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Simon Calder Greece travel advice: Latest flight information as wildfires continue to ravage Rhodes and Corfu

Ninety per cent of rhodes ‘safe and functioning’ but state of play uncertain looking ahead to august, our correspondent warns, article bookmarked.

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Southern Europe has found itself on the frontline of the climate crisis this summer, with the onset of an extreme heatwave bringing dangerously high temperatures to Italy and Spain and now raging wildfires to the hills of Greece .

The Greek islands have been a favourite destination for British holidaymakers for decades but this month has seen out-of-control blazes spark “the biggest evacuation” in its history from Rhodes while Crete , Corfu , Evia and Zante have also suffered devastating infernos.

Here’s what The Independent ’s travel correspondent Simon Calder has had to say about the evolving situation so far.

Which flights are going and which have been cancelled?

UK airlines are continuing to sell flights for immediate departure from the UK to Rhodes despite the wildfires that have seen thousands of tourists evacuated from the island.

The UK’s two biggest tour operators, Jet2 and Tui, have cancelled all flights and holidays to Rhodes for several days ahead. They are offering refunds because of the fires, which have been raging on the Greek island for six days.

But other airlines are continuing to offer seats on flights to Rhodes and the travel firm Thomas Cook says most of its customers booked to travel on Sunday and Monday were travelling as normal.

From London Gatwick, easyJet has five flights to Rhodes on sale on Tuesday. But for those who no longer wish to travel, the airline is allowing free changes for passengers booked up to Saturday 29 July.

Three easyJet aircraft are also flying out empty to pick up UK holidaymakers wanting to come home early.

Ryanair says its operations to and from Rhodes are normal and that usual conditions apply.

Jet2 and Tui are dispatching aircraft with no passengers from UK airports to Rhodes to pick up holidaymakers. Both have dispatched teams to help customers.

Is Rhodes airport itself under threat from the wildfires?

Rhodes airport is on the northwestern shore of the Greek island, close to the capital, Rhodes Town. With no imminent danger in that area, airlines are entitled to operate a “business as usual” policy, with normal terms applying.

But most are expected to provide some options to customers, with package holidaymakers benefiting from extra protection.

It comes after holidaymakers were forced to flee resorts on Saturday, with some British tourists describing “terrifying” scenes of turmoil as power cuts caused “chaos” on the island. In previous days the wildfire was confined to the island’s mountainous centre, but aided by winds, very high temperatures and dry conditions, it spread on Saturday towards the coast on the island’s central-eastern side.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises travellers to contact their airline or travel operator. For 24/7 British consular assistance, UK citizens abroad can call +44 20 7008 5000.

The FCDO has also sent a Rapid Deployment Team to Rhodes to support British nationals and the Greek Foreign Affairs ministry has set up a help desk at Rhodes airport.

I am in Rhodes and want to leave as soon as possible. What are my options?

Many tourists are in that position. Jet2 and easyJet are operating special repatriation flights in addition to the normal schedule. The general principle is that

British Airways says passengers booked to fly from Rhodes to London can switch to earlier flights without penalty – though little space may be available. The earliest BA departure with space available is on Wednesday evening.

Other carriers may adopt a similar policy. But availability is scarce, with no seats on easyJet flights to the London area until late on Tuesday evening, and not before Wednesday to Manchester.

Most airlines are operating their normal schedules and are likely to continue to do so from Rhodes – though more outbound flights may be empty, as Jet2 and Tui are doing.

Flights are full. Are there any other ways out from the island?

Yes. Dodekanisos Seaways sails once or twice a day from Rhodes Town to Kos, where there are fairly frequent flights to the UK. The 8am sailing is usually the fastest and most reliable, taking around 2 hours and 30 minutes. A taxi will take you from the port to the airport in about 30 minutes, with much cheaper but slower buses available.

Flights on Tuesday 25 July include a Ryanair departure to London Stansted, which is currently selling at just £37.

The ferry voyage to Marmaris in Turkey is shorter, at around one hour, but the closest airport, Dalaman, is a long way from the town – making for a 90-minute taxi journey or two hours in a bus. In addition the frontier formalities leaving Greece and arriving in Turkey will take time.

