Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Fires and earthquakes threaten tourists in Greece
The German Foreign Office has warned of increasing natural risks threatening tourists in Greece this summer. The official update issued on June 23 stated that the country faces a significant risk of wildfires in wide areas, which could directly affect infrastructure and lead to road closures and disruption of tourism, even in well-known tourist areas.
The ministry pointed out that changing winds could reignite the fires, making it more difficult to control them and posing an unexpected danger to travelers. The German Foreign Office also warned of severe heat waves that could exceed temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius. Infants, children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions are considered the most at risk. It advised avoiding direct sunlight, staying away from crowded places, and refraining from physical exertion during the afternoon hours.
Travelers are advised to wear light-colored, lightweight clothing made from natural materials, and to drink enough water. It is also preferable to carry sunscreen, large amounts of drinking water, and a charged mobile phone with an extra battery while moving around or walking in nature. In addition to fires and heat, it has been confirmed that Greek lands – including the islands – are located in a seismically active area, where the island of Santorini and its surroundings experienced consecutive marine tremors in February 2025. Although volcanic activity is rare, it cannot be ruled out.
From August to November, the region may be exposed to Mediterranean hurricanes known as "Medicanes", which usually cause floods and landslides that disrupt traffic. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised activating emergency alerts on smartphones to receive notifications in both Greek and English.
On the other hand, new camping laws came into effect in May 2025, prohibiting the setting up of tents or parking of mobile vehicles near archaeological sites, beaches, forests, and road edges. It is also prohibited to park cars for more than 24 hours on the side of roads in residential areas. Violators face high fines, and their license plates may be confiscated by the police, only to be returned after weeks and payment of the fine.
The German Foreign Office has advised tourists to avoid areas affected by natural disasters, to follow local news, and to reschedule trips if necessary. It is also recommended to use only marked walking paths to avoid entering dangerous areas. In case of emergency, you can call the European emergency number 112 for immediate assistance. Additionally, it is advised to refrain from drinking tap water in flood-affected areas. The Greek authorities provide general guidelines in German on how to act in the event of natural disasters through the civil protection website, while the Meteoalarm.org website offers a European map that includes weather warnings for all countries.