Greece has been struggling to put out a series of major wildfires across several regions, fed by an intense heatwave, parched vegetation and strong winds. Firefighters, soldiers and aircraft have been mobilised as the blazes have destroyed homes, power lines, olive trees and sensitive wildlife habitats, including east of Athens, in Kryoneri, and parts of the Peloponnese. The rapid nature of the situation has panicked not only residents but tourists also, as these fires are taking place at peak season for travel.

Wildfires and Their Impact on Greece

The wildfires have devastated several regions in Greece, including the northern neighborhoods of Athens, such as Kryoneri, where “total destruction” has been reported. The Boeotia area, along with central and southern Greece’s wooded regions, has also been significantly impacted. The fires have forced thousands of evacuations, but fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far. The combination of intense heat, dry weather, and strong winds has made it difficult for firefighters to control the blazes, with over 50 wildfires reported in the past 24 hours alone.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called the situation a “climate emergency” and urged for international cooperation. The European Union has mobilized resources under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, sending expert teams and aircraft to support Greece’s firefighting efforts.

Travel Advisory for Tourists

In light of the ongoing wildfires, the Greek government has issued severe travel advisories for both locals and international visitors. For Indian tourists planning to visit Greece this summer, it is highly recommended to follow the latest official guidance from the Greek Civil Protection authorities and the Indian Embassy in Athens.

While international flights to major cities like Athens and Crete remain operational, several coastal and rural areas are either inaccessible or under evacuation warnings. An emergency alert system, which provides real-time information to mobile phones in affected areas, has been set up by the Greek Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection. However, travelers are urged to be cautious due to deteriorating air quality caused by thick smoke, which has pushed pollution levels to dangerous levels in central Greece.

Health Concerns and Precautions

For travelers with respiratory issues, or those traveling with young children or elderly individuals, it is strongly advised to avoid high-risk areas until conditions improve. If traveling to Greece, it is essential to stay informed through the emergency alert system and avoid regions that are currently impacted by the wildfires.

Tour Operators and Travel Cancellations

Several European tour operators, including those in the UK, have already canceled or rerouted programs to avoid areas affected by the fires. Indian travelers should confirm the status of their flights and itineraries with airlines or tour operators before departure. For those already in Greece, it is crucial to have access to emergency services, including the “112 Greece” emergency app, and ensure their identity documents and insurance are readily available.

The Indian Embassy in Athens has not issued a formal travel ban but advises extreme caution. Travelers are encouraged to stay updated on the situation and register with their respective embassies to receive important updates.

Current Impact on Popular Tourist Destinations

Popular destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and parts of Crete are currently unaffected by the wildfires. However, the situation remains volatile, and weather patterns could shift rapidly, leading to new fire outbreaks. Tourists are encouraged to keep informed through official channels and reconsider non-essential travel to central mainland areas.

Conclusion: Stay Alert and Flexible

Greece’s tourism industry is making every effort to protect the safety and health of tourists during this climate emergency, but as wildfires are unpredictable, travelers are advised to keep abreast of developments and be prepared to change their plans. Although there are many places were travellers can still go safely, the ongoing wildfire situation means that travellers need to be vigilant and remain informed.

As Greece struggles in battling to contain the wildfires, residents and visitors are advised to take care to follow official advice and use caution during the difficult conditions.