Every year, Virtuoso, a leading global network of luxury and experiential travel agencies, publishes its so-called Luxe Report. The survey combines trends spotted by 3,100 advisors across more than 50 countries in order to portray the travel behaviour of affluent travellers worldwide.

Looking towards 2027, Virtuoso’s network considers Greece to be the most popular luxury honeymoon destination of the year. Moreover, country ranked fourth among the world’s most popular luxury travel destinations for 2027 behind Japan, Italy and France and ahead of Spain, which rounded out the top five.

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“Greece took the top spot for 2027, ending Italy’s long-standing lead, while Italy remained in the top five and France also placed in the top 10. Together, the results point to strong demand for destinations that combine romance with culture, cuisine and opportunities to build a more varied itinerary beyond the traditional beach escape,” Misty Belles, Vice President of Global Public Relations at Virtuoso, told Euronews.

Among the reasons listed for Greece’s popularity, the local food, history, and culture are mentioned alongside the spectacular natural scenery and the romantic atmosphere.

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According to Kayla Zeigler, Founder and Travel Advisor at Destination Europe, an affiliate of Virtuoso, newlyweds are however starting to look beyond Greece’s most popular destinations. Instead of visiting busy tourist hotspots, affluent travellers are choosing for lesser-known areas such as Paros, Milos, and the Athens Riviera. While beautiful hotels and exceptional serviceremain at the heart of the ultimate luxury honeymoon experience, authenticity, privacy, and a genuine sense of place have become increasingly important. 

The 10 most popular luxury honeymoon destinations for 2027

1. Greece
2. Bali
3. Maldives
4. Italy
5. French Polynesia
6. Japan
7. Fiji
8. France
9. Thailand
10. South Africa

Whether it is in Greece or in other destinations, newlyweds are increasingly opting to travel outside the high season and to destinations where they are less likely to encounter mass tourism. In Italy, for example, Ischia is taking over Capri on the Amalfi Coast and Piedmont and Umbria are gaining in popularity compared to Tuscany. In France, Paris is no longer the main destination, as affluent couples are choosing to discover other regions including the Provence and the French Riviera. 

As the summer months become increasingly hot and dry, newlyweds are seeing the advantages of planning their honeymoon in April, May, October, and even November. With less crowds and more opportunities to go and discover the country, the off-season is showing a wide range of advantages.

Finally, according to Zeigler, “luxury today is becoming less about extravagance at every turn and more about choosing where to splurge, creating meaningful experiences and having the time and freedom to enjoy them.” By opting for tailor-made, local experiences and smaller-scale hospitality businesses, affluent newlyweds are choosing uniqueness over grandeur.

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Chios Island National Airport, also known as Omiros or Homer Airport, will suspend operations from the evening of 15 November 2026 until 15 March 2027 to allow major runway expansion and infrastructure upgrades, according to the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA).

The closure is part of an ongoing project to extend and modernise the airport’s runway, which will measure 1,799 metres once completed. The improvements are expected to allow larger aircraft to operate at the airport, enhance flight safety and strengthen the island’s air connectivity ahead of the 2027 tourist season.

Η αναβάθμιση και επέκταση του Αεροδρομίου της Χίου αποτελεί την κυρία προτεραιότητα μου. Η επέκταση των κτηριακών εγκαταστάσεων ξεκίνησε το 2022 και ολοκληρώθηκε το 2025. Η επέκταση του διαδρόμου ξεκίνησε το 2022 και θα ολοκληρωθεί το καλοκαίρι του 2027. Τον Μάρτιο 2026 παρουσιάστηκε ο σχεδιασμός ολοκλήρωσης του έργου, ο οποίος προέβλεπε σαφώς ένα σημαντικό διάστημα κλεισίματος του διαδρόμου για να γίνει ολική ανακατασκευή του υφιστάμενου τμήματος και σύνδεση με την επέκταση. Οι αρμόδιες αρχές αποφάσισαν να ενώσουν δυο φάσεις και να φέρουν νωρίτερα το κλείσιμο, εξασφαλίζοντας την ομαλή λειτουργία το Πάσχα και το καλοκαίρι. Ένα τέτοιο μεγάλο έργο, δυστυχώς, αναπόφευκτα, δημιουργεί δυσκολίες για την τοπική κοινωνία κατά την φάση της εκτέλεσης. Σαφώς πρέπει να εξηγηθούν οι λόγοι επιτάχυνσης και ασφάλειας που οδήγησαν τις αρμόδιες αρχές στην απόφασή τους. Όπως και πρέπει να εξασφαλιστεί στο μέγιστο δυνατό βαθμό ο περιορισμός αρνητικών επιπτώσεων. Το νέο αεροδρόμιο ανοίγει νέες προοπτικές τουριστικής ανάπτυξης για τη Χίο και η ολοκλήρωση του έχει την καθολική στήριξη των κατοίκων και των επιχειρήσεων.

