The city of Athens approved the creation of the Great Walk of Athens, a 4.23-mile, car-free route designed to promote the historical city center and enable social distancing for pedestrians. The project, which is expected to be completed by 2022, will begin as a pilot version in late June by restricting private car traffic.
The areas of Plaka and the Commercial Triangle as well as Athinas, Ermou, Herodou Attikou and Mitropoleos streets will be among those converted into pedestrian zones, and a new bike path is also in the works.
Meanwhile, Greece began lifting Covid-19-related restrictions May 4, with the reopening of some services, including hair salons and electronics shops and bookstores, with additional, incremental reopenings scheduled through June 1. Restaurants, indoor cafes, seasonal hotels and resorts are anticipated to reopen in early summer.