I lost my travel documents in the scramble to leave the area. Can I leave the island?

Yes. To help tourists who were evacuated from their accommodation in a hurry and left their passports behind, the Greek authorities are issuing emergency and temporary identification to allow them to board their flights.

If I am brought home early, will I get some or all of my money back?

People who are anxious about being on the island but whose holidays have not been directly affected are unlikely to be offered any recompense for the lost holiday times.

Package holidaymakers whose trips are curtailed because their accommodation cannot be used are due a partial refund under the Package Travel Regulations. But it may not be as much as the traveller might expect.

If a two-week holiday that costs £1,000 per person ends a week early, the refund will not simply be half the cost of the trip. The holiday company is entitled to subtract the value of the flights, which might be £400 – meaning only half of the remainder will be refunded, ie £300.

If you make the decision to return ahead of schedule, no compensation is due. Travel insurance may help with extra costs if you can demonstrate you spent them reasonably.

What help is available when I return to UK airports?

National Express, which runs coach services from Britain’s top airports, is offering free travel for holidaymakers repatriated from Rhodes to a different airport than they flew out from. They can go back to their original airport or to a different location of their choice within the UK. They need to supply proof of their original flight and airport, and the boarding pass of the flight they have taken.

“We’ve all seen the horrifying experiences people have had in the Greek wildfires on the news. This is the least we can do to help them get back home,” said Chris Hardy, managing director of National Express Coach.

Passengers with existing bookings who arrive back on a different day will be able to change without fuss.

I am booked to travel imminently to Rhodes. Can I cancel for a refund?

If the travel firm or airline cancels your trip you can expect a full refund within two weeks. If the flight is going ahead, then your rights depend on whether you are on a proper package holiday or have booked flights and accommodation separately.

Under the Package Travel Regulations, holidaymakers can cancel for a refund “if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occur at the place of destination or its immediate vicinity which significantly affect the performance of the package or the carriage of passengers to the destination”.

In the case of key parts of Rhodes, this looks like reasonable grounds to cancel.

You can read up on the companies’ policies for imminent departures as of 4pm on Monday here .

I am booked to travel to Rhodes in August. Can I cancel?

Not at this stage. Depending on events over the next few days, travel firms will make decisions on their plans for the peak summer month.

The travel industry appears to be preparing the ground for a restart in tourism to some of the unaffected areas of Rhodes. A spokesperson for Abta, the travel association, said: “We understand that some of the resorts have had their evacuation order removed by the Greek authorities and people have been advised that they can return to the resorts of Lindos, Pefkos and Kalathos.

“Travel companies will be liaising with their accommodation providers to ensure that they are ready to receive customers and customers will be notified accordingly.”

Will Rhodes be put on a ‘no go’ list?

Calls are growing for fire-hit Rhodes to be placed on the Foreign Office “no go” list. That would compel travel firms to cancel all holidays for an indeterminate length of time – allowing families having second thoughts about going to a destination hit by such a calamity to get a full refund.

But as Simon Calder explained on his daily travel podcast , it is not as simple as that.

“Ninety per cent of the island appears to be safe and functioning. Jet2 and Tui, by far the biggest holiday companies, are already operating a de facto ‘no-go’ policy between now and Sunday 30 July,” he told the show this week.

“It is too early to know the extent to which August holidays will be affected, but decisions will be made in the next few days.

“If travel firms can offer safe and enjoyable holidays in Rhodes, I can see no reason to warn off holidaymakers.”

Would you go to Rhodes?

I sympathise with everyone who is feeling apprehensive about travelling to an island that, in places, is nothing short of a disaster area. Even though distressed and exhausted holidaymakers are still trying to return from Rhodes, some tourists have been proceeding with their trips as booked in the past few days.

But I would not travel there immediately: with people still trying to get out and the infrastructure under pressure, it would be unhelpful.

Looking ahead a few days, though, I believe the picture will change significantly. By tomorrow I believe the vast majority of people who understandably want to come home will have done so: large amounts of air capacity are going in as repatriation flights. Pressure on the resources will ease. And the damage to the resorts on the south east shore of Rhodes will be clear.

