In Greece, ticket prices for access to tourist monuments are soaring

Visiting the Acropolis in Athens is now more expensive than visiting the Palace of Versailles. Its entry ticket will gradually be multiplied by three. A significant increase which takes tourists by surprise, especially as it concerns all of the country’s archaeological sites.

The month is off to a bad start for tourists who have chosen Greece for their vacation. At the foot of the Acropolis, the sacred rock that has watched over the city of Athens for 2,500 years, opinions are divided. The entrance ticket to the site initially increases to 20 euros, compared to 10 euros in winter. As of April 1, 2025, it will cost 30 euros, more than a simple visit to the Palace of Versailles. However, European visitors aged 25 or under will still be able to enter for free, as will non-EU visitors aged 18 or under.

“It’s a hell of an increase but if it’s to be able to continue restoring, it’s worth it,” reacts Sally, an American tourist. “30 euros is expensive, but such a beautiful monument is surely very expensive to maintain”adds Luc, a Belgian.

But Ralph, who comes from Germany, disagrees: “The increase is too significanthe judges. It would have been 10 to 15 euros, ok, but 30 euros that’s too much. Robert, an Austrian who queues with dozens of other visitors in front of the ticket counters, also finds this measure unfair.

“10 euros is a very affordable price, and with the number of visitors, it should ensure the management of the site. At 30 euros on the other hand, it risks excluding a lot of people.”

Robert, an Austrian tourist

at franceinfo

All tickets to the country’s approximately 350 archaeological sites and museums will be increased depending on their importance. The pass which allowed you to visit several for a reduced price will be canceled as will the reduction for those over 65. The National Archaeological Council unanimously approved this general increase, arguing that the last increases date back to five years ago, and that the current rates were “too low compared to the European average”.

Greece recorded a record 32.7 million foreign tourists in 2023. The number of foreign tourist arrivals increased by 17.6% compared to 2022. Tourism activity represents around a quarter of Greece’s GDP.