— Νότης Μηταράκης – Notis Mitarachi (@nmitarakis) October 15, 2026

According to the HCAA, the temporary suspension is necessary to ensure construction work can be carried out safely while accounting for winter weather conditions. The revised timetable reduces the duration of the second and third phases of construction from five months to four, with the contractor aiming to complete the works by 28 February 2027.

Currently, the airport remains operational with a shortened runway, serving turboprop aircraft with limited passenger capacity. 

Despite the suspension of regular flights, emergency helicopter operations will continue during the closure. These will include medical evacuations, search-and-rescue missions, firefighting, humanitarian operations and government flights, with helicopters permitted to land and take off directly from the airport’s parking apron.

Chios, Greece’s fifth-largest island, is located in the northern Aegean Sea, close to the Turkish coast. Its airport primarily handles domestic connections to Athens and Thessaloniki, operated by airlines including Aegean Airlines, SKY express and Olympic Air.

However, the decision has sparked criticism from local officials and business representatives, who argue that the four-month shutdown will significantly disrupt the island’s economy and residents’ daily lives.

Χίος: «Πισίνα» έγινε το αεροδρόμιο μετά από νεροποντή – Νερά έτρεχαν από την οροφή Απίστευτες εικόνες εκτυλίχθηκαν στο αεροδρόμιο της Χίου, όταν η έντονη βροχόπτωση προκάλεσε πλημμύρα στη νέα αίθουσα επιβατών, η οποία είχε παραδοθεί ανακαινισμένη μόλις πριν από 1,5 χρόνο. Όπως φαίνεται στα βίντεο, τα νερά έτρεχαν από την οροφή, πλημμυρίζοντας την αίθουσα αναμονής και τους διαδρόμους. Οι εργαζόμενοι έσπευσαν να τοποθετήσουν κουβάδες, να απομακρύνουν τα νερά με σφουγγαρίστρες και να προστατεύσουν τα μηχανήματα με πλαστικές σακούλες. #chios #tanea #eidiseis #ελλαδα

— TA NEA (@ta_nea) October 12, 2026

Local authorities have described the closure as “economic strangulation”, particularly because the original plan reportedly involved shutting the airport from 15 January, allowing flights to continue through the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Pantelis Legatos, president of the Chios Chamber of Commerce, warned that the earlier closure would seriously affect the island’s economic and social activities, particularly during the festive period when residents have already arranged family visits, travel and medical appointments.

He also highlighted the island’s dependence on air links with Athens, particularly for access to healthcare and other essential services.

Local representatives have called for the timetable to be reconsidered. Deputy governor of Chios Pantelis Vroulis has proposed allowing the airport to operate during the holiday season even if construction begins in November, with the works completed before Easter.

The HCAA, meanwhile, maintains that the temporary closure is essential for completing the upgrades safely and ensuring reliable air connections during the 2027 tourism season.

Travellers planning to visit Chios between November and March will need to consider alternative transport arrangements, including ferry services, while the island’s regular passenger flights remain suspended.

L’article Greek island of Chios to close its only airport for four months est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Representatives from the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) are drawing on key trends to bolster the appeal and competitiveness of Santorini (after literal seismic shifts earlier this year), as well as that of neighbouring Mykonos (about three hours away by ferry). They note that the islands’ major source markets and the demographic profile of many of their visitors suggest culture, gastronomy, wellness, and wine should be higher on the agenda.

GNTO Secretary General Andreas Fiorentinos, speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), highlighted the important national economic contribution made by the islands’ tourism sector. The United Kingdom, France, and Germany are the islands’ top tourism consumers, and stakeholders at the forum registered an increasing British penchant for gastronomy and distinctive or premium experiences. Overlapping with that, French visitors whether in couples or solo, are characterised by a desire for active vacations, often in shoulder seasons, with food, wine, and culture proving popular.

