- A record 38 million tourists visited Greece last year, with around 4.6 million visiting the Acropolis despite scorching temperatures reaching the mid-30s Celsius.
- Extreme heat and high demand at outdoor cultural sites have driven a surge in hat sales and sun protection awareness across central Athens.
- Red Cross volunteers are stationed at the Acropolis to distribute sun protection kits containing water, sunscreen, leaflets and caps to help prevent heatstroke.
- Local kiosks and traditional artisans report a shift in visitor attitudes, with tourists increasingly prioritising headwear for serious UV protection rather than just fashion.
- The severe summer conditions and accompanying wildfires have also renewed concerns regarding the safety and resilience of Greece's power grid in dry, rural areas.
IN FULL
Athens has a new must-have souvenir as the city gets busier and hotter
