The Ministry of Culture and Sports announced the new summer opening hours of archaeological sites, monuments and museums. Due to difficulties caused by the pandemic, this year instead of the established starting date on April 1, the new opening hours come into force as follows:

For open air archaeological sites, from April 24 to October 31, 2021, and for the archaeological museums, monuments and caves, from May 4 — if allowed by the epidemiological conditions — until October 31, 2021.

“With this year’s ministerial decision, the opening hours of archaeological sites, monuments and museums are grouped into two main categories (8 am to 8 pm and 8.30 am to 3.30 pm), satisfying a long standing request by employees and visitors”, states the announcement of the Ministry of Culture.

It is also pointed out that this year there is an increasing number of archaeological sites and museums being handed over to the public, with new places added, such as the Museum of Democracy on Agios Efstratios, the Loverdou-Ziller Museum in Athens and the archaeological site of the ancient theatre of Aigae. There is also a larger number of archaeological sites and museums that will operate with extended hours (8 am to 8 pm), such as the archaeological site and the museum of Ancient Eleftherna in Rethymnon and the Castle of Parga.

“From September 1 2021, with days getting gradually shorter, opening hours in all archaeological sites with extended hours from 8 am to 8 pm, and in museums operating within them will be as follows : September 1 to 15, 8 a.m.-7.30 p.m., September 16 to 30, 8 a.m.-7.00 p.m., October 1 to 15, 8 a.m.-6.30 p.m. and October 16 to 31, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.”, added the Ministry of Culture in its announcement.

Also noted is the mandatory use of a non-medical mask during an entire visit to all archaeological sites across the country, while visitors are allowed to enter up to 20 minutes before the end of the opening hours. All archaeological sites, monuments and museums remain closed on Easter Sunday and May Day which are official public holidays. On Good Friday they are open from 12 noon-5pm.

For more information regarding the Health Safety and Protection Map and the respective epidemiological level of each regional unit, consult the official information website https://covid19.gov.gr/covid-map/ It is noted that all instructions are constantly being re-evaluated and updated according to new data. Detailed information is provided on the website of the National Public Health Organization at https://eody.gov.gr/neos-koronaios-covid-19/