Greece closes down from 12pm to 5pm as Brit tourists given warning

British holidaymakers in Greece may face disruptions as local authorities enforce compulsory work breaks due to a severe heatwave. Officials in central Greece and several islands have mandated outdoor manual labourers and food delivery workers to take a break from 12pm to 5pm on Monday, with temperatures soaring above 40C.

The Labour Ministry of the country has also instructed employers to provide remote working options for their staff as health concerns escalate, associated with the extreme temperatures witnessed across the nation and broader southeastern Europe in recent weeks. The temporary regulations affected areas including Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, along with other regions on the mainland and southern Peloponnese peninsula.

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In addition to manual labourers and food delivery workers, couriers and shipyard employees were also directed to cease work between midday and 5pm to prevent heat-related illnesses.

The escalating heatwave conditions observed across the country and continent over the past month also led to the closure of Greece's Acropolis for several hours on Tuesday afternoon.

The historic site, one of Greece's most frequented tourist destinations, was closed to visitors from 10am to 2pm after temperatures in Athens reached approximately 38C, reports the Express.

The Greek Meteorological Service has issued a warning that the heatwave conditions are likely to continue throughout the week, with cities including Athens in mainland Greece on high alert for wildfires, as gale-force winds are also predicted.

Greece experienced its hottest winter and summer on record last year, and 2024 also marked the warmest year globally - with global temperatures rising 1.5C above the pre-industrial era for the first time.

The current heatwave is anticipated to persist until Thursday - although officials have stated that this prolonged hot spell is not yet considered unusual for this time of year.

The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance for Brits travelling to Greece, alerting them to an elevated risk of wildfires.

"There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season of April to October," the government body warned. "Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable.

"The situation can change quickly. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location."