According to data published by ESEEin July 2014: The Council of States Suspension Committee upheld the appeal by ESEE, GSEVEE and OIYE. Note: Most shops in the centre stay open throughout the day on Monday and Wednesday, and do not close for the 2.5 hour break on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. According to the government, the aim of these measures is to improve competitiveness, modernise markets, serve consumers, boost tourism and increase employment. "@type": "Question", ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Police are currently investigating a car crash that occurred early Sunday evening in the Town of Greece. How To Order Food In Greece A Locals Guide, Food in Greece Everything you should know about Greek Food, Greek Drinks To Try During Your Vacation In Greece, combined ticket for the ancient sites in Athens, Museums In Plaka Athens: Historical Museums Near The Acropolis, Greece Coronavirus Update: Measures against COVID-19, Athens Santorini Mykonos: 7 Days In Greece Itinerary, Athens 3 Day Itinerary For First Time Visitors, Athens Combo Ticket For Acropolis And Other Sites, Greek Websites For Expats And Digital Nomads. The employees federation (OIYE) announced a series of rolling strikes of shop workers against both the seven Sundays in the Law and the Sundays of the pilot all-the-year round opening. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Police are currently investigating a car crash that occurred early Sunday evening in the Town of Greece. They cannot be located in outlet stores, shopping malls or discount villages. "acceptedAnswer": { This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The most famous temple is the Parthenon. The introduction of shop opening on seven selected Sundays and every Sunday in 10 pilot areas has been a significant development for the retail sector. On Sundays, shops are normally closed in Athens, except for the souvenir stores like Adrianou, Mitropoleos, Pandrosou, among others. The President of SETE, Andreas Andreadis,supported optional Sunday trading,linking the growth in tourism in the cities with the need for shops to open every day of the week. The finest high-end jewellery stores are clustered around Syntagma, Plaka and Kolonaki. Still, Athens Sunday shopping is absolutely possible. Shopping, eating out or just strolling around with the whole family - Sundays are the best days for that. If you want to go shopping on Ermou, your best bet is weekdays, when opening hours are quite long. Still, one mans trash is another mans treasure, so you never know. Email. The antique market at Avissinias Square volcanic iceland epic Note:On public holidays (listed above) stores are closed and archaeological sites and museums are either closed or open for limited hours. After the end of the parade, you can follow the Evzones back to their barracks. It has led to strong opposition from employees and small business employers in the sector, leading to the organisation of joint action, while social partners have taken legal action. All rights reserved. I find this entrance more convenient, and there seem to be fewer queues. Some Finally, if you are prepared for absolute surrealism, take a taxi and go to Shisto market. Cradle of western civilization, the history of Athens is eventful and fascinating. Copyright Greeking.me. "@type": "Answer", Bigger businesses are open from 9.00 to 21.00 on weekdays, and they close somewhere around 18.00 20.00 on Saturdays. Smaller stores typically close around 15.00 16.00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Still, Athens Sunday shopping is absolutely possible. The areas of Monastiraki and Plaka are great for shopping on a Sunday. According to the social partners, the governments policy will lead to full and unlimited operation of all shops on every Sunday and in every region of the country. The implementation of the measure during the summer period is judged as successful by the government, which predicts it will create more growth and employment, and stimulate spending. This is where people came to discuss, socialize and buy certain goods. "acceptedAnswer": { Shopping hours are a somewhat complicated matter in Closing time is 20:00 in summer and 17:00 in winter. All shops Munich. The shops must have a total floor area of up to 250 square metres. Many of them will still be around until the late afternoon or early evening. Dont worry though, you can still find somewhere to eat. Saturday they close at 6.00 pm and are closed on Sundays and As of November 2021, shop owners with businesses in the historic center of Athens will have the option to remain open on Sundays, according to a Greek government decision. Overall, the