How to Find and Book Long-Term Accommodation in Athens (2026 Guide for Erasmus Students, Expats & Digital Nomads)

Every year, thousands of Erasmus students, interns, digital nomads, remote workers, and international professionals move to Athens for a semester, a work placement, or an extended stay. While finding accommodation has become easier thanks to online platforms and international booking services, the growing number of options can make the process confusing for newcomers.

Should you use HousingAnywhere? Is Spotahome worth the extra fees? Can you trust Facebook groups? What about local Greek rental websites? And is booking directly with a property owner a better alternative?

This guide explains the most common ways to find and book long-term accommodation in Athens, how each option works, and what international tenants should expect during the booking process.

Monastiraki Square at twilight, with the illuminated Acropolis above - one of the most vibrant central hubs for Erasmus students, expats, and digital nomads living in Athens.

Start Your Search Early

Athens remains one of Europe's most popular destinations for Erasmus students and international visitors. Demand increases significantly before the start of each academic semester, particularly between July and September for the winter semester and between December and February for the spring semester.

The best accommodation options are often reserved months in advance, so starting your search early gives you more choice and flexibility.

What is the best way to find long-term accommodation in Athens? Most Erasmus students start with HousingAnywhere, Spotahome, Erasmusu, Facebook groups, or local websites such as Spitogatos. Each option offers different levels of security, flexibility, and fees. Students looking to avoid platform commissions often choose direct booking with established accommodation providers that have a proven track record and verified reviews.

A classic Greek-style double room in Athens, designed for mid-to-long-term stays

International Student Housing Platforms

For many international tenants, accommodation platforms provide the easiest way to secure housing before arriving in Greece.

These platforms act as intermediaries between landlords and tenants, offering booking systems, payment processing, customer support, and varying levels of verification.

HousingAnywhere

HousingAnywhere is one of the most widely used accommodation platforms among Erasmus students and international professionals.

The booking process is typically straightforward:

1. Create an account.

2. Search available accommodation.

3. Send a booking request.

4. Wait for landlord approval.

5. Complete payment for the first month's rent and platform fees.

6. Receive booking confirmation.

   
   

The platform offers a secure environment for both landlords and tenants and provides customer support throughout the process.

However, convenience comes with additional costs. In addition to rent and any required deposit, tenants and landlords are required to pay platform service fees, which can add several hundred euros to the total move-in cost.

International platforms like HousingAnywhere allow students and expats to search verified rental listings in Athens prior to arrival

Spotahome

Spotahome specializes in medium and long-term rentals and has become a popular option for students, interns, and remote workers relocating abroad.

The platform provides:

• Detailed property descriptions.

• Professional photographs and videos.

• Online reservation procedures.

• International customer support.

Potential disadvantages include:

• Booking fees.

• Service charges.

• Very limited direct communication before reservation confirmation.

The booking process is similar to other accommodation platforms, with tenants paying the first rent and commissions through the platform before arrival.

As with most international rental marketplaces, service fees and booking charges increase the overall cost of securing accommodation.

Spotahome provides detailed room listings with verified property photos and video tours for long-term rentals in Athens

Erasmusu

Erasmusu is particularly well known within the Erasmus community and combines accommodation listings with student-oriented resources and information.

Many international students use Erasmusu when searching for housing in a new city because of its strong focus on student accommodation.

Advantages include:

• Large student community.

• Accommodation listings across Europe.

• Student-focused platform.

Considerations include:

• Service fees.

• Booking commissions.

• Difficult to establish communication with the landlord

Like other major accommodation websites, booking fees and service charges may apply depending on the listing and booking conditions.

Erasmusu allows international students to filter housing in Athens by semester dates, property type, and deposit protection

Local Greek Rental Websites

Spitogatos

Spitogatos is Greece's largest property portal and is commonly used by local landlords, property owners, and real estate agencies.

Unlike international student housing platforms, many listings on Spitogatos are designed for the traditional Greek rental market.

This means that properties are often:

• Unfurnished.

• Intended for local residents.

• Available under longer rental agreements (36 months)

• Mostly listed by real estate agencies with high agency fees.

  
  

Although some furnished and shorter-term options can occasionally be found, they represent a smaller portion of the market.

International tenants may also encounter communication challenges, as many landlords and agencies primarily operate in Greek.

For tenants already living in Athens or willing to navigate the local market independently, Spitogatos can provide additional opportunities beyond the international platforms.

Spitogatos is Greece's primary real estate portal, listing local long-term apartments across central Athens neighborhoods

Facebook Groups and Facebook Marketplace

Facebook has become another popular accommodation search tool, particularly among students and young professionals. But represents the most risky and unreliable way of booking an accommodation.

Numerous Facebook groups are dedicated to:

• Erasmus students.

• International students.

