The unusual law that bans 1 common type of shoes in Greece

Out of all the outfits you’ve planned to pack, complete with matching shoes for each day, there’s one item you’ll want to leave out when visiting iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and the Epidaurus grounds in Athens, Greece – your favourite stiletto heels. It’s not just a fashion faux pas; it’s strictly prohibited.

While it may make for a great social media post, it certainly won’t be worth the hefty fine that could end up being an unexpected blow to your holiday budget. You could face a fine of up to 900 euros (£771) for wearing heels at these ancient sites, as they risk damaging the historic monuments. This law was introduced by the Greek government in 2009.

One small scratch might not seem like a big deal when you’re wearing heels, but when thousands of tourists visit these sites each year, even small damages can add up.

The government’s law helps preserve these historical treasures for future generations — an important measure in protecting Greece’s cultural heritage.

Dawn Morwood, co-director of advises: “Travellers can easily avoid penalties by doing a little research on the legal quirks of their destination beforehand. I always recommend checking the official tourist information and doing a quick Google search for any unusual regulations that may affect your visit. That way, you can focus on enjoying your trip rather than dodging fines or awkward encounters.”

It’s worth noting that heels aren’t banned entirely, but it’s always best to check the rules for specific sites.

In fact, it’s not just the footwear that’s regulated; since 2009, tourists have also been barred from visiting historic sites while intoxicated, and food, drink, and on-site performances are prohibited as part of preservation efforts.

Greece has enacted other regulations to safeguard its heritage. For example, removing any part of the grounds as a souvenir is not only frowned upon but could land you in legal trouble.