Accommodation in Athens for long-term stays as a digital nomad

Hidden among Athens’s archaeological ruins and monuments are more than 3,000 years of history. Yet, Greece’s capital is much more than ancient relics. Although it feels more local and traditional than other big European cities, it’s a vibrant place with a growing creative and international community. Most travellers spend three or four days exploring, but finding an accommodation in Athens for long-term stays lets you enjoy the perfect mix of tradition and modernity. Therefore, finding a good place to stay in Athens for a long stay is something you shouldn’t overlook.

Whether you come to Athens to study, work remotely, or take a break in the Mediterranean’s heart, the city offers many options for weeks or months. It also has a lower cost of living than other European capitals, amazing food, and the chance to escape to an island any weekend.

Today, we’ll answer a question that’s probably on your mind: Where to stay in Athens to live well, work peacefully, and avoid tourist prices? Join us and plan your stay in this history-filled city.

Where to stay in Athens? The best long-stay accommodations

Did you know Athens is one of Europe’s most affordable capitals for a long stay? Especially outside the city centre and beyond peak season. It’s no surprise that students, digital nomads, and travellers land here daily, eager to explore the world while sharing their adventures online.

Although the city might seem chaotic at first, each Athenian neighbourhood has its rhythm and personality. Some areas pulse with cultural life, others offer peace under leafy streets, while many blend ancient history with coworking spaces and modern bars.

Before choosing the Athenian district where you’ll stay, you must find accommodation that suits your budget and lifestyle. These two decisions go hand in hand. So first, let’s look at the best long-stay accommodation options in Athens, and then we’ll explore the best neighbourhoods for each.

Colivings in Athens

In recent years, Athens has become a meeting point for digital nomads, creatives, and entrepreneurs from around the world. This has led to a small but growing network of coliving spaces: places that combine community, work areas, and shared zones with private or individual rooms. 

These spaces stand out for their relaxed, multicultural vibe, with weekly events that strengthen connections between residents—from shared dinners to yoga classes. Therefore, they’re an excellent choice for staying in Athens if you work remotely.

Keep in mind that many colivings in Athens offer minimum stays starting at one week, which is a big advantage as it lets you try different neighbourhoods before deciding where to settle longer. Moreover, some provide discounts for stays over 30 days or special rates during the low season (November to March).

• The monthly cost of a coliving in Athens can range from $440–935 (€400–850), depending on whether the room is private or shared and on the included services (breakfast, cleaning, coworking, etc.).
• The best areas to look for this type of accommodation are Koukaki, Exarchia, and Pangrati.

Furnished apartments

If you don’t like sharing kitchens or workspaces with others, renting a furnished flat is one of the most comfortable places to stay in Athens. It’s also practical if you travel as a couple, with a friend, or share rental costs with someone you trust.

The city offers a wide range of fully equipped flats with kitchens, private bathrooms, washing machines, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning (essential in summer). Many even include balconies overlooking the street or sea.

The cost of furnished apartments in Athens depends on their size and location:

• Studios: $605–880 (€500–750)
• 1-bedroom: $660–990 (€700–1,100).
• 2-bedroom flats: from $1,210–1,650 (€1,000–1,500).
• Some suitable areas for this type of accommodation are Pangrati, Mets, Koukaki, Neos Kosmos, Ilisia, and Kolonaki.

Always try negotiating a long-stay price with the owner. Usually, they offer discounts for upfront payments or for stays over three months. 

Tip: You can search for furnished apartments on platforms such as Spitogatos.gr (Greece’s most-used portal), HousingAnywhere (great for students and temporary workers), Flatio (perfect for digital nomads staying one to six months), and Facebook groups like “Athens Apartments for Rent” or “Expats in Athens”.

Another piece of advice: Ask if the flat has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Certified ones are usually more efficient and comfortable for working from home during winter.

Airbnb for seasonal stays

As everywhere in the world, Airbnb is a convenient way to find where to stay in Athens, especially if you prefer avoiding deposits, contracts, or formalities. Many hosts offer monthly discounts between 20% and 40% for long stays, particularly outside peak season (April to October). You’ll usually get services included, such as Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, and laundry. If you search carefully, you’ll also find comfortable desks for working or studying.

• Staying in an Airbnb in Athens costs between $660–1,320 (€600–1,200) per month, depending on the area, property type, and season.
• Some popular areas for Airbnb are Koukaki, Pangrati, Exarchia, and Neos Kosmos.

As with other options, you can message the host to negotiate a long-stay rate. Many are open to adjusting monthly prices for direct or extended bookings. You can also request extras such as cleaning, linen changes, or even local coworking recommendations.

