Greece is facing the severe consequences of an unprecedented early heatwave, which has claimed the lives of several tourists and left many missing amid record-breaking temperatures. This heatwave, defined by temperatures exceeding 38°C for at least three consecutive days, has triggered urgent travel warnings.
This heatwave has struck Greece earlier than usual, leading to the closure of popular tourist destinations in Athens and beyond. The Acropolis, Greece’s most visited tourist attraction, closed its doors on Wednesday and Thursday as temperatures soared, causing visitors to faint while waiting in line. Greek authorities issued a level three heat alert, advising people to work from home and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
In Chania, a city on the northwest coast of Crete, the temperature reached 44.5°C on Thursday. Additionally, a 3.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded on Friday morning. Central Athens saw temperatures rise to 42°C, prompting health warnings and school closures.
Several other archaeological sites across Crete, the Dodecanese, the Cyclades, and the Peloponnese also closed due to the extreme heat. Alongside the scorching temperatures, Greece is facing an increased risk of fires due to strong winds. Vassilis Kikilias, Greece’s Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister, announced that civil protection was on “high alert,” with a “very high” fire risk in ten regions, including Attica, which surrounds Athens.
This early heatwave has significantly disrupted tourism. The Acropolis was closed during the hottest hours, from noon to 5:00 pm, for two consecutive days, preventing tourists from visiting the Parthenon and other ancient sites. Last year, the Acropolis also closed during a two-week heatwave in July, followed by devastating fires that consumed nearly 175,000 hectares of forest and farmland.
Despite these challenges, nearly four million visitors came to the Acropolis in 2023, partly due to cruise ship arrivals at the nearby port of Piraeus. Although temperatures are expected to ease from Friday onwards, Greece remains on high alert, preparing for the potential continuation of extreme weather conditions throughout the summer.
