The wildfires in Greece are causing havoc, not just for the locals but also for tourists. The situation is dire, especially in the northeastern regions, where people are fighting to save their homes. The fires are so intense that their smoke and smell have reached islands over 500 kilometers away.
By Aubree Ross
The Battle in Northeastern Greece
The situation is particularly tense in northeastern Greece, especially around the port city of Alexandroupolis. The University Hospital and several surrounding villages have been evacuated. As of August 22, 2023, the largest fire is in the Dadia National Park, fueled by strong winds.
Smoke Reaches Far and Wide
The smoke from the fires in Dadia National Park is so intense that it has reached islands like Ithaka and Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea, more than 500 kilometers away. The smell and smoke have become a rude awakening for both residents and tourists on these islands.
High Alert Across Greece
Almost all of Greece is under high to extremely high wildfire risk warnings from civil protection agencies. The strong winds and occasional storm gusts are making firefighting efforts nearly impossible and are also posing a significant risk to firefighting aircraft.
What Rights Do Tourists Have?
Tourists affected by the fires do have some rights. If your vacation region is directly impacted by the fires, you can cancel your trip without any charges. However, this mostly applies to package tours. Individual travelers may face challenges depending on the terms and conditions of their bookings.
The wildfires in Greece are a stark reminder of the climate challenges we face. While firefighters and authorities are doing their best to control the situation, the risk remains high. Tourists planning to visit Greece should stay updated on the situation and know their rights in case their travel plans are affected.