# Are Shops Open on Sundays in Greece? 2026 Calendar & Opening Hours

> * Guide to Sunday trading in Greece for 2026 based on Law 5157/2024.
> * Key Dates: 8 specific Sundays (Jan 18, Jan 25, Apr 5, July 19, Nov 29, Dec 13, Dec 20, Dec 27).
> * Sales: Winter sales start Jan 12, 2026; Summer sales start July 6, 2026.
> * Hours: Malls (The Mall Athens, Attica) 11 AM
> * 8 PM; smaller boutiques until 6 PM.
> * Tourist Zones: Full 7-day trading in areas like Plaka, Monastiraki, and major islands (Rhodes, Crete, Corfu).
> * Supermarkets: Limited availability; Lidl and AB Vassilopoulos open select locations, Sklavenitis usually closed.

![Are Shops Open on Sundays in Greece? 2026 Calendar & Opening Hours](https://grandpl.com/post-images/3164247000623297071_o.jpg)

Planning a trip to [Athens](https://grandpl.com/en/greece/articles/category/travel/subcategory/athens/), [Thessaloniki,](https://grandpl.com/en/greece/articles/category/travel/subcategory/thessaloniki/) or the Greek islands in 2026? You might be asking: **"Are shops open on Sundays in Greece?"** The answer isn't a simple yes or no, but thanks to new regulations (Law 5157/2024), the **Sunday shopping calendar** has become much clearer for travelers. Check out the **designated shopping Sundays** , **supermarket opening hours**, and where to shop during the tourist season to avoid closed doors during your vacation.  

2026 Shopping Sunday Calendar in Greece \[LIST\]
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Wondering when to plan your shopping spree? Based on current Greek trade laws, here are the official dates when **supermarkets, department stores, and boutiques in Greece will be open**:

* **January 18, 2026** - Start of winter sales in Greece.
* **January 25, 2026** - Continued winter sale deals.
* **April 5, 2026** - Palm Sunday (peak shopping before Greek Orthodox Easter/Pascha).
* **July 19, 2026** - First Sunday of the summer sales season.
* **November 29, 2026** - Post-Black Friday Sunday (biggest discounts of the year).
* **December 13, 2026** - Start of the Christmas shopping season.
* **December 20, 2026** - Last Sunday before Christmas Eve.
* **December 27, 2026** - Final shopping Sunday of the year.

How New Laws (Law 5157/2024) Impact Shopping in Greece
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The amendment of Article 16 of Law 4177/2013 has made **Sunday shopping in Greece** more traveler-friendly. Here are the key rules you need to know:

* **Holiday Shifts:** If a shopping Sunday falls on an official public holiday, the opening is automatically moved to the **following Sunday**.
* **Sunday Opening Hours:**
  * **Shopping Malls \& Department Stores** (e.g., *The Mall Athens* , *Attica* , *Golden Hall* ): Typically **11:00 AM -- 8:00 PM**.
  * **Small Boutiques \& Local Shops:** May close earlier, around **6:00 PM**.
  * **Tourist Areas:** Stores often operate with no restrictions throughout the high summer season.

FAQ - Shopping in Greece 2026 (Frequently Asked Questions)
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### Are stores in Greece open every Sunday?

**No, typically most shops in Greece are closed on Sundays.** Exceptions include:

* **Tourist Zones:** (e.g., Monastiraki and Plaka in Athens, Old Town Rhodes, Crete, or Corfu), where small souvenir shops and retail outlets operate 7 days a week.
* **Mini-markets (Periptera):** Kiosks and "convenience" style spots often stay open late.
* **Designated Shopping Sundays:** According to the 2026 calendar (see the list above).

### When do the 2026 sales start in Greece?

Greece has two main annual sale seasons:

* **Winter Sales 2026:** From Monday, **January 12** through the end of February. Stores are also open on Sundays, **January 18 and 25**.
* **Summer Sales 2026:** From Monday, **July 6** through the end of August. The first shopping Sunday is **July 19**.

### Are supermarkets in Greece open on shopping Sundays?

It depends on the specific chain. While department stores (like *Attica*) and fashion retailers are always open on these dates, supermarket policies vary:

* **Lidl and AB Vassilopoulos:** Often open select locations in major cities and tourist resorts.
* **Sklavenitis:** Usually remains closed even on shopping Sundays (except during the Christmas period).
* **Hours:** If a supermarket is open on Sunday, it typically operates from **11:00 AM -- 6:00 PM** or **8:00 PM**.