Likewise, German guests, and increasingly Austrians (whose visitor numbers are up seven per cent), are also interested in the same categories, as well as nature excursions. Activities that stand out from the norm are also important here, as many of these guests are repeat visitors looking to do something different to last time, according to Stavroula Skaltza, who works with the GNTO Office in Germany and heads its presence in Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Switzerland.

Taking the islands’ reputation beyond sea and sun holidays, a promotional programme to showcase what else there is to discover is underway. The GNTO’s partnership with MICHELIN Guide continues to forge ahead, with Santorini added to the guide’s map.

A new digital campaign comprising 32 short videos, or reels, will hit social media channels soon, highlighting the experiences and authentic “moments” being created by island stakeholders, including cultural events, pottery classes, cooking, and food production.

Hailing those efforts, Georgia Nomikou, president of the Thira Municipal Council and Tourism Committee, said: “The visitor does not simply remember a standard sightseeing programme but returns home carrying the moments that moved them.”

Being able to reach the islands in the first place is, of course, a prerequisite if their travel and tourism industry is to further evolve. Air connectivity from France is being boosted by Transavia, which already flies there from Paris (Orly), Nantes, and Lyon. The carrier’s flights to Santorini have been extended until November, serving those aforementioned shoulder season travellers. The all-important British market is also going to benefit from Jet2’s new May to October schedule for 2027, with new weekly departures out of Leeds-Bradford Airport.

Like other destinations looking to grow visitor spending and stay duration, Santorini’s challenge is to turn campaign slogans into a credible year-round visitor offer. Better air links, culinary recognition, and locally led activities offer a pathway beyond sunshine and blue-sky thinking. If managed sustainably, the island can reward repeat travellers, support residents, and preserve the landscapes that made it famous.

L’article Santorini and Mykonos shift focus from beach holidays to gastronomy and cultural tourism est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

According to provisional data from the Bank of Greece, inbound traveller flows increased by 8.6% year-on-year to 20.43 million between January and July, up from 18.45 million during the same period in 2025. Travel receipts rose even faster, increasing by 12% compared with last year.

Revenue growth was supported by both European and non-European markets. Receipts from EU-27 residents increased by 6.9% to €7.09 billion, while those from visitors outside the bloc climbed by 18.3% to €5.78 billion. Receipts from eurozone countries rose by 11.3% to €5.88 billion.

Among Greece’s major source markets, revenue from Italy jumped by 31.6% to €828.1 million, while receipts from the United Kingdom increased by 23.3% to €2.09 billion and those from the United States rose by 7.9% to €1.06 billion. By contrast, revenue from Germany edged down by 0.7% to €1.98 billion, while receipts from France fell by 16.8% to €623.7 million.

Visitor numbers also grew across several key markets during the seven-month period. Arrivals from Germany increased by 7.7% to 3.03 million, while those from Italy rose by 17.2% to 1.20 million. UK arrivals climbed by 10.5% to 2.27 million, while US arrivals increased by 6.1% to 910,500.

Despite the strong overall performance, July showed a more mixed picture. Inbound traveller flows fell by 3.1% year-on-year to 6.55 million, even as travel receipts increased by 7.2% to €4.72 billion. The Bank of Greece attributed the higher revenue to a 10% increase in average expenditure per trip.

Separate data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) showed that Greece’s hotels, campsites and short-stay accommodation recorded 6.61 million arrivals and 31.70 million overnight stays in July. Foreign visitors accounted for 80.3% of arrivals and 87.6% of overnight stays, highlighting the sector’s continued reliance on international demand.

The latest figures extend the strong momentum recorded earlier in 2026. In the first half of the year, Greece welcomed 13.49 million inbound travellers and generated €8.80 billion in travel receipts, increases of 15.4% and 14.8% respectively.

Demand is also expected to remain strong beyond the peak summer season. A recent Greek National Tourism Organization survey found that 29% of European travellers intend to visit Greece by May 2027, while around 35% of respondents planning a Greek trip were looking at the September-to-November period of 2026.

L’article Greek tourism hits seven-month record as 20.4 million visitors generate €13.5 billion est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Taking place from 15-17 September 2026 at the Thessaloniki Convention and Cultural Centre, this year’s 24th edition of the CIVITAS Forum is themed “Roots & Routes: Moving Forward to Competitive, Connected and Resilient Urban Mobility!” The programme will be structured around those three umbrella topics (competitive, connected, and resilient mobility), reflecting key priorities for sustainable urban mobility in Europe. EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas will attend the final plenary.