• Expats.

• Flat-sharing opportunities.

• Room rentals.

  
  

The main advantage is direct communication with property owners or existing tenants.

Potential benefits include:

• No platform commissions.

• Direct negotiations.

• Quick communication.

• Access to room rentals and shared apartments.

Students should carefully verify:

• Property ownership

• Identity of the landlord

• Rental terms

• Reviews or previous tenant experiences

• Payment requests.

However, unlike established accommodation platforms, listings are not always verified, and the quality of offers can vary significantly.

Students should carefully review listings, request sufficient information, and ensure that rental terms are clearly documented before making commitments.

Facebook Marketplace and rental groups offer direct communication with landlords in Athens, but listings require thorough verification.

Real Estate Agencies

Traditional real estate agencies remain another option for finding accommodation in Athens and one of the most expensive.

Agencies generally offer:

• A wider selection of local properties.

• Assistance with contracts.

• Direct communication with landlords.

However, agency rentals are often aimed at long-term residents rather than international students staying for a semester.

In addition, high agency commissions can significantly increase the initial cost of renting, especially when combined with deposits and advance rent payments.

For this reason, many Erasmus students and short-term international residents prefer accommodation platforms or direct booking arrangements.

Example: Booking the same Room Advertised for €400/Month:

Expense Category	Platform Booking	Direct Booking
First Month Rent	400€	350€
Platform Fee	175€+	0€
Agency/Admin Fees	100€	0€
Security Deposit	Depends on property	Depends on property
Total Before Arrival	675€	350€

Direct Booking: A Cost-Effective Alternative

While international platforms offer convenience and structured deposit protection, they are not the only way to secure housing in Athens. Many experienced, long-term property owners accept direct reservations.

By booking directly, international tenants can eliminate platform commissions, booking fees, and agency service charges—which often save several hundred euros upfront.

Dealing directly also establishes a line of communication with the host prior to arrival, making it easier to arrange flexible move-in dates or request customized rental terms.

Key Takeaway: When booking directly, verify that the provider has a transparent rental contract, clear payment terms, and a long-standing presence on major third-party platforms to confirm their credibility.

Practical Example: The Hybrid Direct-Booking Model

To understand how direct booking works in practice, consider established local providers like Athens SmArt Stay.

Having hosted Erasmus students, digital nomads, and international professionals for over 11 years, properties like these maintain verified listings across platforms such as HousingAnywhere, Spotahome, Roomster, Rentberry and Erasmusu for guest security and reviews. However, they also allow tenants to reserve directly through the owner.

This hybrid approach gives tenants two primary advantages:

• Full Transparency: Access to established platform reviews and verified host track records.

• Cost Efficiency: The option to bypass third-party service fees by securing flexible monthly or semester stays directly through a transparent local agreement.

  
  

For travelers staying several months or an entire academic year, exploring verified direct-booking options is one of the most effective ways to lower initial move-in costs without sacrificing reliability.

Booking directly through verified local providers like Athens SmArt Stay eliminates platform commissions and service fees, offering flexible monthly rates for rooms, dorms, and entire apartments

Understanding Platform and Agency Fees

One important factor that many first-time renters overlook is the additional cost associated with intermediaries.

Depending on the platform or agency, accommodation providers (landlord) and tenants both pay commissions or service fees.

These costs can substantially increase the amount required before move-in.

When comparing accommodation options, it is important to consider not only the advertised monthly rent but also any booking fees, service charges, agency commissions, and deposits required to secure the reservation.

Accommodation Booking Options in Athens Compared:

Options	Typical Rental Period	furnished	Booking Fees (tenant + landlord)	Security & Reliability	Easy to Book	Direct Communication
Housing Anywhere	1-12+ months	Usually Yes	275€ - 1248€	High	Excellent	Limited
Spotahome	1-12+ months	Usually Yes	185€ - 738€	High	Excellent	Very Limited
Erasmusu	1-12+ months	Usually Yes	185€ - 740€	Medium-High	Very Good	Very Limited
Spitogatos	Usually 3+ years	Often No	0€ - 2000€	Medium	Moderate	Usually Yes
Facebook	Flexible	Varies	Usually 0€	Low	Moderate	Yes
Direct Owner	Flexible	Usually Yes	0€	Depends on owner reputation	Excellent	Yes

Final Thoughts

There is no single best way to find long-term accommodation in Athens. International platforms, local rental websites, Facebook groups, real estate agencies, and direct booking providers all offer different advantages depending on your priorities and budget.

The most important step is understanding how each option works, comparing the total booking costs involved, and choosing a provider that offers transparency, reliability, and a proven history of successful rentals.

By starting your search early and exploring all available options, you can significantly increase your chances of finding accommodation that suits your needs and budget while enjoying a smooth transition to life in Athens.