Greece leases 27 major archaeological site shops to private firm

The management of retail outlets at 27 of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites has been transferred to a private company, Ellinika Anamnistika S.A. The contract, signed on August 14, 2026, spans six years with an option for a six-year extension. The agreement stipulates a monthly rent of 50,600 euros, plus 2% of total revenues.

Included sites under this contract are the Acropolis of Athens, Knossos, Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, Vergina, and several others. The private firm is a joint venture between Space and Radiant, with Radiant having previously conducted visitor flow studies, leading to concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest.

Critics and Ministry of Culture employees have raised objections to the move, citing concerns over the commercialization of monuments and the potential for increased ticket prices to limit public access. Protests are expected to continue as workers advocate for returning the management of retail and ticketing services to the Archaeological Service.