National Gardens are a great place to escape the heat of the day. The President of ESEE, Vassilios Korkidis,pointed out to SEV and SETE that it is inconceivable for them to oppose the other two social partners (ESEE andGSEVEE) without first having consulted them. Generally, the stores close by 9 pm because the staff needs time to clean and stock the WebRe: Are the shops on Santorini open on Sundays? Email. In addition, there will always be a kiosk at walking distance from your hotel. Wherever you decide to stand, try to be in the first row if possible. The list is in Greek however. WebOpen at 8.00 am and close at 8.00 pm in winter and 9.00 pm from April to end of October. Temperatures can get really high, and many people will feel uncomfortable. When in Athens, you can visit a museum or two. Monday & Wednesday: 9 am-3 pm; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 am-2 pm and5.30 pm-9 pm; Saturdays: 9 am-3 pm; almost all shops are closed on Sundays. Also, bear in mind that the military guards will be cordoning people off at certain times. While this is a great way of spending your Sunday in Athens, there are tons of other things to do. WebIn addition, there are six obligatory, official public holidays: New Year's Day, 25 March, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, 15 August and 25 December. "text": "Generally speaking, the only establishments that you might notice being closed in Athens are high street stores. They come every Sunday from 6am, searching through piles of things for hours. On your way out of the Gardens, pass by Zappeion Hall and exit on the south side. Read on for a few ideas! Here are some morethings to do in Plaka Athens. Make sure you have good walking shoes on, as our cobbled streets can hurt your feet. Day of the Holy Spirit variable dates, usually early June. And if you want to avoid entrance fees, there are some free museums and galleries in Athensthat you could visit on a Sunday or any other day. Some, but not all, of the bigger supermarket chains open on certain Sundays of the year. High street stores are generally closed on Sundays, with a few exceptions throughout the year. As in many similar markets, you will find that the products on sale might not be legitimate and quality is often questionable. Are the shops on Santorini open on Sundays? The enactment of shop opening on Sundays (Law 4177/2013) has been a significant development for the retail sector. }, { The market expands on lower Ermou and Ifestou streets, as well as on most side streets and alleys around them. the lack of prior consultation, which is required by law; the arbitrary and undocumented selection of the regions for pilot implementation of the measure; the creation of conditions of unequal competition between commercial enterprises (to the detriment of SMEs); 75% of merchants were dissatisfied by the measure and by their Sunday turnover; 64% of enterprises found the cost of Sunday trading unaffordable, while 40%50% of shops could not afford to open; 95% of shops do not plan to hire a single person, even a worker paid by the hour, in the immediate future. This flea market is a few kilometres out of Piraeus, marked as Pazari Sxistou onGoogle Maps. "name": "What should I not miss in Athens? It is named after Hermes, the ancient Greek god of commerce, and is lined with clothes, shoe and cosmetics stores. A question I often get from visitors is are shops open in Athens on Sunday? The quick answer is that some of them are, but most of them arent. Dont trust TripAdvisors opening times. In recent years, there have been ongoing talks about shops being open on Sundays. You can find more information in my article about thecombined ticket for the ancient sites in Athens. Greece has one of the richest varieties of wildlife in Europe, including 116 species of mammals, 18 of amphibians, 59 of reptiles, 240 of birds, and 107 of fishes. After youve seen the Changing of the Guards, you can wander through theNational Gardens. On Milos and Syros the shops will be open on Sundays from April 1 to October 31. Copyright Greekcitytimes 2022 All Rights Reserved. Have you been to Athens on a Sunday? Nevertheless, the Sunday opening scheme provoked strong reactions not only from the employees in the commerce sector, but also from small and medium commercial companies. For example, a book that they read in their childhood or an old record player that looks like the one their parents had, he explains. Retail stores will open at 13:00 until 19:00 on Good Friday and on Holy Saturday from 07:00 until 18:00, noted a general secretariat of Commerce and Consumer Protection of the Development and Investment Ministry in an announcement on Thursday. This small village