The sunhat is everywhere in Athens as crowds grow larger at ancient sites

As Europe faces stifling summer heat, the humble sunhat has become an increasingly common sight in Athens, where tourists and locals are turning to hats for protection from soaring temperatures. Around the Acropolis, where millions of visitors endure intense midday heat with little shade, sales of fedoras, baseball caps, bucket hats and straw hats are rising.

Hatmakers and retailers say extreme heat, growing awareness of sun protection and social media fashion trends are driving demand. Tourists wearing hats take photographs on the rocky Areios Pagos Hill next to the Acropolis in Athens.

Additionally, tourists visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside the Greek Parliament, also sporting hats. A Russian tourist tries on a hat and takes a selfie at a shop in Athens. Hats are displayed alongside materials used in their production at a shop in Athens.