For people who are booked to the affected area, it may be that you are offered a choice between moving to a different location or a full refund. But getting all your money back is likely to be offered only if the travel firm deems it impossible for you to have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

The people of Rhodes have shown outstanding kindness and courage towards overseas tourists. In most parts of the island – and 90 per cent is unaffected – they will want to get back to work delivering great experiences for visiting holidaymakers. And, in a week or two, I would be glad to go there and meet them.

What is happening in Corfu?

A wildfire, which some reports say was started deliberately, has led to evacuations of some villages and a few hotels in the north east of the Ionian island.

A Tui spokesperson said on Monday: “We’ve been working with the local authorities in Corfu following the outbreak of a wildfire in the north east of the island last night resulting in guests being evacuated from a small number of hotels.

“As a precautionary measure we also stopped new arrivals into the affected hotels for Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 July. The situation is now fully under control and guests are returning to their hotels to continue their holidays as planned.”

The Abta spokesperson said: “The situation in Corfu is quite different to the situation in Rhodes. The wildfire on the north east of the island of Corfu is on a much smaller scale and is affecting significantly fewer holidaymakers.

“Some of the resorts were evacuated as a precautionary measure and we understand that those who were initially evacuated have mostly been able to return to their resorts and their accommodation.

“Corfu is a very large island. Hotels and resorts are open and providing holiday services. The majority of people travelling to or currently on holiday in Corfu should be able to continue their holidays as planned.

“Customers in Corfu and those due to travel there imminently are advised to continue to monitor the situation and follow any advice issued by the local authorities or their travel company.”

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Is it safe to travel to Greece? Latest Foreign Office advice for Rhodes and Corfu as fires spread

Conditions are still very hot and dry, with temperatures in the high 30s across much of greece, including rhodes.

Wildfires continue to rage on the popular Greek holiday island of Rhodes, creating the “worst crisis” the local fire service has ever seen.

Last week, fires broke out in the centre of the island, with a handful of villages and hotels evacuated. In recent days, however, blazes have spread to the more densely populated – and heavily touristed – coastal regions. At least 19,000 people have now been evacuated from the island – the largest evacuation from a wildfire the country has ever seen.

Around 2,500 people have also been evacuated on Corfu, which has seen fires develop on its wooded hills.

Where are the fires?

The fires in Rhodes started in the mountains in the centre of island, where a number of people were evacuated last week. Since then, flames and smoke have spread south and eastwards towards the major tourist hub of Lindos along with Lardos, Kiotari, Gennadi, Pefki and Kalathos .

In Corfu , people in the areas of Santa , Megoula , Porta , Palia Perithia and Sinies have been told to move to Kasiopi – while those in Rou , Katavolo , Kentroma , Tritsi , Kokokila , Sarakiniatika , Plagia , Kalami , Vlachatika and Kavalerena are being advised to relocate to Ipsos.

There are other fire warnings in place across the country, including in the region of Attica, close to Athens, and on the island of Evia.

Is it still safe to travel to Rhodes or Corfu?

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not currently advise against travel to any part of Greece , but issues guidance regarding the extreme heat and wildfires.

Olga Kefalogianni, Greece’s tourism minister, has said the situation in Corfu is nothing like the dramatic scenes on Rhodes.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she said travellers should continue to fly to Corfu and Rhodes. “There has been no disruption in [Rhodes] airport and it’s particularly important to stress only a small part of the island is affected,” she added.

I’ve cancelled my holiday because of climate change

Despite this, some airlines – including Jet2 and Tui – have cancelled flights to Rhodes, while easyJet Holidays has also cancelled packages up to 25 July. The first repatriation flights to return British holidaymakers to the UK are expected to land in Rhodes today. Ryanair is continuing to fly as normal.

Foreign Office minister, Andrew Mitchell, said it is “peak holiday season” in Rhodes, with up to 10,000 Britons estimated to be on the island.

He told Times Radio : “What we’re telling people to do is to keep in touch with their tourist company, and that is the right advice.

