Greece is only set to get busier over the next few weeks, with tourists from all over flocking to the country’s islands to enjoy its glorious sandy beaches and guaranteed sun. However, Greece’s earliest-ever heatwave in June marked the start of another summer of extremely high temperatures and wildfires.
Only a couple of weeks after the Paphos wildfires, tourists have described ‘apocalyptic’ scenes of smoke after more wildfires broke out on Monday July 1 on the islands of Kos, Chios and Crete. Understandably, this is worrying news if you’ve got an upcoming trip to Greece. Here is everything you need to know about the wildfires in Greece and how they might affect your holiday.
Where are the wildfires in Greece?
The islands of Kos, Chios and Crete have seen wildfires spread in the last couple of days. In eastern Kos, a wildfire broke out in Antimachia early Monday afternoon and spread towards the tourist resort of Kardamaina. 10,000 people were evacuated and took shelter in schools, sports stadiums and hotels in Antimachia, Mastichari and Marmari, according to Ekathimerini.com.
It’s thought that so far on the island, 3,309 acres of land have burned at time of writing. You can keep an eye on the affected area using this map, which is informed by satellite sources.
On the island of Chios, the northwest town of Sidirounda saw a blaze break out, but was diverted away from residential areas this morning thanks to additional firefighting forces dispatched from Lesvos and Athens. Vianos on the southern coast of Crete also saw a wildfire break out, and the village of Katofygi was evacuated as a precaution – this fire has also now been contained to a ravine.
The island of Serifos and the Attica region around Athens also saw fires break out over the weekend (June 29 and 30) but these had been controlled and subsided by Monday morning.
Is it safe to travel?
News of wildfires is of course a concern if you have a trip booked to Greece, but there is currently no official advice against travelling to the country. Instead, you should follow local advice on how to stay safe in the heat and check if there is a risk of wildfires in the area you’re staying.
Those travelling to Kos, Chios and Crete might face difficulties as the islands have been carrying out evacuations.
The good news is that Greece has amped up its prep for the summer ahead. More staff have been hired and trained, and the use of drones and early warning systems have proved useful in tracking potential wildfires so far.
What started the fires in Greece?
The prolonged drought and dry weather that Greece has experienced has led to what Sky News describes as ‘tinderbox-like’ conditions. Paired with unusually strong winds, conditions have been prime for the outbreak of wildfires.
Can I get a refund if I choose not to travel because of wildfires?
You’ll only be able to claim a refund if official advise is issued against travelling to Greece. To see what can be done, it’s best to contact your accommodation, flight or trip provider directly – you might instead be able to reschedule your trip.
What’s the latest UK Foreign Office advice?
The UK Foreign Office has not yet issued any advice against travelling to any parts of Greece, but its section on forest fires and wildfires says: ‘There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly. To avoid starting wildfires: leave no litter, especially not glass which is known to start fires; make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished; do not light barbecues. Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece – even if unintentional. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.’
It also encourages you to follow @112Greece for official updates on X (fka Twitter), and to follow guidance issued by the local emergency services.
What started the fires in Greece in 2023?
Last summer, Europe experienced extremely hot and dry weather conditions which. combined with strong winds, put plenty of areas at high risk of wildfires.
However, a senior climate crisis official said the majority of fires were started by ‘human hand’. As of late August 163 arrests have been made on fire-related charges.
Where else in Europe has been affected by wildfires?
Wildfires have also broken out in Türkiye as the temperature reached between eight and 12C higher than seasonal norms. Following fires in Antalya’s Kumluca in June, blazes have broken out in the Selçuk and Menderes districts of İzmir, and in Susurluk, Balıkesir, in the last week. Hundreds of hectares of land have been destroyed.
Greece’s extreme temperatures led to Athens closing schools and tourist attractions, including the Acropolis, last month. Paphos also experienced wildfires.
Elsewhere in Europe, areas of southern Switzerland, northeast France and northern Italy have been battered by torrential rain and storms, and seven people have reportedly died.
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