At the start of the tourist season, Greece made the decision to extend the timetable in which museums and archaeological sites would be open. From April 1st to October 31st 2014, 33 Greek museums and archaeological sites were open seven days a week from 08:00 until 20:00. Examples include the Acropolis of Athens, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, the Sanctuary of Asklēpiós on Kos, and the Archaeological Site of Ancient Corinth. It was a test, and now the season is complete, the results are in.


Culture Ministry officials yesterday hailed the enforcement of an extended timetable at most of the country’s sites over the summer as a resounding success. Culture Minister Costas Tasoulas:

“The measure proved itself a success. New initiatives that succeed should not only be continued but broadened.”

The extended hours appear to have had a positive impact on state revenues too, ekathimerini report. With the ministry’s Archaeological Receipts Fund recording an increase of 16.7 percent in takings in the period from January through September, reaching 39.5 million euros compared to 33.9 million in the same period last year.

The increase followed a 23.5 percent rise in the number of visitors to Greek archaeological sites and museums in the first eight months of this year, with 8.94 million visitors this year compared to 7.24 million in the first nine months of 2013.

Culture Minister Costas Tasoulas has announced that another thirteen sites will be added to the extended itinerary next summer, which means that next year, we will all once more have more time to get a visit in to your beloved holy sites and favourite museums. For a list of the sites already announced, go here. Once the new thirteen are announced, I'll let you know.