Delegates will have the opportunity to share best practices and discover strategies for creating sustainable, competitive, and adaptable transport systems that connect various modes of transport, from walking and cycling to shared mobility and electric vehicles. Organisers promise sessions on financing, accessibility and safety, and the mobility-energy nexus, and an approach that will highlight the role of technology, community engagement, and resilience in shaping cities that are “ready for the future while meeting the needs of all residents today.”

A northwest Aegean coastal city founded in 315 BCE that has become Greece’s second capital and a major tourist maritime hub now home to around a million people, Thessaloniki is perfectly suited to an event exploring how cities can blend their historical foundations with innovative approaches to mobility.

Welcoming the forum, city mayor Stelios Angeloudis said in a statement: “Thessaloniki is a city where history runs deep—a historic crossroads of cultures and civilisations for over two millennia.” Going on to acknowledge the “pressing challenges of the climate crisis” the mayor said the city “is actively transforming its urban landscape. Our administration is committed to an ambitious, green, and digital transition. We envision a more sustainable, resilient, and accessible city that elevates the quality of life for all residents, workers, and visitors alike.”

Angeloudis also pointed to the city’s “new metro system, the rapid electrification and modernisation of our public bus fleet, the expansion of smart traffic management, and our ongoing efforts to reclaim public space through extensive pedestrian and waterfront rejuvenations,” as positive examples of change that Thessaloniki has already undertaken. As well as attending the conference, delegates are invited to take the chance to experience the host city’s hospitality and witness first-hand what the mayor called “our urban evolution.”

L’article Thessaloniki to host CIVITAS Forum 2026 on sustainable urban and tourism mobility est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Greek visitor economy is booming. According to figures from the first third of 2026, Greek travel receipts rose by €752.9 million, or 36.9%, to hit €2.79 billion, and travel payments increased by 14% to €1.13 billion. Overall, Greek revenue from inbound international tourists (travel exports) exceeded its own residents’ travel spend abroad (travel imports) by €1.66 billion, an increase of 58% from €1.05 billion during the same period of 2025.

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Among all that visitor spending, sales of sun hats are up, according to local sellers around the Acropolis, which last year attracted 4.6 million visitors. Demand for protective headwear is being driven by mercury in the high 30°Cs and the lack of shade at some of Athens’ ancient sites, as well as by Red Cross volunteers positioned in key locations, warning people about the risk of heatstroke and skin damage, and offering water, sunscreen, and caps.

In shops and kiosks, the range of hats is endless, from bucket hats to baseball caps adorned with animal patches and novelty slogans, to the classic Panama and straw boater. Hat retailers in the Greek capital have told the press that visitors are taking sun protection more seriously when selecting their hat, buying items for their anti-UV rating and shade-giving qualities, rather than their fashion credentials or look. Sun hats for sale on the central Syntagma Square are reportedly priced up to €20, though disposable pulped paper headgear can be had more cheaply, and for the more discerning customer, more artisanal options exist for up to €100.

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Despite the heatwaves and national discourse about wildfire danger and power supply concerns, Greece’s popularity does not appear to be letting up. Recent results from a rolling survey by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) position Greece as the third most popular Mediterranean destination for European travellers, with 29% of respondents saying they intend to visit the Hellenic Republic by May 2027.

The survey results also reveal another way prospective visitors to Greece are avoiding the heat – by opting to travel during the cooler “shoulder seasons.” A trend towards non-peak travel can be seen in the GNTO data, with approximately 35% of people polled saying they were planning to travel to Greece between September and November 2026, and as many as 23% preferring September.

L’article Sunhat sales surge in Athens as scorching summer heat sweeps Greece est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The aptly named Revery – from the French rêverie, or daydream – offers just 24 rooms divided into two categories: The Revery Wild and The Revery Suites.

The Revery Wild are Greece’s first safari-inspired tented pavilions. Starting at 40 square metres, and blending into the coastal vegetation, they are designed to immerse guests in the beauty and spirit of nature while cocooning in the utmost in eco-luxury. They feature spacious decks and hydrotherapy pools.

Higher up the hillside, the 53-square-metre Revery Suites offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, which blend with the private, heated, infinity pools.

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Both options provide almost complete privacy. The hotel welcomes guests aged 12 and above only.

In addition, a 285-square-metre Revery Villa is available, sleeping up to six guests or families. It has two floors of indoor and outdoor living space and its own infinity pool.

The hotel was imagined by local architect Eirini Apostolaki of Archtify, and the interiors designed by Athens-based Sophia Vantaraki, of ThingK. Their design leans into natural tones, wooden finishes and a raw, understated aesthetic, with the aim being to create rooms that feel calm without losing their sense of grandeur.

