Greece is facing yet another alarming wildfire crisis as record-breaking heatwaves and strong winds have ignited dozens of blazes across the country. From the mainland to the islands, fires have erupted in densely forested areas and near popular tourist zones, leaving emergency crews scrambling to protect lives and property. The crisis comes at the peak of tourist season, and Indian travellers, along with tourists from around the world, are being urged to stay alert and reconsider their travel plans to affected regions.
One of the most severely impacted areas is around the capital city of Athens. The northern neighbourhood of Kryoneri has suffered major damage, with entire sections reportedly destroyed. Fires have also spread across Boeotia and several parts of the Peloponnese, with helicopters and firefighting planes continuously deployed to slow the advance of flames. Visuals from Mavrorachi and Lagkadas show forests consumed in smoke and flames, highlighting the scale of the emergency.
Over the past twenty four hours, officials have logged more than fifty wildfire incidents across the country. While there have been no reported fatalities, thousands of residents and tourists have been evacuated from homes and hotels as a precaution. The government has mobilised military support and requested help from other European nations through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Firefighters and expert teams from across Europe have already arrived to support local efforts on the ground.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the nation, calling the situation a climate emergency. He stressed that every available resource is being used to protect communities and limit the spread of fires. Dry weather, high temperatures, and intense winds are fuelling the fires and complicating efforts to bring them under control.
For Indian travellers and international tourists, the wildfire situation poses serious disruptions. While major airports in Athens and Crete remain open, road access to coastal and rural areas has been restricted. Some locations are under active evacuation orders, and others have been closed due to air quality concerns. The Greek Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has activated an emergency alert system to provide real-time updates on affected zones through text messages.
Indian citizens who are currently in Greece or planning to travel are advised to closely monitor official updates from Greek authorities and the Indian Embassy in Athens. Although no formal travel ban has been issued, travellers are encouraged to avoid high-risk zones, especially in central and southern mainland Greece. The embassy recommends downloading the 112 Greece emergency alert app and keeping travel documents and insurance details easily accessible.
Tourists with respiratory issues, families with young children, and elderly travellers are especially urged to postpone visits to wildfire-affected areas. The air quality in central Greece has deteriorated rapidly due to smoke, and exposure could be dangerous for vulnerable groups.
Several international tour operators have already adjusted itineraries or cancelled trips to ensure traveller safety. Travellers from India should double check with their airline or tour company before departure to avoid any last-minute disruptions. Those already in Greece should stay in contact with their embassies and have local helpline numbers ready.
Currently, many famous island destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, and most parts of Crete remain safe and open to tourists. However, conditions can shift rapidly depending on wind patterns and weather changes. Authorities continue to advise tourists to remain flexible and reconsider non-essential travel to the central mainland regions for the time being.
Greece’s hospitality industry is doing everything possible to ensure visitor safety, but as the country faces one of the toughest wildfire seasons in recent memory, it is critical for travellers to stay updated, be cautious, and prioritise health and safety over sightseeing plans.
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