In a scorching, record-breaking summer, Greece continues to burn from rapid wildfires that are ravaging the mainland and its popular holiday islands. High temperatures, thick smoke and long-lasting embers provoked by strong winds have created life-threatening scenes that have led to evacuations of thousands of locals.
With such a threat weighing in on summer holidays, it’s no doubt that travellers are concerned about their holidays. That’s why we’ve been keeping up to date on all the latest news regarding the wildfires across Europe. Here’s what you need to know before you pack your bags.
Where are the wildfires in Greece?
The latest wildfires were reported Wednesday, and blazed through the outskirts of Patras, the country’s third largest city, as well as the tourist islands of Chios and Zakynthos, and in at least other three inland locations.
In the past month, fires have ravaged regions near Athens, Petralona, Atheras, Faraklata, and Protopappas, and continue to spread through the mainland and islands.
Is it safe to travel?
This really depends on your destination. If you had travel plans for Patras, fires have ripped through nearby olive groves, forests, a cement factory and an entire car yard of over 500 cars. According to Reuters, authorities have evacuated almost 8,000 people and continue to issue alerts for nearby villages.
Flames in Chios have also forced the coast guard to evacuate locals to safety by boat, and the situation has gotten so now reached a point that Greece has requested EU water bombers to help about 5,000 firefighters tackle over 20 wildfires currently blazing across the country.
What’s the latest UK Foreign Office advice?
Neither the UK or US government have made any official statements against travelling to Greece. The FCDO has also not made any special announcements, but it’s always best to stay up to date with the local weather and travel advisories for your specific destination, and to ensure you take safety precautions in case you do stay in a destination with high-risk temperatures.
You can find important general information on the UK Foreign Office’s safety and security page that states that wildfires are a high risk in Greece from April to October. To get live updates and emergency alerts, travellers can register their mobile phones so they’ll be warned of fire near their location.
Travellers can also follow @112Greece for digital updates, and should call 112, Greece’s emergency number, if they are in any immediate danger. You can also follow Greece’s Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection via their official website or on Facebook.
Can I get a refund if I choose not to travel because of wildfires?
If your Greek getaway has been cut short by the wildfires and your travel provider hasn’t offered a refund or voucher, it might be worth asking if you’re entitled to compensation under the Package Travel Regulations.
If you’re already at your destination or if you’re planning to cancel the trip altogether, some providers will let you change flights without extra fees, but don’t expect to get all your money back. Get in touch with your provider and insurance to check your policies and what’s possible before making any moves.
What started the fires in Greece in 2025?
The answer is simple: high-rising temperatures from climate change have affected Greece and the the rest of the planet, resulting in wildfires that will continue to spark during drier, hotter summers. The majority of wildfires begin as human error, but they are hard to get under control due to prolonged, ‘tinder-box like’ conditions.
Where else in Europe has been affected by wildfires and heatwaves?
Greece joins the likes of Spain, Portugal, Türkiye and the Balkans, all which have been battling violent blazes through the summer due to record-breaking heatwaves across southern Europe. Unfortunately, this is part of the ‘new normal’ as the global heat index continues to rise year to year from climate change.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.