Every detail seems conceived to make the retreat an almost indiscernible part of its surroundings. The atmosphere created invites travellers to simply sit down and stare. At the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean stretching below, at the olive groves covering the hills surrounding them, and the seemingly infinite skies above.

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An extra dose of wellbeing beckons at the ROEÉ Spa, or flow in Greek It has four treatment rooms and a thermal area with a sauna, a steam room, and hot and cold baths. A sea-facing gym and an outdoor yoga deck allow guests to greet the day with a sun salutation.

Fílema, a Greek word associated with sharing food and hospitality, serves all meals prepared using traditional family recipes and seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers.

The Revery is not just in harmony with nature; it was designed with sustainability at its core. Its low-impact design incorporates natural ventilation, solar energy, water-saving systems, biological wastewater treatment, and low-pollution lighting.

Stone excavated from the site was reused in the buildings, and any native flora that was uprooted was carefully replanted before construction began. Pathways follow the natural contours of the land.

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The grounds also house an eighty-year-old chapel dedicated to St Anthony, which has been carefully preserved.

This idyllic location is perfect for romantic getaways, solo retreats or nature-bonding trips with friends.

Guests tempted to explore the surroundings can visit the beaches of Elafonissi, Kedrodasos, Falasarna and Balos, but also go on guided hikes through local canyons, take 4×4 discovery safaris, windsurf or kitesurfing, or take private boat and fishing trips. Local artisans will also lead craft workshops.

The Revery is around two hours by road from Chania International Airport, which offers direct flights to Brussels, London, Berlin, Vienna and Milan, among other destinations.

The hotel opened in August 2026 and operates seasonally from March to November, with rates starting at €600 per night.

L’article New boutique hotel offers a secluded escape on Crete’s western coast est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In what is being taken as a double endorsement, more than half (58%) of those planning a trip would be return visitors to Greece, having already been there at least once, while 42% would be first-time visitors. Andreas Fiorentinos, secretary general of the Greek National Tourism Organization, said the finding confirms Greece has “both the trust of those who have already visited it and the interest of new audiences.”

The variety of experiences on offer across the country emerged as travellers’ favourite aspect of Greece, cited by 83% of respondents. That was followed closely by the warmth of the local welcome (82%) and safety (77%). Tourist infrastructure (75%) and value for money (67%) were also perceived favourably.

A trend towards travel during Europe’s “shoulder seasons” also emerges from the results. Approximately 35% of people polled said they were planning to travel to Greece between September and November 2026, with as many as 23% preferring September. After a summer in which Europe has grappled with heatwaves, droughts and wildfires, travel consumers may well have cooler temperatures and fewer crowds in mind.

The findings are based on responses from 7,896 travellers aged 18 to 64 from Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Greece’s popularity spans the region, with the highest intent to travel there among Romanians (45%), Italians (38%) and Swedes (37%).

Although the rankings of other countries in the survey have not been revealed by the Greek authorities, the figures reinforce previous reporting by the European Travel Commission (ETC), which found that Greece recorded stronger growth in visitor arrivals (+38.3%) than Italy and Malta in the first months of 2026.

The country may also have received a popularity boost in early summer after it unilaterally decided to waive new European Entry/Exit System requirements for British arrivals due to operational issues and delays seen across the bloc’s travel hubs.

In addition, Greece has introduced a so-called “door visa” for Turkish visitors, facilitating visas on arrival for Turkish travellers to 12 Greek islands (Chios, Kalymnos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Leros, Lesvos, Limnos, Patmos, Rhodes, Samos, Samothraki and Symi), all situated close to the Turkish coast. The policy has driven 25% growth in Turkish arrivals to the Hellenic Republic since 2024, Bank of Greece data shows

L’article Nearly one in three European travellers plans to visit Greece by May 2027 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Every year, the Greek Ministry of Culture organises a special free night opening coinciding with the full moon. In 2026, the event is set to take place on Friday 28 August, from approximately 7:30 pm until midnight. Visitors will not only be able to freely access 126 ancient sites across the country, many of which will be organising concerts or guided tours to celebrate the occasion, but they will also get to enjoy those places under a particular light.

“For the 27^th consecutive year, the August Full Moon unites archaeological sites, museums and monuments of Greece in a great celebration of culture. We invite you to participate in this unique experience this year and enjoy the magic of the night and the special atmosphere that the moonlight creates in the monuments of our country,” stated the Greek Ministry of Culture.