“There were only 10 free beds on the whole island when I asked yesterday, but we think that something like 1,000 beds may well come back on stream today as others don’t now come and therefore more beds are available.”

You can read more about what this means for your holiday here .

What is the Foreign Office advice?

While the FCDO does not discourage travel to Greece, it has insisted travellers follow the advice of the country’s emergency services and authorities, as well as contact their airline or travel operator for assistance with returning to the UK.

A spokesperson said: “We are actively monitoring the fires in Rhodes and are in close contact with local authorities.

“The FCDO has deployed a rapid deployment team of five FCDO staff and four British Red Cross responders to Rhodes to support British nationals whose safety is our top priority. They will be based at Rhodes international airport to assist with travel documents and liaise with Greek authorities and travel operators on the ground.

“British nationals in Rhodes should contact their travel operator in the first instance for any queries regarding the rescheduling of flights and continue to check our updated travel advice for information.”

Once in the destination, travellers should take all necessary precautions to keep cool and stay safe .

Holidaymakers can also register with the Greek government’s emergency communication service to receive emergency alerts on the situation.

What is the forecast?

Conditions are still very hot and dry, with temperatures in the high 30s across much of Greece, including Rhodes.

The situation has been complicated by north-westerly winds, blowing from mainland Europe. While these are only between 5-10mph on Corfu and therefore unlikely to assist the spread of fire, they are much stronger on Rhodes. The winds there – up to 30mph – have been significant in fanning the fires and are likely to continue to pose a challenge for firefighters in the coming days.

However, there may be some good news on the way: the heatwave is expected to ease slightly later this week, with temperatures dropping to the low 30s, and winds are also forecast to die down.

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Where are the fires? What holidaymakers should know as airlines cancel flights

As evacuations continue, the national looks at the worst affected areas.

26 July, 2023

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Holiday booked to Greece? Your rights amid Rhodes and Corfu fires

Jet2 and TUI have cancelled all flights to the Greek island and the Foreign Office has urged British travellers affected by the wildfires to follow guidance from Greek emergency services. But what should holidaymakers do if they have booked travel to affected areas?

By Samuel Osborne and Connor Sephton, news reporters

Tuesday 25 July 2023 15:59, UK

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Wildfires on the Greek islands of Rhodes and Corfu are causing chaos for thousands of British holidaymakers.

Over the weekend, the Greek government said it had evacuated 19,000 people in the "largest-ever" wildfire evacuation in the country's history.

EasyJet repatriated 421 people back to the UK on two flights from Rhodes on Monday, with a third on Tuesday. This is in addition to nine scheduled flights to the island that are also taking place.

Jet2 had four repatriation flights scheduled for Monday evening - to Manchester, Bradford and Birmingham - with a total of 787 seats.

Fifty scheduled flights are going to take holidaymakers back from Rhodes this week, but each aircraft will leave the UK empty after all outbound flights and holidays were cancelled until Sunday.

So: what should holidaymakers do if they have booked to travel to either of the islands - or they're already there?

Largest-ever evacuation from Greece - latest on Rhodes wildfires

The situation in Rhodes

Jet2 cancelled all flights and holidays to Rhodes for this week, saying "we will be contacting affected customers with regards to their refund and rebooking options".

TUI also cancelled all outbound flights to the island until the end of Friday - with holidays for customers travelling to affected hotels cancelled for the rest of this week. Customers who have booked flights will get a full refund, while package holiday customers can either amend their booking for free or get their money back.

EasyJet said the situation for many in Rhodes is "very difficult". Flight-only customers who are booked before 29 July have been told that services are still operating, but they should check the flight's status before travelling. Customers have the option of transferring their flight to another date, or receiving a voucher for the value of their air fare.

EasyJet's package holidays have been cancelled until Tuesday 25 July, and customers will get a full refund. Those due to leave between now and Saturday are being "proactively contacted" to confirm their options.

British Airways is also operating flights as normal but "monitoring the situation in Rhodes very closely". People meant to fly this week can choose to travel at a later date if they want to - and customers who want to return to the UK early can change their booking free of charge.