Hotels with long-stay discounts

Athens also offers a wide range of hotels and aparthotels with reduced rates for long stays, especially if you stay more than 14 or 28 nights. Some even work like small apartments, with equipped kitchens, cleaning services, and extras that make life easier when you’ve just arrived or don’t want to worry about daily chores.

• Staying in a hotel in Athens costs between $880–1,540 (€800–1,400), depending on the category, location, and season.
• Some recommended options include NLH Kerameikos Hotel, offering modern studios with kitchenettes, fast Wi-Fi, and optional breakfast; Athens Studios, with monthly rates for mid-term travellers; Urban Frame Hotel, featuring contemporary design and personalised long-stay packages; and Athens Comfort Aparthotel, with spacious flats, full kitchens, balconies, and 24/7 reception.

Residences for students and professionals

Athens hosts historic universities, Erasmus programmes, art institutes, film schools, and research centres. This means plenty of residences designed for international students, interns, and young professionals seeking affordable, safe, and well-located housing. If you fit this profile, these residences are a great place to stay in Athens.

• The price of student residences ranges between $330–660 (€300–600), with services included (Wi-Fi, water, electricity, basic cleaning, shared kitchen, and access to communal areas).
• We recommend looking in Zografou, Athens’s student district par excellence, near the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA); Ilisia, Gazi, and Metaxourgio.

Keep in mind that although these residences mainly target students, some also welcome digital nomads or remote workers with stable income. In certain cases, they even allow you to register the address for residency or banking purposes if you plan to stay longer than 90 days.

A bonus point: Many residences are linked to educational institutions and offer access to libraries, student clubs, cultural events, or Greek language courses for foreigners.

Connectivity: make sure Wi-Fi isn’t a problem

Athens has solid digital infrastructure, especially in urban and tourist areas. Most accommodations offer fast, unlimited Wi-Fi, perfect for remote work, online study, or frequent video calls. The city’s average connection speed ranges from 50–100 Mbps, but many colivings, coworkings, and aparthotels already have high-speed fibre internet. Still, it’s best to come prepared, especially if you plan to work from cafés or move around often. You can get Holafly’s eSIM for Greece, which lets you choose unlimited data for the days you need —a smart choice for short stays.

However, for longer stays, the best choice is Holafly’s monthly plans, which help you make the most of Athens’s connectivity. With its unlimited data plan, you’ll browse fast and securely from anywhere in the city and share internet with other devices from $50.50 (€45.90) per month, without commitment.. It also works in over 170 destinations, so it’s useful across Europe —ideal if you’ve got international plans.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

The best neighbourhoods and areas to stay in Athens for a while

Athens is a city best discovered slowly. A two-day marathon won’t reveal its true essence: life in the squares, neighbours greeting each other, cafés busy at any hour, and the smell of freshly baked bread. Living here for weeks or months will let you truly experience it.

If you want to find the right area to live, you need to understand how the city is organised. The Acropolis is Athens’s heart, and around it lies the city centre (districts such as Plaka, Syntagma, Monastiraki, Psiri, Omonoia, among others). Note: the area is smaller than it seems on Google Maps. Still, each neighbourhood has its personality and one thing in common — a wide range of accommodation options.  

However, you can also go beyond the centre and discover areas offering a great living experience. Although they’re further away, they’re well connected to the centre through three metro lines, an extensive bus network, and trams.

That said, let’s explore the best neighbourhoods to stay in Athens so you can find the one that suits you best.

Koukaki

If we had to describe this district in few words, they’d be: relaxed vibe, pedestrian streets, Acropolis views, and plenty of Greek coffee.

Koukaki is a favourite among locals and foreigners staying in Athens for more than a few days. Despite sitting right below the Acropolis, it keeps an authentic local rhythm with family bakeries, vintage shops, art galleries, and cafés where everyone knows your name.

Koukaki lies next to the lively and touristy Plaka district, connected by Akropoli and Syngrou Fix metro stations. Within just a 15-minute walk, you can reach Syntagma and Monastiraki, two very popular central neighbourhoods.

In other words, Koukaki is perfect if you want to live near the historic centre without feeling touristy. It offers one of the city’s best balances between connectivity, quality of life, and cultural scene. Nearby, you’ll find the Acropolis Museum, the archaeological site entrance, and Filopappou Hill —Athens’s best free viewpoint. Don’t miss pedestrian streets like Drakou and G. Olympiou, full of bars, cafés, and bookshops.

Accommodation in Koukaki

• Furnished apartments: Koukaki Residence offers spacious, well-equipped flats ideal for long stays.
• Hotels with long-stay discounts: Great Living Koukaki, Acropolis Select Hotel, Hotel Syngrou Fix.
• Shared rental apartments: The Shadow of Athena is a boutique villa for nine people, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms —perfect for families or groups. Ideal if you’re travelling to Athens with family or friends.

