Athens Sunhat Sales Rise as 4.6 Million Acropolis Visitors Endure Extreme Heat
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 23
Athens Sunhat Sales Rise as 4.6 Million Acropolis Visitors Endure Extreme Heat
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 23
Summary
Mid-30s Celsius heat and record tourist traffic are driving brisk sunhat sales around Athens, especially near the Acropolis, where visitors spend hours in exposed conditions with little shade.
The Acropolis drew about 4.6 million visitors in 2025, while Greece logged a record 38 million tourists last year, leaving many unable to secure cooler morning visits.
Greek Red Cross volunteers at the site are handing out sunscreen, water, leaflets and red caps as health campaigners push stronger awareness of UV exposure and heat-stroke risks.
Prices reflect the boom: kiosk hats range from 6 euros to 20 euros, while handcrafted straw hats from local makers start near 50 euros and can top 100 euros.
Hat sellers say the shift is cultural as well as practical, with tourists now treating sunhats as essential protection rather than a novelty.