Ryanair says its flights are running normally and are unaffected by the forest fires - with a statement giving no indication of whether customers can change their booking. Passengers who have lost their travel documents have been told that temporary documentation from Greek police will be accepted.

Thomas Cook has cancelled all holidays to areas of Rhodes most affected by the wildfire - such as Kiotari and Lardos - until 31 July. Those due to travel before then can receive a full refund, amend their departure dates, or arrange to go to an alternative destination.

For customers booked to go to Kiotari and Lardos from 1 August onwards, Thomas Cook says it is working closely with partners on the ground to understand the impact of the wildfires - and will be in touch with holidaymakers over the coming days with information and updates.

When it comes to Rhodes as a whole, Thomas Cook is offering a full refund for departures until the end of Wednesday - with alternative destinations and travel dates also available. For holidays to Rhodes from Thursday onwards, decisions are going to be made on a daily basis.

"If customers do want to cancel or amend their holiday for departures after Wednesday 26 July they can do so at their cost and we will not charge a fee but airlines may do so," it said.

Read more: Evacuee 'lost everything' British family spent night on floor

How is Corfu being affected?

TUI has reassured customers due to travel to Corfu that its hotels and resorts are operating normally after a wildfire in a small area of the northeast was contained. However, people due to travel up to and including 30 July can amend their booking for free.

People already in Corfu and due to fly home with British Airways can "change their flight to come back earlier if they wish free of charge". Anyone flying with BA until Saturday can change to a later date for free.

Jet2 flights to Corfu are flying as normal from 26 July and beyond, with easyJet also running its usual service.

Ryanair says its flights to and from Corfu are continuing as normal.

What if I'm travelling in August?

Holidaymakers booked to go to the Greek islands in August are not being advised to change their plans for now.

Simon Calder, travel editor at the Independent, told Sky News: "At the moment the presumption is you will be able to go."

He added that with no official advice in place, cancelling means you will lose "all or some of your money", so travellers should wait until the fires have calmed and there is more clarity in the "coming days".

Can I get a refund or a cancellation?

If it's a package, the Package Travel Regulations say holidaymakers can cancel and receive a full refund "if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occur at the place of destination or its immediate vicinity which significantly affect the performance of the package or the carriage of passengers to the destination".

"If you have been notified that your holiday which is due to depart in the next few days has been cancelled, then your travel company will be able to discuss your options with you - that could be offering a full refund or they might be able to discuss an alternative holiday," said Emma Brennan, a spokesperson for the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

Those seeking refunds for independent travel could have less luck.

"If you booked everything independently, if you booked a flight and that flight has now been cancelled, then they will need to provide a refund for that, then you would need to go through and speak to every element of your travel provider to understand what the terms and conditions are - what's the arrangement with the hotel or accommodation that you have booked, what's the refund policy, the same for any transfer or car hire," she said.

The fine print of holiday conditions will differ with each operator.

Anton Radchenko, the CEO of AirAdvisor, said travellers to Rhodes whose flights are cancelled less than two weeks before their departure date have the right to between £220 and £350 in cash compensation - unless the airline can book an alternative flight that arrives not too long afterwards. Package holiday travellers would be entitled to more.

However, compensation for delays does not apply if a passenger is on a free evacuation flight that they did not pay for.

Mr Radchenko had this advice for affected passengers eligible for a payout: "Airlines often initially try to offer compensation in the form of vouchers. We suggest to our clients that they refuse vouchers and avoid signing agreements accepting vouchers as a form of compensation, as airlines may later try to use this kind of documentation to reject your claim. Bear in mind that passenger regulations require airlines to pay compensation in cash."

What is the Foreign Office saying?

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has urged British travellers affected by the wildfires to follow guidance from Greek emergency services. A crisis management unit and phone hotline has been set up by them to help people in Rhodes.

It advises holidaymakers on any affected Greek island to contact their airline or holiday company who will be able to help them get back to the UK.

"If you are planning to travel to Rhodes, please check with your travel operator or hotel prior to travel that the area you plan to visit is not impacted by the current wildfires," it said.

