BRITS headed to bask in the Greek sunshine could see their holiday plans abruptly changed as new rule is set to come into play within days.
Visitors to the Acropolis in Athens will see new restrictions on the number of people permitted to see the historical ruins beginning on September 4.
GettyIt offers unparalleled views of Athens and a unique glimpse into history[/caption]
GettyThe rocky hilltop attraction brings in millions of tourists each year[/caption]
Beginning in two weeks, the famous attraction will cap visitors at a maximum of 20,000 people per day, according to the Greek government.
Up to 23,000 have been crowding the hilltop attraction, which has raised safety concerns for both the monument and the crowds hoping to get a glimpse of it.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said: “That’s a huge number.
“Obviously tourism is desirable for the country, for all of us. But we must work out how excessive tourism won’t harm the monument.”
Entry for visitors will be staggered throughout the day to ensure overcrowding isn’t an issue.
Different numbers of visitors will be allowed in hourly during the site’s 8am to 8pm opening hours.
3,000 people granted access from 8am to 9am, 2,000 during the following hour, with the numbers varying during the rest of the day.
There are no plans to limit the length of the visits to the Acropolis but Mendoni said on average, organised tours to the location last around 45 minutes.
The new rule will be enacted on a trial basis on September 4, and is set to become permanent beginning on April 1, 2024.
Mendoni stressed: “The measure will address the need to protect the monument, which is the main thing for us, as well as improving visitors’ experience of the site.”
Similar restrictions will also be put in place for other popular archaeological sites across the country after more than three million tourists were recorded to have visited the Acropolis last year.
The restrictions come as holidaymakers heading to Koufonisia, Greece, have been issued a warning over popular beach activities.
Officials have introduced a ban on nearly all recreational water activities on the idyllic island.
This includes popular water sports such as water skiing, kite surfing, parasailing and using water bikes or jet skis.
Only swimming will be allowed in the clear blue waters of the two islets, located in eastern Cyclades in the interest of public safety and preservation, the newspaper Kathimerini reports.