Ronan.
Here in Cyprus the shops close from 1 pm til 4 pm, bloody annoying is is too. At one time, even the big supermarkets closed for 2 hours lunch break, thank god that's all stopped now. So we have traffic rush hours 4 times a day here!! ..haha!! As you say, it's common all round the Med',
They say , too hot to work, better work in the late afternoon. Maybe, ...in the days ''Before'' A/C but technology has caught-up and taken over that poor excuse now... They still use the A/C's be it mornings and evenings when the shops are open.
Now, ....well now the excuse is ... A/C very expensive to run, better to close shop and go home!! What do they do when they go home?? yep, ...you guessed it, turn on the A/C unit's!!! ...hahaha!!!
Any excuse for a sleep!! lol!!
David....