It has stopped short of advising against travelling to Rhodes or Corfu - a move that would significantly help anyone seeking compensation.

Cabinet minister Michael Gove told Sky News on Tuesday that he is still planning to go on holiday to a Greek island experiencing wildfires next week - and official advice is that the region is "safe".

Am I covered by my travel insurance?

Whether holidaymakers are guaranteed compensation under their travel insurance policies hinges on if the UK government advises against travel to the area.

"The primary purpose of travel insurance is to cover the costs of emergency medical treatments or repatriation should the worst happen, which can run into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds," a spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers (ABI) said.

"It can cover you if you need to cancel or cut short your holiday, but it's likely this will only be under limited circumstances, for example if you or a close family member fall ill, not because of a disinclination to travel.

"Insurance can cover you if advice from the government changes since you've booked your trip, and it's no longer considered safe to travel to the destination."

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Instead, anyone concerned about travelling to the area should check with their travel provider and air carrier, the spokesperson added.

Some travel insurance policies may cover affected holidays under certain circumstances, so people are advised to check the scope of cover provided by their travel insurance.

Related Topics

• Rhodes wildfires

Is it safe to travel to Greece, and does my insurance cover wildfires?

Wildfires on the Greek islands of Rhodes and Corfu have left thousands of travelers stranded.

As of Sunday, about 19,000 people in villages and resorts on Rhodes had been evacuated as wildfires spread across the island. Local news outlet Ellada 24 described the operation as the largest fire evacuation ever carried out in the country. Corfu has seen about 2,400 people evacuated.

It's estimated that about 10,000 British tourists are currently stranded on Rhodes.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection in Greece has announced a Category 4 alarm (very high risk) for many areas based on its Daily Fire Risk Map . According to the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Greece , "high risk of fire is expected to continue in the coming days."

Several travel companies and airlines — including Tui and Thomas Cook — have reportedly canceled planned trips to Rhodes, according to The Guardian.

So far, two rescue flights operated by EasyJet have repatriated 421 people back to the U.K., with a third flight scheduled for Tuesday. Three repatriation flights operated by Tui are scheduled for Monday evening.

Despite the current situation on the ground, many airlines continue selling flights with immediate departures as of Monday morning.

Here's what you need to know if you are currently stuck in Rhodes or Corfu, or have plans to visit the Greek islands in the coming days and weeks.

Can I still travel to Rhodes and Corfu?

Airlines are still flying to and from Rhodes and Corfu, and as the situation currently stands, most travel and flights to Greece are going ahead.

The U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not yet advised people to avoid travel to Rhodes or Corfu, though it does warn of "active wildfires in Greece."

Appearing on BBC Radio 4's "Today" program , Olga Kefalogianni, the tourism minister for Greece, said that tourists can still fly to Rhodes.

"There has been no disruption in the airport and I think it's particularly important to stress that only a small part of the whole island of Rhodes is affected," Kefalogianni said.

What is the current government advice for travel?

Stopping short of advising against travel to the affected Greek islands, the U.K. Foreign Office has urged travelers to check with their travel operator or hotel before traveling.

"If you are planning to travel to Rhodes, please check with your travel operator or hotel, prior to travel, that the area you plan to visit is not impacted by the current wildfires," the FCDO said.

The U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Greece has advised U.S. citizens living in or traveling near the affected area to "exercise extreme caution" and "follow instructions from local authorities and closely monitor the local media and emergency alerts."

What are airlines and travel companies saying?

So far, several airlines have canceled flights to Rhodes; others are offering passengers the opportunity to change their current flights free of charge.

British Airways

The U.K's flag carrier is allowing travelers currently in Rhodes or Corfu to change their flights free of charge if they need to return home early. Any passengers due to fly between now and Sunday can also change their flights to a later date for free.

The popular budget airline has canceled its package holiday bookings in Rhodes until Aug. 1. However, flights to both Rhodes and Corfu are operating as normal. Passengers booked to travel to or from Rhodes between now and Saturday can transfer their flights to a new date or request a flight voucher.

All flights are currently operating as normal.

