The Historic Triangle of Athens includes the areas of Plaka, Monastiraki, Thissio, and Syntagma—the beating heart of the city in terms of history, culture, and tourism. This is the oldest part of Athens, home to landmarks such as the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, Ermou Street, and the Acropolis Museum. It is a vibrant area with a mix of tourism, culture, commerce, residential living, and short-term rentals. The Historic Triangle is considered one of the leading areas for real estate investment in urban tourism, not only in Greece but across Europe as a whole.

The population

  • A diverse mix of tourists, temporary residents, investors, business owners, and artists.

  • A very high proportion of renters — primarily short-term rentals (Airbnb).

  • A relatively small local residential population — most properties are rented out or held for investment purposes.

  • A strong presence of international investors and entrepreneurs in the short-term rental sector.

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Transportation

  • Major metro stations: Syntagma (Blue/Red Lines), Monastiraki (Blue/Green Lines), Acropoli, and Thissio.
  • Highly walkable area — within walking distance of all major points of interest.
  • Extensive public transportation options — buses, trams, and taxis available 24/7.
  • Limited access for private vehicles — many streets are pedestrianized or very narrow.

Key Locations and Main Streets

  • The Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, and the Ancient Agora — among the most important historical sites in the world.

  • Ermou Street — Athens’ main shopping street.

  • Syntagma Square — the city’s governmental, transportation, and commercial hub.

  • Restaurants, bars, and traditional shops — especially in Plaka, Thissio, and the Monastiraki flea market area.

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Real Estate in the Historic Triangle

One of the most sought-after and expensive real estate areas in Athens:

  • Apartment prices range between €2,500–€5,000 per square meter, depending on views, proximity to landmarks, and property quality.

  • Short-term rental rates: €80–€180 per night; long-term rentals: €900–€1,800 per month.

  • Particularly high returns from tourist rentals (Airbnb, Booking).

  • Significant investment activity in apartment renovations and boutique hotels.

Key Advantages for Investors

  • Very high returns from short-term tourist rentals — among the highest in Europe.

  • An irreplaceable location — the historic heart of the city and the core of demand.

  • High occupancy year-round — continuous tourism, even outside peak seasons.

  • “Branded” assets — properties in this area are considered premium and highly sought after.

Critical Considerations for Investors

  • Very high entry prices — not suitable for every budget.

  • Intense competition for quality assets — it is difficult to find attractively priced properties.

  • Airbnb regulation — potential restrictions expected in the coming years (investors should conduct careful due diligence).

  • Challenging building maintenance — many properties are historic and may require structural reinforcement and special permits.

A little about the author of the article

Elazar Kaykov

Partner and Founder

A native of Kibbutz Tel Katzir in northern Israel, he currently lives in Tel Aviv with his wife, a real estate investor, entrepreneur, with 7 years of experience in marketing and sales, a former officer and in the reserves. Elazar brings with him 4 years of experience in real estate, during which he worked at Natam, a company specializing in commercial real estate. Elazar managed the Tel Aviv team at the company.