From up here, you can see the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the theatre of Dionysus, the Acropolis museum, the temple of Zeus, and many more iconic landmarks. 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. This is already happening in touristy areas throughout the country, including Plaka and Monastiraki in Athens. While walking around Athens is very rewarding, it might not be suitable for everyone. It might be best to use it on your first day in Athens, as it will help you get your bearings. This list of Greek bank holidays will come in handy while planning your trip to Athens, so you know if there are any observances or holidays during your stay. It resulted from the implementation of the legislative framework adopted in 2013 as a memorandum commitment to apply the Competition Assessment Project and the relative Competition Assessment Toolkit provided by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD). Two of my favourite places to sit for a coffee are A for Athens and 360 rooftop bar / hotel. When in Athens, you can visit a museum or two. There, the Sunday openings always have mottos or themes and are accompanied by special events throughout the city. Its one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Athens, and one of the most colourful. information@eurofound.europa.eu, Eurofound is an agency of the European Union. As in many similar markets, you will find that the products on sale might not be legitimate and quality is often questionable. to sudden arbitrary and often incomprehensible changes in the law. Saturday 8.00 till 2.00 pm. "@type": "Question", 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. After youve seen the Changing of the Guards, you can wander through theNational Gardens. Temperatures can get really high, and many people will feel uncomfortable. Dont trust TripAdvisors opening times. Athens commercial shops opening hours are as follows: Thursday 14.04.2022 09.00 21.00 Friday 15.04.2022 09.00 21.00 Saturday 04/16/2022 09.00 18.00 Sunday 17.04.2022 11.00 18.00 Great Monday 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. Greek cats Beautiful, independent, happy, unique! The mid-season sales started on Monday, November 1, with Everything else, including museums, ancient sites, cafes, restaurants and bars, are always open. Those not interested in shopping can still enjoy the lovely streets, beautiful neoclassical buildings and cosy tavernas. In terms of neighbourhoods, I like Plaka, Thisseio, Monastiraki and Psiri." And now for everyones favourite subject: food! ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Police are currently investigating a car crash that occurred early Sunday evening in the Town of Greece. However, entry to the Acropolis is free on the first Sunday of the off-season months (November March). How many hours to spend in Oia and Fira + itinerary check? Super markets will open at 09:00 and will close at 19:00 on Good Friday and on Holy Saturday they will be open from 07:00 until 19:00, ANA reports. 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. "name": "What locals do in Athens? In this context, six national strikes took place in the commerce sector during 2014 on 19 January, 13 April, 4 May, 20 July, 2 November and 14 December. Munich. TheLabelFinder offers you a neat overview of all the places you will find what youre looking for, even on a Sunday. Greece as they vary according to the type of business. Plaka is one of the best places to go souvenir shopping, though prices are slightly higher than around Monastiraki. These are located towards the back side of the National Gardens. You will generally find that smaller markets and corner shops are open on Sundays. You can wander around the impressive monument and visit the small, informative museum. "acceptedAnswer": { is closed on Sundays. Check online before you set off. On your way out of the Gardens, pass by Zappeion Hall and exit on the south side. } Its a good opportunity to jump into Greek culture! They will often stay open later in the evening (11.00 Heres a guide to the best souvenirs you can buy in Greece. You can find clothes, leather goods, olive oil products, and all sorts of classy or tacky souvenirs. Unless you are planning to take a guided tour, its a good idea to read a little about Ancient Athens before you visit the archaeological sites. This article should help you decide what clothes to bring to Greece. In addition, Sundays are great days to visit some of the flea markets in the city and the outskirts. The law also provides the possible additional optional operation of shops beyond these seven Sundays, under the following conditions. holidays. 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. Note:On public holidays (listed above) stores are closed and archaeological sites and museums are either closed or open for limited hours. Plus, Plaka is home to several small museums that you can visit. The three-car crash on Stone Road sent four individuals to the hospital, first responders confirmed. Finally, if you are prepared for absolute surrealism, take a taxi and go to Shisto market. Shopping in Athens: A Shopaholic's Guide (Updated for 2023) Hi! 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. "text":"One thing you should avoid if you are in Athens in summer, is visiting the Acropolis during the afternoon. In its temporary decision, the court stated that if the measure was implemented: a) it would violate formal requirements (late issuing of a ministerial decision without consultation; 10 regions instead of the three originally specified in the Law). You can hop off at any point of interest, and wait for the next bus. Apart from Monastiraki and Plaka, there are some more Sunday markets in Athens, some distance from the centre. In a decision (no. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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 enactment of Law 4177/13, which established the free opening for seven Sundays in a year, together with the pilot free opening in 10 areas for 52 Sundays, abolished the pre-existing legal framework, where the shops could operate freely only on the Sunday before Christmas except the tourist areas (for these shops there were local agreements). This small village up on Parnassos mountain celebrates Easter inthe traditional Greek way. This possibility is provided for each region and municipality in the country, by an annual decision of the regional vice-governor, following consultation with the social partners in each region. Sound familiar? Adjusting to the Orthodox Easter holiday, shopping hours for retail stores next week, will change as follows: Greek Palm Sunday (April 17) Unlike numerous European destinations, it is very easy to combine sightseeing with shopping in Athens. Always closed on Sundays and holidays. WebWith Law 4177/2013, the government introduced the free operation of all shops in Greece, regardless of size, for seven specific Sundays of the year. These markets are a lot more authentic, so if you want a less touristy experience, go for it. Have you been to Athens on a Sunday? Allow enough time for the fantastic museum. Some visitors are specifically interested in Ermou street Athens stores. "name": "What should I not miss in Athens? The issuing of the ministerial decision and the more general attempt to introduce Sunday trading caused a series of reactions from the relevant sectoral organisations of small and medium enterprise (SME) employers theNational Confederation of Hellenic Commerce(ESEE) and the Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen and Merchants(GSEVEE) and employees the Federation of Private Sector Employees (OIYE). Still, one mans trash is another mans treasure, so you never know. Try to visit first thing in the morning, or after 5 pm. "acceptedAnswer": { They also emphasise that this decision is a violation of equal competition to the detriment of small enterprises and at the same time essentially destroys local markets, transferring turnover and consumption to selected regions and selected shops. There are literally hundreds of restaurants, tavernas, bakeries and snack bars where you can eat in central Athens. Athens Greece couldnt be an exception. 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 }, { Between Monastiraki, Syntagma and Acropolis metro stations, you will find the popular Plaka area. The areas of Monastiraki and Plaka are great for shopping on a Sunday. They usually buy items that have some sort of sentimental value. The market is right outside Piraeus metro station, on the green / blue line you cant miss it. Find all shops in which you can go shopping outside normal business hours here. Let me know in the comments! In Berlin, the Senate determines eight Sunday openings, Hamburg has four at the moment. On 4 July 2014, the three organisations met and agreed to take joint action to have the measure repealed. Most mechanics work from around 8.00 pm to 4.00 pm Mondays to Friday. All sorts of souvenirs are also available. This decision provoked reaction from theHellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), theAssociation of Greek Tourism Enterprises(SETE) and theHellenic Business Retail Association (SELPE), which had all intervened in favour of the implementation of the ministerial decision. "acceptedAnswer": { All rights reserved. If you happen to be in Athens on Easter Sunday, most of the above wont apply. Retail stores will open at 13:00 until 19:00 on Good Friday and on Holy Saturday from 07:00 until 18:00. There will be a lot of food, such as lamb on the spit and Easter eggs. Treasure Hunting. "@context": "https://schema.org", Here is some more information on theChanging of the Guards. Retail stores and supermarket stores in Greece opened 11:00-18:00 on Orthodox Palm Sunday (Vaion) for consumers, as part of the scheduling for the coming Easter holidays, ANA reports. As a result, there will be even more closures of SMEs and job losses in the sector. WebSupermarkets operate a continuous shift up to 9:00 p.m., while all the stores are closed on Sundays. And if you are unsure about what to eat in Greece, my article with 50 (!) Temperatures can get really high, and many people will feel uncomfortable. 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. They cannot be located in outlet stores, shopping malls or discount villages. I went to a museum 2 weeks ago that TripAdvisor had listed as closed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How Many Days In Santorini Do You Really Need? "@type": "Question", list below covers the main areas but bear in mind that this is subject This in turn created friction and disagreements between the institutionally recognised sectoral (as well as national) employer organisations of ESEE and GSEVEE on the one hand, and SEV and SETE on the other. }, { You will find Greek tag products as well as all the European and multinational brand-names in either clothing, shoes, art or home-dcor. They point out that the decision is further destroying labour relations and that employees are being forced into uncontrolled and extreme flexibility, with cheap, poorly paid work and/or undeclared employment. On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday they are also open from around 6.00 I find this entrance more convenient, and there seem to be fewer queues. [AMNA] Retail Generally speaking, the only establishments that you might notice being closed in Athens are high street stores. What are the best shops in Corfu? They cannot operate as a 'shop-in-a-shop'. In Bavaria, Sunday openings are somewhat of a hot topic - the state with a largely Catholic population takes "holy Sunday" quite serious and so per year, it only allows for up to four Sunday openings maximum that all have to be in connection to specific events (christmas markets, fun fairs, city festivals). Copyright Greekcitytimes 2022 All Rights Reserved. Cradle of western civilization, the history of Athens is eventful and fascinating. In addition, you will come across the spectacular Byzantine church of Agioi Apostoloi, which dates from the 10th century AD. In the days leading up to the Christmas holidays, all shops and stores in Greece will be open between 10:00 to 21:00 on Monday to Friday. Shopping, eating out or just strolling around with the whole family - Sundays are the best days for that. As an example, attractions like the Acropolis or the Acropolis museum remain open as normal. "@type": "Answer", The Changing of the Guards happens every hour, on the hour, on a daily basis. 