Is it safe to travel to Crete? Latest tourist advice as wildfires rip through holiday hotspots
The blaze broke out on Wednesday afternoon (2 July) and has been whipped by gale-force winds in rugged and forested terrain.
Around 230 firefighters were operating in the area overnight to try and contain the blaze. This morning, 10 water-dropping aircraft were dispatched to fly regular sorties over Crete, with reinforcements sent from Athens.
Around 1,500 people have been evacuated from surrounding villages and tourist areas. Approximately 200 evacuees are being sheltered in an indoor sports arena, according to reports.
Here’s what we know so far…
Where is the fire?
The out-of-control blaze first sparked in a forest area in the municipality of Ierapetra, a 90-minute drive from the island’s main airport.
Tourists, hotels and homes have been evacuated as a wildfire spreads rapidly on the Greek island of Crete
The blaze broke out on Wednesday afternoon (2 July) and has been whipped by gale-force winds in rugged and forested terrain
The perimeter of the fire now stretches to almost 4 miles (6km), with thick smoke reducing visibility in the nearby area
The perimeter of the fire now stretches to almost 4 miles (6km), with thick smoke reducing visibility in the nearby area.
As its spread, buildings and infrastructure – including a fuel station – have been threatened.
Smoke from the fire has stretched as far as Makry Gialos beach, 6 miles (10 kilometres) from Achlia in Lasithi where firefighters were battling the blaze.
Other firefighters are also trying to tame a wildfire on the island of Kythira and another blaze in the northern region of Chalkidiki, which rage uncontrolled.
It comes amid a heatwave that has left most of continental Europe sweltering, with at least eight people said to have died.
Wildfires have sparked in Turkey and Spain. Two of the four people who died in Spain were killed by a wildfire in Catalonia.
Are airlines still flying to Crete?
The island’s main airport in Heraklion is open and there are no cancelled arrivals as of Thursday morning (3 July).
It’s a similar picture at Chania airport.
Smoke from the fire has stretched as far as Makry Gialos beach, 6 miles (10 kilometres) from the blaze
The Foreign Office advice for travelling to Greece remains the same
Major airlines and tour operators flying from the UK have not changed their plans – and if your flight is cancelled, you’re unlikely to get compensation due to the nature of the disruption being out of the airline’s hands.
What is the government travel advice?
The Foreign Office advice for travelling to Greece remains the same.
It offers general advice around wildfires, stating: ‘There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location.’
‘Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.’
What if I want to cancel my holiday?
Your best bet is to speak to the company you booked your holiday with – though, giving that the government still considers the island safe to travel to, operators are not liable to refund you.
If you share your concerns, they may allow you to postpone.
It’s unlikely you can claim on your travel insurance unless the Foreign Office warned against travel to some or all of the island. Again, it’s worth speaking to your insurance provider.
