Southern Europe is once again in the grip of devastating wildfires as extreme summer heat and strong winds fuel blazes across Greece and Turkey. On the island of Crete, one of Greece’s top tourist destinations, hundreds of travelers were forced to abandon their accommodations this week.
“Evacuations took place in numerous hotels, and tourists were safely relocated to an indoor sports facility in the Ierapetra municipality,”
said government spokesperson Giannis Androulakis in a televised statement on Thursday.
Local media report that approximately 1,500 people were evacuated from southeast Crete. The fires, which broke out in a mountainous area, have proven difficult to battle from the air, with aircraft grounded due to poor visibility and wind conditions.
“We currently have three active fire fronts. The wind is intense and spreading the flames rapidly,”
Androulakis added.
According to fire service officials, 270 firefighters, 10 helicopters, and special drones have been deployed. Although Greece has so far avoided the extreme heat wave affecting much of Southern Europe, the combination of high temperatures, drought, and wind continues to create dangerous conditions.
Turkey Also Hit: Homes Damaged and Animals Evacuated Near Izmir
Meanwhile, in western Turkey, two new wildfires broke out overnight near the Aegean coast. At least five neighborhoods were preemptively evacuated, according to the Turkish forestry authority.
One fire erupted near Çeşme, a coastal town about 80 km west of Izmir. Several buildings were reportedly damaged, animals had to be moved, and a key highway between Çeşme and Izmir was closed. Firefighting aircraft and six helicopters are engaged in the effort.
A second fire ignited in Ödemiş, located about 100 km east of Izmir. Local media report that two water bombers and nine helicopters are battling the flames, which have already damaged several homes and even reached parts of the coastline.
The Turkish civil defense agency says that more than 50,000 people have been evacuated this week as fires continue to rage across dry and windy terrain.
Summer Travel Disrupted as Fires Strike Tourist Hotspots
The wildfires are affecting some of the Mediterranean’s most visited summer destinations, threatening both local communities and tourism infrastructure.
Emergency services in both Greece and Turkey are working around the clock to control the fires and protect residents and visitors. So far, no fatalities have been reported, but the situation remains fluid as meteorologists warn of continued heat and wind in the coming days.
Travel Tip:
If you’re planning to visit southern Europe in the coming weeks, check local advisories and airline/hotel updates. Travel disruptions and route changes are possible in affected regions.