If you plan to work from home, look for flats on quieter inner streets (like Veikou or Zacharitsa) to avoid traffic noise.

Exarchia

Exarchia is an alternative, vibrant, and authentic neighbourhood that leaves no one indifferent. It’s famous for its political history, murals, bookshops, intellectual cafés, and independent cultural spaces. 

Although known for its “rebel” spirit, in recent years it’s become a favourite among students, artists, journalists, web developers, and nomads seeking a creative, diverse, and stimulating environment.

If you plan to stay here, avoid isolated or poorly lit streets at night. While Exarchia is safe during the day and lively after dark, it’s wise to be cautious. Ask your host for advice on safer routes and look for accommodation near active areas such as Kallidromiou or Themistokleous.

The neighbourhood connects easily with the rest of Athens through metro line M3 (Panepistimio station) and several buses. The Polytechnic University is nearby, and the city centre is only a 15-minute walk away.

Accommodation in Exarchia

• Coliving in Exarchia: Co & Living Athens offers fully furnished residential apartments across the city, including several in Exarchia.
• Hotels with long-stay discounts: Exarchia House Project, in the heart of the district, offers air-conditioned rooms with balconies and private bathrooms. 
• Student accommodation: Exarchia Renovated Rooms —ideal for Erasmus students. A 90 m² flat near the University of Athens with a large living room, equipped kitchen, and main balcony.

Pangrati

Pangrati is a charming residential district that rarely appears in tourist guides but is adored by Athenians. It features leafy squares, artisan bakeries, small greengrocers, independent galleries, and peaceful cafés where you can work for hours undisturbed. It’s very close to the city centre and well connected, making it one of the best areas to stay in Athens for a while.

Pangrati sits close enough to the centre (15–20 minutes’ walk from Syntagma) for easy access yet far enough to avoid crowds and noise. Several bus lines run through it, and it’s served by metro stations Evangelismos and Agios Ioannis.

Nearby attractions include Athens National Park, the famous Panathenaic Stadium, Proskopon Square, and Empedokleous Street, lined with bars and local cafés. You’ll also find the Goulandris Museum of Modern Art and several emerging galleries.

Tip: If you like a local atmosphere but also want convenience, find accommodation near Varnava or Archimidous streets. You’ll have everything nearby and easy bus or walking access to the centre.

Accommodation in Pangrati

• Furnished apartments: Ochra, in the heart of Pangrati, is a move-in-ready flat. 
• Hotels with long-stay discounts: Athens Green Apartments offers fully furnished flats with kitchens, living rooms, and balconies, with monthly discounts. The Omnia Collection Pagrati also offers apartments with fully equipped kitchens, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. It has a strategic location, just a 15-minute walk from the Panathenaic Stadium and close to museums and other attractions.
• Student residences and accommodation: College Year in Athens (CYA),
• College Year in Athens (CYA) offers student flats in residential buildings across the Pangrati area. The apartments are fully equipped and within short walking distance from the academic centre.

Kolonaki

Neoclassical architecture, designer boutiques, art galleries, embassies, refined cafés, and five-star hotels define Kolonaki —Athens’s most elegant and exclusive neighbourhood. As you can imagine, staying here is more expensive, but you’ll enjoy peace, safety, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Kolonaki hosts many embassies, cultural foundations, private universities, and law firms. It’s common to meet master’s students, international professionals, and artists who appreciate aesthetics and order.

Among the neighbourhood’s highlights is Valaoritou Street, home to luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Dior, plus boutique cafés and top-class restaurants. Don’t miss the Benaki Museum to learn about Greek culture, the National Garden, and Mount Lycabettus, which offers one of the city’s best views.

The area is served by metro line M3 (Evangelismos station), connecting directly to Syntagma and the airport, as well as several bus and trolley lines. However, Kolonaki is also ideal for walking —you can easily reach the city centre, the Parliament, or the National Garden without public transport. 

Accommodation in Kolonaki

• Furnished apartments: Kolonaki 8 Design Suites & Lofts, located in the neighbourhood’s heart, offers fully furnished apartments ideal for medium and long stays, with high-speed Wi-Fi and workspaces for digital nomads. Mandra Living Athens, in a prime Kolonaki location, provides spacious, well-equipped flats with full kitchens, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.
• Hotels with long-stay discounts: Coco-Mat Hotel Athens is perfect for extended stays thanks to its personalised service and cosy atmosphere. St George Lycabettus Hotel, offering panoramic Athens views, features comfortable rooms and top-quality amenities. Both are slightly pricier but exceptionally comfortable choices.

Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Athens

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