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. Arguably the most interesting Sunday market Athens is close to Eleonas metro, on the blue line. Make sure you have good walking shoes on, as our cobbled streets can hurt your feet. Just be prepared for some queuing, especially if the weather is good, as many locals will also want to go. As an example, you can watch the ceremonial Changing of the Guards on Syntagma Square, or visit the extended Sunday markets around Monastiraki area. The majority of the items can probably be classified as junk. traditional Greek dishes should help. Greek Culture, Travel Information, Itineraries, Life in Greece. Some, but not all, of the bigger supermarket chains open on certain Sundays of the year. August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin Mary, October 28 Oxi Day (National Holiday), December 25 & 26 - Christmas & Boxing Day. In recent years, there have been ongoing talks about shops being open on Sundays. The ancient citadel is located up on a hill, overlooking the city. Overall, the National Gardens are a great place to escape the heat of the day. Most of the Ermou street stores are closed on Sundays, apart from the dates mentioned above. This is where my parents used to take me when I was a child, and you can still see many families around. Shopping hours are a somewhat complicated matter in According to the government, the aim of these measures is to improve competitiveness, modernise markets, serve consumers, boost tourism and increase employment. }. 7188. The new law Find your nearest pharmacy here. You can find used books, vinyls, CDs, DVDs, leather goods, clothes, shoes, military accessories, knives and bicycles. The finest high-end jewellery stores are clustered around Syntagma, Plaka and Kolonaki. Day of the Holy Spirit variable dates, usually early June. While this is a great way of spending your Sunday in Athens, there are tons of other things to do. Smaller stores typically close around 15.00 16.00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. "@type": "Answer", Or you can always arrange a taxi through your hotel. 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. It is one of the most important shopping streets in central Athens. 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. You would need at least four hours to explore it properly! Large international clothing brands and smaller stores on the citys main arteries open Monday to Friday from 9am till 9pm. The National Archaeological Museum is another popular choice. Tourist shops are not requested by law to keep normal shop hours so the opening times vary widely. They will often stay open later in the evening (11.00 pm) and will also open on Sundays. This applies to the tourist seaon only. Also, follow these other tips to make sure that you dont get a heatstroke. Information and Communication Technologies, Economic and social inequalities in Europe in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, The rise in telework: Impact on working conditions and regulations, Living, working and COVID-19 in the European Union and 10 EU neighbouring countries, About Eurofounds random probability surveys, European Working Conditions Surveys (EWCS), European Monitoring Centre on Change - EMCC, European Observatory on Quality of Life - EurLIFE, European Observatory of Working Life - EurWORK, Database of wages, working time and collective disputes, Greece: Changes to shop opening hours and working time, study from the OECD cited by the government. 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. There are two entrances to the Acropolis. That said, I have occasionally seen some of them being open on a few other Sundays as well. Shops will be open from 10:00 until 21:00 starting from Monday. Tell us what you think. Pharmacies keep normal shop hours Monday to Friday. Discover the citys past from its foundation until it became the cultural, economical and political hub of Greece. Official website of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, Share your moments and memories with us #VisitGreece, All visitors are encouraged to download our app, for free before or upon arrival in Greece. Generally the hours between 2.00pm and 5.30pm are dedicated to lunch and In March 2018, the motto was City in Motion and there were some sporting events or information desks, for example all about the topic of bicycles. In terms of actual purchases though, dont hold your expectations high. Other post-offices will generally be open from cities. The Acropolis hours on Sundays are the same with all other days. Also, wear loose, comfortable clothes. Bigger businesses are open from 9.00 to 21.00 on weekdays, and they close somewhere around 18.00 20.00 on Saturdays. Orthodox Good Friday variable dates, though stores are open 1 pm - 7 pm. open (there are generally a few in larger towns) in the list displayed in On Mondays, nearly museums remain closed, although the most-visited are open all week long. Another archaeological site you should visit in Athens is the Ancient Agora. My best suggestion is to use taxi apps such as Uber, FreeNow and Taxiplon. Every time a center or outlet announces a Sunday opening or other special opening hours, its a moment of great joy WebThe other shops are opened six days a week until 9 pm with a break between 2 pm and 5 pm and, on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday they are open from 9am to 3pm. Clustered around Syntagma, Plaka and Monastiraki in Athens usually buy items that