Record heat and rising tourist numbers challenge Greece’s capital.
Athens is bracing for another scorching summer as the Greek capital balances record-breaking tourism with intensifying climate challenges. With forecasts predicting yet another wave of extreme heat, the city’s iconic landmarks—especially the Acropolis—face growing strain amid soaring temperatures and swelling crowds.
Over 10 million tourists are expected to visit Athens in 2025, according to government estimates, with July and August projected as the peak months for both visitors and heatwaves. The Mediterranean region is warming faster than the global average, and Athens, the hottest capital in mainland Europe, continues to experience record temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), forcing repeated midday closures of the UNESCO World Heritage site to protect visitors.
Heat and Heritage on a Collision Course
For many travelers, climbing to the Acropolis is the culmination of a dream. But in recent years, that dream has turned into an endurance test. The Parthenon’s marble columns reflect the unrelenting sun, and the hilltop site offers little shade. Tour guide Iris Plaitakis warns that tourists often underestimate the heat. “You’re much more exposed to the sun and heat up there because of the elevation and lack of trees,” she says.
In response, authorities have expanded early warning systems, cooling centers, shady pocket parks, and even emergency services around key tourist zones like the Acropolis. But officials warn that these efforts may not be enough as Athens faces a fundamental challenge: transforming its urban infrastructure to withstand a hotter future.
Urban Overheating and Long-Term Adaptation
Athens is densely built and low on green space. It’s one of Europe’s least green capitals and home to an aging population vulnerable to heat. The city has become a concrete heat sink, exacerbating the effects of heatwaves. In 2021, Athens appointed Europe’s first “chief heat officer” and has since planted 7,000 trees, aiming for 28,000 in the next four years. The city is also experimenting with “microforests” and redesigning roads using heat-absorbing materials.
Mayor Haris Doukas highlights a recent project in Chalandri where an ancient Roman aqueduct is being revived to irrigate green areas, potentially saving up to 100,000 cubic meters of water annually. These initiatives reflect a shift toward long-term, nature-based solutions to reduce urban heat.
But reversing decades of concrete-heavy development is not easy. Experts like Spanish urban planner Juanjo Galan say Athens must “break some concrete” and follow the lead of cities like Valencia, which recently won European Green Capital status for its climate adaptation efforts.
Riviera Expansion and Tourism Pressures
As the city heats up, many locals and tourists turn to the coast. Athens is reconnecting with its seaside identity through the development of the Athens Riviera, a 50-kilometer stretch from Piraeus to the southern coast. The centerpiece is the Ellinikon project, a 600-acre urban park and mixed-use development on the site of the former Athens airport. It includes Greece’s first skyscraper and is expected to attract one million tourists annually.
Yet this transformation comes at a cost. Real estate prices have soared, many properties are being converted into boutique hotels, and infrastructure—particularly power and water—is increasingly strained. Critics worry about gentrification and the city’s overreliance on tourism. “We are in danger of losing our birthright,” a recent op-ed in the Greek press warned, pointing to inflation, water shortages, and overtourism as existential threats.
The growing frequency of wildfires around Athens further compounds these concerns. Over 40% of the forested areas near the city have been lost in the past decade. Reservoir levels are falling, and officials are sounding alarms about the pressure on vital resources.
A City Adapting, the Mediterranean Way
Despite the challenges, Athens is trying to adapt without losing its character. Officials encourage visitors to explore the city during the cooler shoulder seasons or to shift itineraries indoors during peak heat hours. Museums such as the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum offer respite, while the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center serves as a gateway to coastal escapes like the Temple of Poseidon.
Even Athens’ nightlife reflects a kind of organic climate adaptation. As the sun sets and temperatures drop, the city comes alive with open-air cinemas, concerts, and bustling tavernas. Locals linger in bars and on benches, embracing a rhythm that suits the heat.
Whether these changes will be enough remains to be seen. But for now, Athens walks a tightrope between preserving its ancient past, adapting to a hotter future, and welcoming the world to its sun-soaked streets.