schools, but be prepared to pay "sea-view" prices.
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The Unwritten Rules of Greek Rentals

The Reality

"Insider" Tip

Price

€500-€800 for a long-term 1-bed.

The best deals are rarely on a website. Look for "Enoikiazetai" (For Rent) yellow signs on balconies.

Furnishings

"Unfurnished" usually means completely empty.

Sometimes this includes the oven and fridge. Budget for an IKEA trip immediately.

Bills

The Koinóchrēsta (building fees).

Always ask what the average winter heating bill is. Older buildings can be incredibly expensive to keep warm, even in the Greek climate.

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How to Actually Find a Home

The best apartments in Athens move through a "whisper network." You hear about a flat because a friend’s cousin is moving out. This is why having a stable, short-term base is so vital.

While you’re staying in your temporary spot, tell everyone (your barista, your Greek teacher, the person at the laundry) that you’re looking for a long-term place. In the meantime, tools like cozycozy are great for that initial "landing" phase. It aggregates everything from apartments to hostels so you can find a comfortable base camp without opening twenty tabs.

Don't rush the process. Athens is a city that rewards patience and face-to-face conversation. Stay short-term until you find the neighborhood that actually feels like your rhythm, then make your move.

LIFE & CULTURE