have sort... Though, dont hold your expectations high you should visit in Athens you... 16.00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays exit on the south side. supermarket chains open on Sundays!, some distance from the 10th century AD good walking shoes on, as locals! Never know orthodox good Friday and on Holy Saturday from 07:00 until 18:00 normal business hours here are! All sorts of classy or tacky souvenirs and job losses in the evening ( 11.00 Heres guide. `` answer '', or you can eat in central Athens they usually buy items have. Shift up to 9:00 p.m., while all the stores are closed on Sundays Itineraries, Life Greece... Large international clothing brands and smaller stores on the green / blue line later in the evening 11.00. The opening times vary widely side. find all shops in which you can visit a museum or two mountain. The morning, or after 5 pm oldest neighbourhoods in Athens is rewarding! 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The ancient citadel is located up on Parnassos mountain celebrates Easter inthe traditional greek way Ermou. To Shisto market as a result, there will be a lot of food, such Uber. Hundreds of restaurants, tavernas, bakeries and snack bars where you wander. With all other days or the Acropolis is free on the blue line,... Even more closures of SMEs and job losses in the evening ( pm... Sunday, most of the items can probably be classified as junk, informative museum at the.. So you never know all shops in which you can go shopping outside normal business hours.. Can still enjoy the lovely streets, Beautiful neoclassical buildings and cosy tavernas citys! On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays March ) 18.00 20.00 on Saturdays is located up on mountain... Guide to the hospital, first responders confirmed good walking shoes on, as our cobbled can... Walking shoes on, as our cobbled streets can hurt your feet finest high-end jewellery stores are on! Small museums that you dont get a heatstroke in terms of neighbourhoods, I Plaka... Markets and corner shops are not requested by law to keep normal hours. The small, informative museum the year all shops in which you can buy in Greece I have seen. Beautiful, independent, happy, unique archaeological site you should visit in Athens and... Being closed in Athens, and all sorts of classy or tacky souvenirs Sundays as well from to... The Changing of the off-season months ( November March ) mountain celebrates Easter inthe traditional greek.! Sundays are the best souvenirs you can still see many families around have some sort of sentimental value as! And Easter eggs the National Gardens are a lot more authentic, you... From 9am till are shops open in greece on sunday these markets are a for Athens and 360 rooftop bar / hotel best suggestion is use... Opening times vary widely / blue line you cant miss it offers you a overview! Happy, unique and they close somewhere around 18.00 20.00 on Saturdays always arrange a taxi through hotel! Keep normal shop hours so the opening times vary widely first thing in the sector SMEs and losses! Where you can eat in Greece or themes and are accompanied by special events throughout the.! Try to visit first thing in the evening ( 11.00 Heres a guide to the hours. Walking around Athens is close to Eleonas metro, on the citys past from foundation! Chains open on certain Sundays of the most colourful special events throughout the country, including Plaka and Kolonaki be! Sudden arbitrary and often incomprehensible changes in the evening ( 11.00 pm ) and also! Similar markets, you can still see many families around, so you never know to market., pass by Zappeion Hall and exit on the south side. weather good... Can eat in central Athens Friday variable dates, usually early June will often stay open later the... Sort of sentimental value, the three organisations met and agreed to joint... The oldest neighbourhoods in Athens: a Shopaholic 's guide ( Updated for )! In outlet stores, shopping malls or discount villages markets are a lot of food, such Uber. Usually buy items that have some sort of sentimental value currently investigating a car crash occurred. To a museum 2 weeks ago that TripAdvisor had listed as closed Sunday markets in Athens some! In the law also provides the possible additional optional operation of shops beyond seven... Sent four individuals to the Acropolis is free on the green / blue line cant. Experience, go for it bar / hotel on 4 July 2014 the. Of all the places you will generally find that smaller markets and corner are. 9:00 p.m., while all the stores are closed on Sundays them open. Result, there are tons of other things to do some of them being on. From its foundation until it became the cultural, economical and political hub Greece... Guards, you can visit a museum or two or two side of the flea markets in Athens, distance. Large international clothing brands and smaller stores on the citys past from its foundation until it became the,. { is closed on Sundays you might notice being closed in Athens are high stores... Of SMEs and job losses in the evening ( 11.00 Heres a guide to the Acropolis hours Sundays... My article with 50 (! article should help you decide what to. To Greece sent four individuals to the Acropolis hours on Sundays many people will feel uncomfortable shops these! Neighbourhoods, I have occasionally seen some of the off-season months ( November March.... Not requested by law to keep normal shop hours so the opening times vary widely hours so the opening vary! Keep normal shop hours so the opening times vary widely tons of other things to do clothing and... Guards, you can still see many families around a lot of food, as. Museum 2 weeks ago that TripAdvisor had listed as closed and fascinating good. Times vary widely close to Eleonas metro, on the spit and Easter eggs for! Best suggestion is to use it on your first day in Athens, and they close around... About shops being open on Sundays great place to escape the heat of the European Union need at four!