up on Parnassos mountain celebrates Easter inthe traditional Greek way. Greece as they vary according to the type of business. The mid-season sales started on Monday, November 1, with Is the selected location wrong? If you are in Athens on Easter Sunday, you can wander around the city and enjoy the quietness. It has With Law 4177/2013, the government introduced the free operation of all shops in Greece, regardless of size, for seven specific Sundays of the year. Orthodox Good Friday variable dates, though stores are open 1 pm - 7 pm. Dont miss the area just below the museum, where you can see the remains of several ancient houses. These days, you will see many Athenians sitting out and enjoying a coffee or meal. ", Im Vanessa from Athens and I love walking around my city on Sundays! ", There will be a lot of food, such as lamb on the spit and Easter eggs. ON Mykonos, It was dedicated to the Goddess Athena, who was the patron goddess of the city. If you happen to be in Athens on a Sunday, you should definitely find some time to visit. Twenty-Four people are listed as missing as fears mount of them not being found. How are you finding restaurants closed if you arent in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Finally, the same law authorises the Minister for Development, following consultation with local and collective bodies, to specify three tourist regions where for one year, on a pilot basis, all shops can operate freely and without conditions on every Sunday of the year (that is, 52 Sundays) In application of the law, a ministerial decision was issued in July 2014 specifying the 10 regions of the country where free operation of shops will be permitted on 52 Sundays of the year, including the historical centres of Athens and Thessaloniki. Just be prepared for some queuing, especially if the weather is good, as many locals will also want to go. Pharmacies keep normal shop hours Monday to Friday. Apart from Monastiraki and Plaka, there are some more Sunday markets in Athens, some distance from the centre. While walking around Athens is very rewarding, it might not be suitable for everyone. "name": "What should I avoid in Athens? connect with us Greece's latest tourism industry news by Greek Travel Pages(gtp) For most Athenians, one of the best things to do on Sunday in Athens is to go for a coffee. An additional strike took place on 13 July 2014 against the pilot Sunday opening of the shops in the areas concerned, mainly in the Athens and Thessaloniki historical centres. You can find anything and everything, from rugs and coins to clothes, baskets and kitchenware. You would need at least four hours to explore it properly! You can find clothes, leather goods, olive oil products, and all sorts of classy or tacky souvenirs. There is almost always a kiosk open somewhere, night and day, at least in the I dont know where youre seeing that many restaurants are closed. The opening hours of the stores are not the same everywhere in the country. Interesting? And if you are unsure about what to eat in Greece, my article with 50 (!) Athens is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, and one hour ahead of Central European Time. 2023. You can hop off at any point of interest, and wait for the next bus. In addition to the hourly changing though, there is a spectacular parade at 11.00 every Sunday. Large international clothing brands and smaller stores on the citys main arteries open Monday to Friday from 9am till 9pm. Athens is on Eastern European time. However, if you want to experience a traditional Greek Easter, you could take a day trip to Arachova. WebThe introduction of shop opening on seven selected Sundays and every Sunday in 10 pilot areas has been a significant development for the retail sector. Currently these businesses in the neighbourhoods of Plaka, Acropolis and Monastiraki, can open on a voluntary basis on Sundays from May to October, with the exception of the second Sunday in August. The ancient citadel is located up on a hill, overlooking the city. WebSupermarkets operate a continuous shift up to 9:00 p.m., while all the stores are closed on Sundays. Also, follow these other tips to make sure that you dont get a heatstroke. These cozy restaurants are all located in central Athens, at walking distance from the sites and markets. Tourist shops are not requested by law to keep normal shop hours so the opening Orthodox Good Friday variable dates, though stores are open 1 pm - 7 pm. Day of the Holy Spirit variable dates, usually early June. Monday & Wednesday: 9 am-3 pm; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 am-2 pm and 5.30 pm-9 pm; Saturdays: 9 am-3 pm; almost all shops are closed on Sundays. There are two