5 days ago
Can Europe's warmest city keep its cool this summer?
Athens
, the warmest capital in mainland
Europe
, is facing growing pressure from a surge in tourism and increasingly
extreme summer temperatures
. As more visitors arrive during peak travel months, authorities are working to keep both residents and tourists safe in the heat, as per a report by CNN.
Greece
's capital is expected to welcome a record 10 million visitors in 2025. But during the summer, temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. This has forced the closure of the Acropolis, the city's most visited site, during the hottest hours of the day to protect visitors and staff.
Officials say the Mediterranean is warming faster than the global average, turning Athens into a hotspot for both tourists and heat risks. 'Tourists often underestimate the heat,' said a local guide Iris Plaitakis to CNN. 'They don't bring water or wear hats.'
Athens is already one of the least green cities in Europe and has a high population density, making it more vulnerable to heatwaves. In response, the city has set up emergency cooling centers, planted trees, created small shaded parks, and installed water fountains.
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The city's mayor, Haris Doukas, says adapting to the climate is now critical. 'Building resilience is a matter of survival,' he said. The goal is to reduce the perceived temperature by 5°C through urban planning, such as planting microforests and using materials that absorb less heat.
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Longer term, Athens is working on large projects like Ellinikon Park, set to become the city's largest green space. It's being built on the site of the city's old airport and is expected to attract around one million tourists each year.
However, the rising demand from tourists also puts stress on local infrastructure, raises inflation, and pushes real estate prices higher. Locals are increasingly concerned about the effects of tourism on daily life. Many fear being priced out of their neighbourhoods, while water shortages and wildfires are also becoming more common.
Tourism remains an important part of the Greek economy, especially after the country's financial crisis. A record 36 million tourists visited in 2024, and the number is expected to reach 40 million by 2030. But with climate risks rising, authorities are encouraging travel during spring and autumn, when the weather is milder.
For now, the city continues to adapt. Tourists are advised to visit museums and indoor attractions during the heat of the day and explore coastal areas or historic neighbourhoods in the evening, when temperatures drop. As the sun sets, Athens returns to its lively outdoor rhythm — a way of life that may help it meet the challenges of a warming future.
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