Europe Wildfires: Heatwave Intensifies, Impacting Travel

Wildfires have been a problem across Europe for the previous few years. In August 2024, wildfires spread out with Greece in locations near Athens, where flames supposedly reached heights of over 20 metres.

Factors Influencing Wildfire Spread

The three aspects that influence the spread of fires are heats, dry spell and high wind. Much of Mediterranean Europe is already experiencing severe heatwaves this summer season, and while lots of variables can be the last trigger that stirs up a wildfire (campfires, lightning, etc), warm temperatures are crucial.

Currently, the FDCO does not advise against travel to Turkey, Greece or as a result of the wildfires (although note that the FDCO does advice against traveling to specific locations of Turkey along the Iran border, as described on gov.uk). Constantly inspect government guidance prior to travelling.

Travel Advice During Wildfires

Wildfires in Europe are holding as an extreme heatwave intensifies. The UK faced the hottest day of the year until now on Tuesday 1 July as temperature levels hit 34.7 ° C in London– the Met Workplace has actually validated that June was England’s hottest June on record. In other places on the continent, temperature levels in southerly Spain came to a head at 46 ° C, and wildfires are consuming locations throughout Turkey, Greece and Albania. Listed below, we look at which locations and nations have actually been most influenced by the wildfires, and what it means for travellers.

It depends. In previous years, some flights and plan vacations to destinations that were severely impacted by the wildfires were cancelled by excursion drivers. If your excursion driver terminates your vacation or flight due to wildfires, you’ll be offered the possibility to rebook or a refund.

Flight & Vacation Cancellations

Vacations and flights to destinations which are not severely influenced are most likely to run as typical, and unless the FCDO have actually issued ‘do not travel’ advisories, insurance is not likely to cover you if you select to terminate your journey as it’s not regarded a requirement.

In very early July, there were significant wildfires raving across Turkey’s western regions, a lot more reported in Spain’s Catalonia region, woodland fires in the French area of Corbières and around the city of Marseille, and emptyings as a result of wildfires on the Greek island of Crete.

Most Affected Areas and Countries

Wildfires in Europe are taking hold as an extreme heatwave magnifies. Below, we look at which countries and locations have been most impacted by the wildfires, and what it means for tourists.

At the time of creating, Monday 28 July 2025, wildfires are reported throughout Turkey, Greece and Albania. In Greece, severe warm (as high as 42C) has created fires to spread across some islands and the location west of Athens, while in Turkey tape-recorded its greatest ever temperatures.

Current Wildfire Status July 2025

Earlier in July, the BBC reported that more than 50,000 people were evacuated as a result of wildfires in the areas of Izmir, Bilecik, Hatay, Sakarya, and Manisa. Recent, regular heats have dried out the land, bring about fires creating substantial damage to residential property and land, and there have actually been reports of severe injuries.

In June 2025, the French federal government has released a red alert for severe weather as temperatures rise throughout the country. The fires have actually given that been contained, officials informed French media.”

Impact of Extreme Heat in Greece

In August 2024, wildfires spread out with Greece in areas near Athens, where fires supposedly got to heights of over 20 metres. In very early July 2025, wildfires in the Ierapetra area of Crete resulted in around 5,000 people being left. In previous years, some trips and package vacations to locations that were severely impacted by the wildfires were cancelled by tour drivers.

Extreme warm has actually triggered fires to spread throughout areas of Greece including Evia, Kythira, Crete and the Peloponnese region, just west of Athens. According to the BBC, in Kythira “about 20% of the island has actually been impacted by the fire”. In very early July 2025, wildfires in the Ierapetra area of Crete resulted in around 5,000 people being left. Fires across the nation are being sustained by gale-force winds, spreading swiftly and edging towards homes and touristy areas.

On Saturday 26 July, temperatures got to 50.5 C in Turkey– the highest possible ever recorded in the location. Firemans are working to include the fast spread, especially in the Karabuk province and Eskisehir, while in other areas such as Cesme, water constraints have actually been introduced, according to the BBC.

On Saturday 26 July 2025, 26 wildfires were reported throughout Albania. According to Sky News, “concerning 2,000 citizens” were evacuated from the community of Delvina, while “firemans managed to snuff out 17 blazes sustained by solid winds” in Kosovo.