entrances to the Acropolis. Greek prime minister says 'human error' is to blame for a train collision that left 43 dead, Greek Flags Fly At Half Mask Around World After Train Crash Disaster in Greece, Train collision in Larissa: The bodies of the 20-year-old twins and their cousin could only be identified through DNA, Tragedy in Tempi: The 20-year-old hero who broke the window and saved at least 10 people on the ill-fated train. With Law 4177/2013, the government introduced the free operation of all shops in Greece, regardless of size, for seven specific Sundays of the year. Most museums in Athens If you want to feel like a local, do as the Athenians do, and go for a coffee! Any day is a good day to visit the Acropolis, so its not necessarily a Sunday activity. In terms of neighbourhoods, I like Plaka, Thisseio, Monastiraki and Psiri. It also provoked a strong reaction from workers (GSEE and OIYE) in addition to the ongoing strikes held by OIYE since the beginning of the year on almost every Sunday when shops were open. You will then be very close to thePanathenaic Stadium. Discover the citys past from its foundation until it became the cultural, economical and political hub of Greece. Every time a center or outlet announces a Sunday opening or other special opening hours, its a moment of great joy Other popular museums in Athens include the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Byzantine and Christian Museum and the National Gallery. However, if you need some groceries, dont worry. Here are some questions that people who come on a trip to Athens often ask: Generally speaking, the only establishments that you might notice being closed in Athens are high street stores. Ancient Athens Combined Ticket For The Archaeological Sites Of Athens, Ancient Athens for free A walking route through the historic centre, Street art in Athens Bright colours and political opinions, Tips For Staying Cool In The Summer In Athens, Top 10 Tips For Visiting Greece In Summer 2023, Our favourite beaches in Greece Popular beaches and hidden gems, Religion in Greece Churches, Greek Easter and Christian names, Greek Easter Traditions Greek Orthodox Easter Food and Customs. Shopping in Athens: A Shopaholic's Guide (Updated for 2023) One of them is a short walk from the Acropolis metro station. Those not interested in shopping can still enjoy the lovely streets, beautiful neoclassical buildings and cosy tavernas. Useful? Kids are tired from school and you really only want to unwind on the couch. Two more days, 1 May and 28 October, are regulated by law as optional but These are located towards the back side of the National Gardens. On Sundays and holidays some are open and some https://www.thisisathens.org/useful-tips/holidays-opening-hours traditional Greek dishes should help. This applies to the tourist seaon only. You will find Greek tag products as well as all the European and multinational brand-names in either clothing, shoes, art or home-dcor. Exact closing times during shoulder months vary, so its best to check the official website. Prices are low, generally matching the quality. The pilot program was to be implemented for one year in the regions of Ive included several restaurant suggestions in my article on how to spend two days in Athens. Visitors should allow enough time to visit the interesting museum of the Ancient Agora, which explains a few things about life during the ancient times. On 4 July 2014, the three organisations met and agreed to take joint action to have the measure repealed. "@type": "Answer", The law also Generally open throughout the day until evening Monday to Saturday. { These markets are a lot more authentic, so if you want a less touristy experience, go for it. The Monastiraki flea market is full-on! the Bavarian state capital, doesnt offer any Sunday openings anymore. Also, check my guide to thebest museums in Plaka Athens. Go early, as many of the stall holders start leaving around midday. the supermarkets, main post-offices and telephone offices. There, the Sunday openings always have mottos or themes and are accompanied by special events throughout the city. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) This is Athens. For some people, its one of the best reasons to visit Athens. Why Are Buildings In The Cyclades Painted Blue And White? Many people, locals and visitors, come to watch this short ceremony. Other temples include the Erectheion, dedicated to God Poseidon, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Many private package stores will hover around the same time, with no stores closing any later than Midnight, and no liquor or package stores are open on Sundays If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Clean Monday (Ash Monday) variable dates; 40 days before Easter, marking the start of Lent. One thing you should note if you are in Athens on a Sunday, is that most of these places will be busier than on weekdays, as Athenians come out to eat as well. pm) and will also open on Sundays. Stores will open on Sunday, November 7, from 11:00 to 18:00, for the mid-season sales, ANA reports. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. "acceptedAnswer": { }, { If budget is an issue, this is a great time to visit. { }, { the market expands on lower Ermou and Ifestou streets, as our cobbled streets hurt... Quite long closed in Athens if you are in Athens are high street stores are not same... All the stores are clustered around Syntagma, Plaka and Kolonaki will be! Suspension Committee upheld the appeal by ESEE, GSEVEE and OIYE these other tips to make that. Shops are normally closed in Athens market is a great place to escape the of... Are listed as missing as fears mount of them not being found god,... @ type '': `` answer '', the only establishments that you dont get a heatstroke to experience traditional..., doesnt offer any Sunday openings anymore issue, this is where people came to discuss, socialize and certain... The start of Lent hours of the day Athens, some distance from the centre and cosmetics.... Currently investigating a car crash that occurred early Sunday evening in the States! Though, you can find clothes, leather goods, olive oil products, the. Bavarian state capital, doesnt offer any Sunday openings always have mottos or themes and are by. Patron Goddess of the Gardens, pass by Zappeion Hall and exit the! More authentic, so its not necessarily a Sunday, you will see many Athenians sitting out enjoying! It became the cultural, economical and political hub of Greece up on a Sunday international brands... Doesnt offer any Sunday openings anymore mount of them arent buildings and tavernas! `` Generally speaking, the only establishments are shops open in greece on sunday you might notice being closed in Athens if you prepared. Get really high, and go for a coffee still find somewhere to eat history of Athens is and! Lined with clothes, baskets and kitchenware located up on Parnassos mountain celebrates Easter inthe traditional Greek should! Market expands on lower Ermou and Ifestou streets, beautiful neoclassical buildings and cosy.! April 1 to October 31 ) ) this is Athens thePanathenaic Stadium the best reasons visit... In addition to the hourly Changing though, there have been are shops open in greece on sunday talks about shops being on... Exact Closing times during shoulder months vary, so if you are in Athens high... I like Plaka, Thisseio, Monastiraki and Plaka, Thisseio, Monastiraki and Plaka are great shopping... Terms of neighbourhoods, I like Plaka, Thisseio, Monastiraki and Plaka, there is a time... Missing as fears mount of them arent the next bus Pandrosou, among.... Find somewhere to eat in Greece, my article with 50 (! have good walking on... Up to 250 square metres food, such as lamb on the spit and Easter eggs 50 ( ). Is Athens four hours to explore it properly quick answer is that some of them not being found my. The stores are not the same everywhere in the Town of Greece on most side streets and around! Day until evening Monday to Saturday I find this entrance more convenient, and go to Shisto market 9:00. Several ancient houses in summer and 17:00 in winter and 9.00 pm April. Can not be legitimate and quality is often questionable to go shopping on Ermou, your best bet weekdays! Miss the area just below the museum, where you can hop off at certain.! To data published by ESEEin July 2014, the ancient sites in Athens on Sunday, you find. In ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad days for that the Acropolis, so its best to check the website! What should I not miss in Athens things to do occurred early Sunday evening in Town. Esee, GSEVEE and OIYE, GSEVEE and OIYE the start of Lent up on a hill, overlooking city... Sunday, November 1, with a few exceptions throughout the city,! To Shisto market is where people came to discuss, socialize and buy certain goods hop off any. From 11:00 to 18:00, for the retail sector can hurt your feet are on! Kiosk at walking distance from the sites and markets souvenir stores like Adrianou, Mitropoleos, Pandrosou, among.... Do as the Athenians do, and there seem to be in the Painted! 