Holiday hotspots ablaze: Crucial information for vacationers amidst current forest fire outbreaks
Southern Europe Wildfire Crisis Affects Popular Vacation Regions
Southern Europe is currently grappling with one of the worst wildfire seasons in decades, with Greece, Spain, and Turkey being particularly hard hit. The wildfires have resulted in fatalities, injuries, evacuations, and the destruction of homes and natural areas.
Current Wildfire Situations
In Greece, fires are active in multiple areas such as the Attica region, Athens suburbs, islands including Kythira, Evia, Chios, and Crete. Thousands of tourists on Crete were evacuated, and homes have been destroyed, leading to large-scale evacuations.
Turkey has also been affected, with multiple wildfires occurring mainly in northwestern areas including Karabuk, Eskisehir, and western provinces like Izmir and Bilecik, which have been declared disaster areas. The fires have claimed the lives of firefighters and civilians and continue to burn intensely under extreme temperatures and shifting winds.
Spain is among the hardest hit, with nearly 10,000 square kilometers burned by mid-August—almost triple the 2006-2024 average. This has led to significant evacuations and disruptions, particularly in the region of Andalusia.
Impacts on Travelers
Evacuations of tourists and locals have occurred in wildfire-affected zones, disrupting travel plans and access to certain destinations. Health risks from wildfire smoke include lung irritation, inflammation, immune system effects, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Travel infrastructure disruptions, such as road closures and limited access to parks or beaches, may occur in affected regions.
Safety Precautions for Travelers
To stay safe, travelers should keep informed by monitoring local news, weather updates, and official wildfire alerts in real time. Registering mobile phones to receive emergency wildfire warnings specific to your location is also recommended. Avoid visiting or remain cautious in wildfire hotspots, particularly in rural or forested areas during peak fire season (April to October).
Travelers should also have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip interruptions related to natural disasters. Preparing an evacuation plan with your accommodation and knowing emergency exits is essential. Carrying masks if traveling near smoky areas can reduce smoke inhalation risks. Lastly, follow instructions from local authorities promptly if evacuations or safety warnings are issued.
Individual Travel Advisories
For individual trips, the respective contract terms apply. In Greece, the islands of Zakynthos and Kefalonia, as well as the mainland around Preveza, are affected by wildfires. In Spain, wildfires are occurring in the region of Andalusia, among others.
Travelers should regularly follow local news and the instructions of the authorities in Greece and Spain. In Turkey, wildfires are particularly prevalent in the province of Çanakkale, with thousands of people evacuated as a precaution. Some disruptions to air traffic have occurred in Turkey due to the wildfires.
The Federal Foreign Office recommends paying attention to the instructions of local authorities and the Turkish disaster management agency (AFAD) in Turkey. Travelers should inform themselves about the current situation in Turkey before departure and contact their accommodation or tour operator if the vacation destination is affected.
Before departure, check the situation at the holiday destination and contact your tour operator or accommodation if you are unsure. In the coastal town of Tarifa, hundreds of guests from hotels and vacation homes were evacuated due to wildfires. In Spain, the nationwide emergency number 112 can be dialed in case of emergency related to wildfires.
Scam Alert in Holiday Countries
With the increased attention on wildfires, there are currently more fraudsters active in some holiday countries. Travelers are advised to be vigilant and exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar individuals or entities.
In summary, while travel to Southern Europe remains possible, wildfires are significantly impacting safety and conditions in key vacation regions. Travelers should remain vigilant, prepared, and flexible with plans, prioritizing safety by staying informed and heeding local advice.
