Athens, Greece: The City Where Hats Are a Must-Have

In the scorching heat of the Greek summer, sun hats have become an essential accessory for tourists and locals alike. Outside the Acropolis, a sea of hats bobs up and down the hill to the ancient site: straw boaters, Panama hats, baseball caps, and bucket hats in the relentless heat.

Hat racks are a common sight in central Athens this summer. Kiosks and stores keep outdoor stands piled high with an assortment of hats as more tourists seek relief from the midday heat. The Acropolis, one of Greece’s most iconic landmarks, drew about 4.6 million visitors in 2025, a record year for Greek tourism. Many spend hours in mid-30s Celsius (mid-90s Fahrenheit) temperatures with little shade.

From Straw Boaters to Panama Hats: A Variety of Sun Hats for All

From stylish and souvenir models costing up to 20 euros ($24) to semi-disposable headgear made from compressed paper pulp, there’s a sun hat to suit every taste and budget. Available elsewhere are mass-produced hats made using century-old presses and molds in a matter of minutes. These hats start at around 50 euros, with elaborate designs costing more than 100 euros.

At her basement workshop, hatmaker Lisa Sarigiannidou turns straw braids into boaters using century-old presses and molds in a matter of minutes. Her hats start at around 50 euros, with elaborate designs costing more than 100 euros. Sarigiannidou, who was trained by her hatmaker father, says that people’s attitudes toward hats have changed.