Greece’s anger over Rishi Sunak’s criticism of its prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has angered travel companies and a local or two who take millions of British visitors to the bland Acropolis.
“The Acropolis is our most important monument; “Imagine if someone removed the clock from Big Ben or sold the Eiffel Tower?” says Kostas Chatzivasileiou, founder of Athens Walks.
But all is not lost. The city is doing well and recovering from an economic crisis and years of Covid restrictions.
A record four million British visitors traveled to Greece this year as the capital Athens became a “Greek” destination, rivaling Berlin or Barcelona as a city break for foodies and art lovers.
At the top of the market, hotel openings such as The Dolli and One&Only have boosted Athens’ trajectory. Last summer, the number of visitors who paid to visit the Acropolis increased by 80 percent, meaning long lines and cancellations to avoid overcrowding. Unhindered, more than 17,000 people climbed the rocky hill in Athens every day to take a selfie with the Parthenon in the background.
“Last summer, the number of visitors who paid to visit the Acropolis (pictured) increased by 80 percent, meaning long lines and cancellations to avoid overcrowding,” writes June Field. “And now the powers that be have decided to increase the cost of a visit.” From July 2025, the registration fee will rise from €20 per person to €30
And now the powers that be have decided to increase the cost of a visit. From July 2025 the registration fee will rise from €20 per person to €30.
The best way to beat the queues, especially in peak season, is to book a group tour online in advance – ideally the earliest “Skip the Queue” ticket at 9am, which covers the entrance fee plus a two-hour guided tour with a licensed tour operator Travel guide included. This prevents the more expensive guides from harassing visitors at the entrance to the site.
Visit us off-season and enjoy a crowd-free experience.
Early spring or October are the best months. Head out at 5.30pm for stunning sunset photos and half price tickets at €10 per person.
Above all, wear your most comfortable sneakers because there are 200 smooth marble steps that lead to the Acropolis. Also keep in mind that the campground itself is full of uneven, rocky paths. And don’t forget a hat and a bottle of water.
No food is allowed inside and nothing is sold, so don’t come hungry.
No food is allowed on the Acropolis and nothing is sold there, says June. “So make sure you’re not hungry,” she adds. Pictured: Cafés in the nearby Plaka district of Athens
Entering takes you to the most impressive vantage point: the iconic southwest corner of the Parthenon monument, where the missing Pentelian carved marble frieze once formed the famous centerpiece of the crown.
The term “Elgin Marbles” should be avoided here. They were supposedly “bought” when Thomas Bruce, 7th Lord Elgin was British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century; Therefore, the proposal to be an owner is generally not welcome. Instead, guidebooks call them “statues and reliefs of the Parthenon.”
Take a break for lunch or a drink on the balcony of the nearby Acropolis Museum cafe and there is also a great shop where you can buy souvenirs.
Meanwhile, many Acropolis leaders believe that the recent excitement over the Elgin Marbles has worked to their advantage.
“This dispute has brought the campaign into the global spotlight, which can only be good news,” one of them said.
And it shouldn’t be bad for visitor numbers either.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
