Greece sizzles under relentless heatwave; top sites shut down

Greece has been grappling with a heatwave for eleven days. On July 18, temperatures soared past 100°F in Athens, and in other parts of the country, it was even hotter.

On Thursday, Athens thermometers read 100°F, and in some areas, temperatures are expected to climb to as high as 109°F. According to meteorologists, hot air masses from Africa will linger over Greece until Sunday, July 21.

In several regions of Greece, the risk of wildfires remains very high.

In Athens, water curtains and misting systems have been activated in many locations to help tourists and residents cool down.

Due to the oppressive heat and the associated risks, a difficult but necessary decision has been made. The Greek Ministry of Culture reported that all archaeological sites in Athens were closed to tourists on Thursday, July 18, from noon to 5 PM.

This closure may continue until the end of the week, but the ministry will provide ongoing updates.

Since Wednesday, the Acropolis has been among the closed archaeological sites. Greece's most popular tourist attraction was also closed during the heatwave in June.