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full screen The Acropolis was closed to the public during the five hottest hours on Wednesday, when the thermometer showed 39 degrees in Athens. Photo: Petros Giannakouris/AP/TT
The popular tourist destination Acropolis in Athens has been closed for parts of Wednesday due to the first heat wave of the year. Summers are often hot but this is the earliest heat wave recorded in Greece in modern times, according to meteorologists.
In several regions, schools are closed on Wednesday and Thursday while public employees are asked to work from home. At the Syntagma metro station in Athens, an air-conditioned concourse has opened to provide the public with protection from the heat.
And during the hottest hours, a break for outdoor work was also called for. But in the capital’s bustling tourist district of Plaka, there is no room for rest.
– We have no choice, it is the beginning of the tourist season, says Elisavet Robou, who owns a kebab place.
– We have air conditioning, fans and the staff can take breaks, but unfortunately the climate crisis is here.