Tourists warned of ‘particularly dangerous’ summer as fires rage in Crete and Kos
Wildfires have erupted on the Greek islands of Zakynthos, Chios, Crete, and Kos, with authorities warning that this summer could be "especially dangerous" due to an extended drought.
In the Metohi area of Western Chios, tourists were alerted on their phones on Monday to evacuate because of a nearby wildfire. Residents and visitors in Kos sought refuge in sports centers as a wildfire reached the seaside village of Kardamena. An estimated 1,195 acres of forest have burned on Zakynthos.
Recently, Greece has faced its earliest recorded heatwave, with temperatures surpassing 43°C in central and southern regions. The country defines a heatwave as a period with temperatures over 38°C.
During a recent cabinet meeting, Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated: "This summer is expected to be particularly dangerous for wildfires... the most challenging times are still ahead."
"We have experienced an exceptionally tough June with extreme drought and unusually strong winds for this season."
Here’s all you need to know about the wildfires in Greece, whether it's safe to visit, and what to do if you want to cancel your trip.
Where Are the Wildfires Right Now?
The popular tourist islands of Chios, Zakynthos, Crete, and Kos have been affected by wildfires in recent days. Hundreds of firefighters, supported by aircraft and helicopters, have been working to extinguish the flames on the islands.
Clare Smith, 38, who is vacationing with her family at a resort near Kardamena, Kos, shared with Sky News that the situation "got significantly worse" on Monday with "thick plumes of black smoke" filling the sky.
"It's really windy here, it's like a tinderbox," she said. "The sky is covered in smoke. It feels like you’re in the apocalypse, or some sort of war film."
On the island of Serifos, in the Western Cyclades, firefighters managed to contain a fire that started in low vegetation on June 29 but spread due to strong winds. The fire caused damage to homes, storehouses, and holiday cottages.
In addition to the island wildfires, there have been two significant wildfires reported south of Athens.
How Can I See Where Exactly the Fires Are?
Google Maps is a useful tool for tracking the locations of wildfires. While not 100% accurate, the service uses a mix of SOS alerts, satellite sources, and public notifications to outline the affected areas. It also provides an estimate of the acreage burned.
Google notes that these impacted areas are approximate and advises users to consult official sources for the most reliable information.
Which Greek Islands Had the Worst Wildfires Last Year?
In 2023, severe wildfires swept across Greece and other parts of the Mediterranean, leading to the evacuation of thousands of tourists from popular holiday islands such as Rhodes, Evia, and Corfu.
Rhodes was especially hard hit. The island declared a state of emergency, and flights by Jet2 and Tui to Rhodes were canceled due to safety concerns. Numerous hotels across Rhodes, including those in Kiotari, Gennadi, Plimiri, Lardos, Lindos, Pefkoi, and Vlicha, were either directly affected by the wildfires or closed as a precaution.
Is It Safe to Travel to Greece?
It's important to remember that summer wildfires are common in Greece and are typically managed by helicopters and planes that drop seawater over the affected areas.
After a record year for wildfires, Greece has begun using drones for early wildfire detection, with improved coordination between authorities and volunteer firefighters.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not changed its travel advice for Greece. However, it does provide existing guidance on wildfires in the country.
The FCDO states: "There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October" and advises against leaving litter (especially glass), ensuring all cigarettes are properly extinguished, and not lighting barbecues. Tourists are advised to call 112 if they are in immediate danger.
