Why hats are a new must-have souvenir for tourists visiting Athens

24 Aug 2026 • 6:56 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Why hats are a new must-have souvenir for tourists visiting Athens

  • A record 38 million tourists visited Greece last year, with around 4.6 million visiting the Acropolis despite scorching temperatures reaching the mid-30s Celsius.
  • Extreme heat and high demand at outdoor cultural sites have driven a surge in hat sales and sun protection awareness across central Athens.
  • Red Cross volunteers are stationed at the Acropolis to distribute sun protection kits containing water, sunscreen, leaflets and caps to help prevent heatstroke.
  • Local kiosks and traditional artisans report a shift in visitor attitudes, with tourists increasingly prioritising headwear for serious UV protection rather than just fashion.
  • The severe summer conditions and accompanying wildfires have also renewed concerns regarding the safety and resilience of Greece's power grid in dry, rural areas.

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