Greece without the Acropolis: Heatwave Shuts Down Tourist Landmark

The scorching heatwave that has gripped Greece has left tourists without one of the country's most iconic landmarks: the Acropolis. Due to abnormally high temperatures, life in the country has come to a standstill. According to a circular from the Greek Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, kindergartens and schools are closed during the peak of the daytime heat, many types of work activities are prohibited, and the operation of transport companies is limited. And even the world-famous symbol of ancient Greece - the Parthenon - is inaccessible to tourists during the hottest hours of the day.

Visits to the Acropolis in central Athens are strictly regulated according to the time indicated on the entrance tickets.However, by order of the Greek Ministry of Culture, since June 6, 2024, the archaeological complex "Acropolis" has been unavailable for visits from 12 to 5 pm.

This forced measure is due to the unusually high temperatures, which are dangerous to the life and health of tourists. The first cases of heatstroke have already been recorded in Athens, leading to loss of consciousness and malfunctions of the cardiovascular system. The restriction will be in effect until further notice. In the meantime, the "lucky ones" whose tickets indicate a visit time from 12.00 to 17.00 are offered to postpone their visit to the Parthenon to the evening hours.

Things are a little better on the coast: beach holiday lovers do not have to suffer from the forty-degree heat. While in the central regions of Greece thermometers show from +40 to +43 degrees in the shade, in the areas of the sea breeze the temperature does not exceed +35 degrees Celsius.

However, you should not relax here either: according to the message of the President of the National Organization of Public Health (EODY) Christos Hatzichristodoulou, an outbreak of gastroenteritis caused by the pollution of drinking water with the Salmonella virus has been registered in the Thessaly region on the Aegean coast. Locals and tourists are urged to be vigilant and not to use unverified water sources.