Europe's Hottest City Scorches Past 40 Degrees, Struggles To Stay Cool Amid Influx Of Tourists
Quick Read
Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed.
The Athens Acropolis faces unprecedented challenges from extreme heat.
Authorities have closed the site during peak heat hours for safety.
Record temperatures over 40°C are impacting visitor experiences.
The Athens Acropolis, Greece's most popular tourist site, has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years due to extreme heat, according to CNN. During peak tourism seasons over the past two years, soaring temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) have forced authorities to close the landmark during the hottest hours to protect visitors and staff. This marks a new reality for the UNESCO World Heritage site, which offers little shade amid its iconic white marble Parthenon columns.
According to CNN, visitors to the Acropolis often describe the experience as an endurance test rather than a leisurely visit, especially when wildfires nearby send smoke drifting across the skyline. The situation reflects a broader trend affecting Athens, which has always been known for its hot summers but is now experiencing record-breaking temperatures. In 2024, Athens became the hottest capital in mainland Europe, with climate experts warning that such extremes are becoming the norm as the Mediterranean region warms faster than the global average.
Tourism in Greece continues to grow rapidly, with officials expecting Athens to welcome a record 10 million visitors this year. However, the influx of travellers arriving during the peak summer months of July and August will coincide with predicted extreme heat waves, according to the national weather service. This convergence of booming tourism and escalating temperatures presents a significant challenge for local authorities, businesses, and tourists alike.
Efforts to manage visitor safety and preserve the historic site amid these harsh conditions are ongoing, highlighting the urgent need to address climate change impacts on cultural heritage and tourism.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Israel Tourism Showcases India Collaboration at IMTM 2025 in Tel Aviv, ET TravelWorld
Advt By , ETTravelWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) concluded the 31st edition of the International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM) on 7–8 May 2025 in Tel Aviv. Recognised as a leading tourism gathering in the Mediterranean region, the event welcomed 24 tour operators from 11 countries including India, alongside international media, to strengthen global collaboration in featured prominently as one of the key markets, with delegates including Chandrasekar Krishnakumar (PickYourTrail), Manoj Das (Tern Voyages), and Vanessa Mehra (Aaryan Holidays). The Indian delegation participated in a series of seminars, B2B meetings, and cultural exchanges, including the Gala Evening held at the historic Knights' Halls in Shahar, Director-General of the Israel Ministry of Tourism, said, 'We aim to welcome 7 million tourists by 2030. To achieve this, we are building smart strategies, long-term partnerships, and immersive experiences that go beyond the usual. India is a vital market for us and we are delighted to see growing interest and trust from the Indian travel fraternity.'Beyond the exhibition, the visiting delegates experienced Israel's diverse tourism offerings—from the spiritual landscapes of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea to the cosmopolitan vibrancy of Tel Aviv. Two Indian delegates extended their stay to further explore the country, a sign of rising confidence and interest in Israel as a safe and enriching India emerging as one of the fastest-growing outbound markets, IMTM 2025 has reinforced Israel's intent to deepen ties with Indian travel professionals. The event marked a significant step in expanding inbound tourism by creating stronger links with travel trade and media stakeholders from across the globe.
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
Kartik Aaryan Offers Glimpses From Trip To Vis Island In Croatia
Kartik Aaryan has chalked out the perfect plan to beat the summer heat. Wondering how? Well, the actor is cooling off by the beach during his trip to Vis Island in Croatia. The Chandu Champion star is soaking up the Mediterranean vibes and making us wish we could tag along too. Kartik treated his fans and followers to a photo dump from his travel diaries on Instagram. The carousel post offered a peek into his fun-filled day on the island. From sipping a drink by the beach and strolling through the island's charming streets to enjoying a seaside dinner and indulging in water adventures, the star is clearly living his best island life. In the caption, Kartik Aaryan wrote, "Vis Vibes." View this post on Instagram A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) Has Kartik Aaryan's post given wings to your wanderlust spirit? Here's everything you need to know about Vis Island before you hop onto the Croatia travel bandwagon: 1. Unspoiled beauty and charm Vis Island, the most remote inhabited island in Croatia, is known for its untouched natural beauty, rich history and relaxed pace of life. It is perfect for travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure and a taste of traditional Dalmatian culture. 2. Getting there Located beyond popular islands like Brac, Hvar and Solta, Vis lies about 45 kilometres from the mainland. The island is primarily accessible by ferry from Split, with a car ferry taking around 2 hours. High-speed ferries are also available to nearby Hvar on select days. 3. A hidden gem with a military past Vis was closed to the public for decades as it served as a strategic military base during the Yugoslav era after World War II. This secretive past adds a fascinating historical layer for those interested in exploring military relics and underground tunnels. 4. Wine, food and culture Vis has a strong fishing tradition and is also known for its local wine production. You can enjoy authentic Dalmatian cuisine and sample regional wines at cosy restaurants and family-run cellars across the island. 5. Peaceful and authentic stays Unlike Croatia's more commercialised destinations, Vis remains relatively undeveloped. You will find private houses and apartments instead of large hotels, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful, authentic island escape, even in the peak summer season.
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
Fresh Snowfall Blankets Higher Areas of Kashmir Valley, Travel Advisory Issued
The higher areas of the picturesque Kashmir Valley experienced fresh snowfall the previous night, particularly in the higher reaches of the scenic Pir Ki Gali, which connects Shopian and Poonch, as well as the upper areas of Bandipora, notably the Razdan Pass. This enchanting winter scene, however, has prompted travelers to take precautionary measures. As a result of the snowfall on Saturday, authorities have temporarily closed key routes, including the Gurez-Bandipora road and the Mughal Road. Officials have halted traffic movement on these roads to ensure the safety of commuters. They advise the public to refrain from traveling on these passes until conditions improve and the roads are deemed safe for passage. Considering the changing weather patterns, a weather alert has been issued for the next 24 hours. Meteorologists predict further snowfall over higher reaches, with clouds and thunder cells developing over North Pakistan and moving eastward, potentially affecting most parts of Jammu and Kashmir. People of these areas should prepare for thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds and possible hailstorms. Daytime temperatures are expected to drop significantly, hovering 7 to 10 degrees Celsius below seasonal averages. Those venturing into higher altitudes (above 3400m) should be particularly cautious, as the likelihood of additional snowfall remains high. Woolens will be essential even in lower areas due to the chilling dip in temperatures.
