In travel news for August 10, 2023 we talk about Greece limiting the number of travelers allowed to visit the Acropolis.
Athens, Greece – Tourists planning a visit to the Acropolis of Athens, Greece's iconic archaeological marvel, may need to adjust their itineraries. As announced on Wednesday, the site will soon enforce a daily visitor cap, a decision driven by concerns over overcrowding and the preservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Starting next month, daily visitors to the Acropolis will be limited to a maximum of 20,000, with varying hourly entry restrictions also in place. The famed archaeological site, which attracts a global audience, has been recording as many as 23,000 visitors daily, predominantly large groups arriving before noon.
Greece’s Culture Minister, in a radio interview stressed the significance of the numbers stating that while tourism is crucial, the need to preserve the site is a top priority. The government is hoping that by reducing visitor numbers, the user experience will improve for those visiting the Acropolis.
The new restrictions will be tested starting September 4 and will be made permeant starting April 1, 2024. While the duration of visits remains unrestricted, many visitors come from from organized Tours or Cruise ships, accounting for roughly 50% of the daily visitors, and they usually spend about 45 minutes exploring the site.
Greece is looking to implement similar caps at other popular archaeological sites. Decisions on these sites came after extensive dialogue with tour operators and the Cruise industry. However, the execution of these caps was postponed due to the recent June 25 general elections in Greece.
Over 3 million travelers flocked to the Acropolis last year. As a response to last month's heatwave, Greek authorities had temporarily restricted midday access to the Acropolis and other ancient landmarks. As a protective measure, awnings were installed for visitors waiting to marvel at the Acropolis’ 5th-century B.C. temples. If similar conditions arise, these provisions will be reintroduced.
For travelers with the Acropolis on their Bucket List, keeping an eye on booking details, visiting hours, and visitor caps is recommended to ensure a seamless Greek adventure. Adjusting travel plans to visit during off-peak hours or even considering alternative days can offer a more intimate experience at this historical wonder.
