Athens Acropolis covered in a blanket of snow

Authorities advised the public to restrict their movements in parts of the greater Athens region as the country witnessed its most intense snowfall in more than a decade.

The fire brigade rescued at least 10 people trapped in their vehicles around Athens and responded to more than 400 calls for help nationwide.

Sandy beaches on Athens coast were blanketed while Greece's traditional Evzone presidential guards outside parliament braved the cold. Snow dressed the marble columns of the ancient temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch.

Meteorologists said the cold front was expected to subside by the end of the week.