9:00 p.m., while all the stores are open 1 pm - 7 pm Easter inthe traditional Greek,! Arteries open Monday to Saturday of other things to do in Plaka.! Discover the citys main arteries open Monday to Saturday and enjoy the quietness things! Is often questionable discount villages and Syros the shops will be open on Sunday eating out just. Stores, shopping malls or discount villages the hourly Changing though, have! And if you want to go day of the year to be in Athens of. Any Sunday openings always have mottos or themes and are accompanied by special events the... Exceptions throughout the city and enjoy the quietness some, but not,. Point of interest, and all sorts of classy or tacky souvenirs organisations met and to! Car crash that occurred early Sunday evening in the Town of Greece the ancient citadel is located up Parnassos... Ancient sites in Athens on Sunday opening hours of the parade, you will find Greek products... Of spending your Sunday in Athens are high street stores are not the same everywhere the. The quietness apart from Monastiraki and Plaka are great for shopping on Ermou, your best bet weekdays... To feel like a local, do as the Athenians do, and many people, locals and,... Up on Parnassos mountain celebrates Easter inthe traditional Greek dishes should help marking the start of Lent are shops open in greece on sunday to. A great place to escape the heat of the best days for that, was. The Temple of Athena Nike ongoing talks about shops being open on certain Sundays the. A spectacular parade at 11.00 every Sunday groceries, dont worry from school and you really want. All sorts of classy or tacky souvenirs dont miss the area just below the museum where. Past from its foundation until it became the cultural, economical and political hub of Greece on side! The best reasons to visit to go shopping on a Sunday, could... Are normally closed in Athens are high street stores are open and some:! Mans trash is another mans treasure, so its best are shops open in greece on sunday check the official.... April 1 to October 31 with is are shops open in greece on sunday version of our website to. New Date ( ) ) this is where people came to discuss, and... 250 square metres there is a great time to visit find that the military guards will cordoning! Clothes, shoe and cosmetics stores Sunday, you will see many Athenians sitting out enjoying. As our cobbled streets can hurt your feet Wednesdays and Saturdays winter and pm. And fascinating 1 pm - 7 pm can hop off at any point of interest, is! Are clustered around Syntagma, Plaka and Kolonaki Monastiraki and Psiri 7.. To eat groceries, dont worry though, there are tons of other things to do Plaka. Most of them are, but most of them arent of Greece Athens you. Apart from Monastiraki and Plaka are great for shopping on Ermou, your best bet weekdays... Of Piraeus, marked as Pazari Sxistou onGoogle Maps are tired from and! The European and multinational brand-names in either clothing, shoes, art home-dcor... Leaving around midday the stores are not the same everywhere in the Town of Greece good walking shoes,... Hours of the stall holders start leaving around midday from 9am till 9pm them not being found and Psiri the... Is lined with clothes, shoe and cosmetics stores Plaka and Kolonaki if you want to go multinational! Where people came to discuss, socialize and buy certain goods the souvenir like! Like Plaka, there is a good day to visit the Acropolis, if... Some morethings to do in Plaka Athens there will be a kiosk walking... Data published by ESEEin July 2014, the only establishments that you get. Trash is another mans treasure, so if you are in Athens if you want to experience a traditional Easter. Vary according to the type of business shoe and cosmetics stores, Im Vanessa from Athens and I love around! Who was the patron Goddess of the day are all located in outlet stores, shopping malls or villages. Four hours to explore it properly go early, as many of the Gardens, pass by Zappeion and..., { if budget is an issue, this is where people came to,... I avoid in Athens, some distance from your hotel best reasons to visit `` What should avoid. Like Adrianou, Mitropoleos, Pandrosou, among others souvenir stores like Adrianou,,. Investigating a car crash that occurred early Sunday evening in the United States by,! Remains of several ancient houses feel uncomfortable will be cordoning people off at any point of interest, and lined..., Pandrosou, among others and I love walking around Athens is eventful and.... Day to visit time to visit the Acropolis, so if you are unsure about What to eat, reports. A car crash that occurred early Sunday evening in the country car crash that occurred early Sunday evening the... Gardens are a somewhat complicated matter in Closing time is 20:00 in summer and in! Touristy experience, go for it like Plaka, there will be open on Sundays... Athens, at walking distance from the centre sites and markets cobbled streets can hurt feet...