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The event includes some of Greece’s most-visited ancient sites, including the Acropolis Museum in Athens. The while regular admission fees will apply to the permanent collection, the museum will stay open until midnight and visitors will gain free admission to the temporary exhibition ‘Inspiration: Ancient Greek Art in Italy’.

Some of the other most famous sites include the sanctuary and town of Delphi, known for its Oracle at the Temple of Apollo, and Ancient Olympia. The site and the museum of the birthplace of the Olympic Games will remain open until midnight, with archaeologists organising guided tours.

However, visitors are encouraged not to solely concentrate on the country’s most famous sites. For example, in an interview with Euronews, Bnbstay founder Yahya Davud recommended visiting the Necromanteion of Acheron in Epirus. The sanctuary overlooking the River Acheron was once thought to be the entrance to the underworld. People would therefore travel to the Necromanteion to talk with the spirits of the dead.

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“Everything in this place was built around darkness and rituals, so a night-time visit during a full moon is not just a spectacular tourist attraction. In fact, this kind of experience is much closer to how this place was meant to be experienced than a visit in the middle of the day,” said Davud.

Aside from Ancient sites, some of Greece’s newer monuments will be opening their doors for a nightly visit as well. At medieval ghost town of Mystras in Sparta, for example, visitors will be able to wander around the Palace of the Despots.

Extending beyond the Full Moon evening itself, according to the Ministry of Culture, this year’s celebration also features events on 26, 27, 29, and 30 August. A full overview of the sites and their concerts, theatrical performances, dance productions, exhibitions, and guided tours can be found through the Ministry’s website. While most sites will be free, visitors are encouraged to book their visit in advance when possible in order to be certain to obtain a spot.

L’article Greece to grant free access to 126 ancient sites during August full moon est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Elsewhere in Greece dozens of fires a day are burning, destroying 6,000 hectares on the islands of Crete and Paros, and pushing firefighters “to their limits” Greece’s Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas said on Saturday.

Residents and visitors to Greece should be aware that wildfire conditions have been particularly severe near Athens in the Attica, Boeotia and Fokida areas, with Voiotia and the island of Evia on maximum fire alert too.

Ionian island Cephalonia is also struggling to contain blazes. On the Gulf of Corinth, residents were evacuated from the ancient fortress town of Porto Germeno and other villages, where, reports say, 10,000 hectares including homes and vehicles have been destroyed.

Travel advice for Greece from the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) warns of “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.”

The notice continues: “Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.” It goes on to provide advice on how to avoid starting fires, by avoiding littering, particularly glass and cigarettes, and refraining from barbecues.

It warns that “Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece – even if unintentional.” Anyone who sees a fire and is in immediate danger, should call the emergency services on 112. The FCDO urges caution in areas in or near wildfire zones, and suggests affected people follow @112Greece for official updates, comply with emergency service instructions, and contact their airline or travel operator for assistance with return travel to the UK.

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France

France meanwhile has lost 63,000 hectares of forest and agricultural land since the beginning of July, with two thirds of that land taken by an inferno in the Gironde region that is known to have devastated 240 homes. 12,000 people of 220,000 evacuees are still unable to return to their residences. While things are returning to “a more stable situation,” according to Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, the damage extends across 420 square kilometres, and a fire in the southeastern Var region is barely contained and remains “extremely precarious,” authorities say.

Visitors to France should remain alert to fire warnings and instructions and be aware that some areas remain inaccessible. They should also be aware that road closures can occur during quickly changing conditions. The FCDO advice for France notes an April-October wildfire risk that is “highest in the south of the country, particularly along the Mediterranean coast, in Corsica, and in areas of the south-west during periods of hot, dry weather.”

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Spain

In Spain, between January and August 2026, 186,544 hectares of forest were burnt in data from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge shows. The southwest European country has lifted a state of emergency declared at the end of July, but is fighting fires still in Zamora, northeast Spain, and in León, after a flare up in San Tirso.

Evacuations have taken place in Veguellina, Valdelaloba, and in Cáceres, and in Castellón, a week-long fire in Vall d’Uixó burned 9,568 hectares and saw residents evacuated.

Across the region, the European Forest Fire Information System said the risk of wildfire remains high into the first week of August, including in northern countries, such as the UK and Denmark.

L’article Greek wildfires continue to threaten Athens, islands and mainland coastal regions est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.