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Heraklion

Crete · Greece
Restricted
Last updated: 2026-06-30  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-30  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — Heraklion Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusRestricted — rules apply
Permit / License RequiredYes — MHTE registration mandatory
Tax RateGreece VAT 13% + Overnight Levy €0.50–€4/night
Permit FeeMHTE registration fee
Penalties€5,000–€50,000
Primary Residence RequiredNo
Occupancy LimitPer unit
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Heraklion Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Heraklion Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rentals in Heraklion, Crete are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — MHTE registration mandatory. The associated permit fees are MHTE registration fee.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Heraklion

Short-term rental operators in Heraklion should be aware of these tax obligations: Greece VAT 13% + Overnight Levy €0.50–€4/night.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Heraklion

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Heraklion include: Primary residence requirement: No. Occupancy limit: Per unit.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Heraklion

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Heraklion: MHTE mandatory; leading enforcement in Crete.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Heraklion

Hosts who fail to comply with Heraklion's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. €5,000–€50,000.

Platform Obligations in Heraklion

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Heraklion: Yes — MHTE on all listings.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Restricted
License / Registration
Yes — MHTE registration mandatory
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
MHTE registration fee
Primary Residence Rule
No
Occupancy Limit
Per unit
Tax Rate
Greece VAT 13% + Overnight Levy €0.50–€4/night
Zoning Restrictions
MHTE mandatory; leading enforcement in Crete
Platform Obligations
Yes — MHTE on all listings
Compliance Notes
Crete's largest city and leading STR market. MHTE registration mandatory. Heraklion leading enforcement effort across Crete.
Effective Date
Current
Key Notes
MHTE mandatory; Heraklion leading Crete enforcement; €5,000–€50,000 fines.
Penalties
€5,000–€50,000
Additional Context
Crete, Greece. Minoan civilization; Knossos Palace; largest Greek island STR market.
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.

Official Source ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Heraklion?

Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Heraklion but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Crete's largest city and leading STR market. MHTE registration mandatory. Heraklion leading enforcement effort across Crete.

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Heraklion?

Yes. Heraklion requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — MHTE registration mandatory.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Heraklion?

Short-term rental hosts in Heraklion are subject to the following tax obligations: Greece VAT 13% + Overnight Levy €0.50–€4/night.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Heraklion?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Heraklion may face enforcement. €5,000–€50,000.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Heraklion?

MHTE mandatory; Heraklion leading Crete enforcement; €5,000–€50,000 fines.

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