25 June 2024 , 14:34
1063
0
The Foreign Office has issued a warning for holidaymakers travelling or planning to travel to Greece this year. Officials have taken to the gov.uk website, under its safety and security section, to advise that due to certain strikes, travel plans may be affected.
It is recommended to plan ahead. But be warned - they say disruptions can sometimes occur with little notice.
Giving dates that people need to be aware of, the officials warn: "There are regular strikes, sometimes called at short notice, that can cause disruption to buses, trains, ferries and air travel, as well as road networks and borders. Demonstrations often take place around major squares in central Athens, in particular Syntagma Square"
Political demonstrations may take place on certain dates:
The dates range from May until December (Getty)- May 1 (Labour Day)
- November 17 (anniversary of when student protests against a military dictatorship were put down violently – ‘Polytechnio’)
- December 6 (anniversary of the shooting of 15-year-old student Alexandros Grigoropoulos)
Government officials advise travellers heading to Greece that some past demonstrations have become violent. It is recommended to avoid such events when possible and head to the nearest known safe location.
Inside WW1 military hospital abandoned for decades before new lease of life
In light of travel disruptions, officials have noted an increased likelihood of protests, especially in central Athens. Consequently, Greek authorities have bolstered security at key locations, including tourist attractions, in response to the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
They advise individuals to remain alert, be conscious of their environment, avoid demonstrations, and listen to the guidance of local authorities.