All flights and holidays to Rhodes have been canceled until July 31. The airline says affected customers have been contacted regarding "refund and rebooking options."

All flights to Rhodes are canceled through Tuesday. Passengers due to fly Wednesday can rebook or cancel their trip without additional charge. Travelers due to visit affected hotels or areas in Corfu have been told they will not be able to on Monday and Tuesday.

Any travelers set to stay at Tui Blue Atlantica Nissaki Beach, Pantokrator, Golden Mare, La Riviera or Nautilus hotels have been advised not to travel Monday or Tuesday.

Thomas Cook

The holiday company has canceled trips to affected areas of Rhodes until July 31. It has contacted its customers to arrange partial and full refunds.

How can I get help if I'm stuck in Rhodes or Corfu?

The Greek government has set up a crisis management unit to help if you are stuck and need assistance.

U.S. and U.K. residents can contact the unit at the numbers below:

• +30 210-368-1730
• +30 210-368-1259
• +30 210-368-1350

"If you are a British national affected by wildfires, please follow the guidance from the emergency services. Call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if you are in immediate danger," the U.K. Foreign Office also advises.

To contact British consular assistance, call +4420 2008 5000. This line is operated 24/7.

For U.S. consulate or embassy guidance , call +30 210-729-4444.

Does my travel insurance cover wildfires?

In most circumstances, it's unlikely that your insurance coverage will offer a specific clause for wildfires. Additionally, governments have not yet advised people not to travel, so it's unlikely that you'd be able to claim on your insurance without a specific clause.

Insurance claims may be valid if your home government changes its advice and instructs people not to travel.

Related: The best travel insurance policies and providers

That said, it does depend on the insurance policy you have. In some instances, people with declared medical conditions or those who become ill due to the wildfires may be able to put forward a claim regardless of their government's travel advice.

As always, with insurance questions, we recommend reading the fine print of your policy to clearly understand the intricacies of what it may cover.

Can I get a refund on my holiday if I return home early?

Possibly, though this will entirely depend on where you are booked to stay, the conditions under which you leave and how you booked your vacation.

If you are traveling as part of a package deal and are forced to return home early due to the wildfires, you might not be entitled to a full reimbursement but could receive a partial refund. This is because the costs of flights will be taken into account and deducted from any refund, as you would still be traveling on the outbound and inbound flights. However, this could vary among package providers, and you should contact the company you booked with for further clarity.

If you booked directly with your accommodation provider and need to end your stay early, any refund policies will be specific to the individual hotel or rental that you booked with.

Can I still get home if I lost my passport during evacuation?

If you were evacuated from Rhodes or Corfu and could not grab your passport beforehand, don't worry.

In this instance, you should contact the Greek authorities. Or, if you're a U.K. resident, contact British consular assistance at +4420 2008 5000. This line is operated 24/7, and they should be able to help arrange temporary travel documentation, which will be accepted on your flight home.

Can I cancel an upcoming trip?

This will depend on the terms outlined by the company you booked your trip with. If the accommodation you were set to stay in has been affected by the fires, your trip may have already been canceled.

However, you may struggle if you are not due to visit an area affected by wildfires but want to preemptively cancel your holiday. We'd advise contacting your package provider or hotel in both circumstances.

If you have booked your flights and accommodation separately, you should receive a full refund for your airfare if the flight is canceled. However, you will need to reach out to your hotel to find out your options for reimbursement for your accommodation.

If your trip has been canceled due to governing authorities, either local or your home government, restricting travel to the area, you should be entitled to a refund.

Bottom line

Wildfires in Greece have upended vacations for thousands of travelers in Rhodes and Corfu. The most badly affected area right now appears to be Rhodes.

U.K. and Greek authorities are not currently warning people to avoid traveling to these Greek islands but do recommend exercising caution. Some airlines are allowing travelers to rebook upcoming outbound flights for later dates or change to earlier return flights if needed.

If you are currently in Rhodes or Corfu and require assistance , you can reach out to the crisis management unit set up by the Greek government at:

If you urgently require the Greek emergency services , you can reach them on 112.

To reach British consular assistance , call +4420 2008 5000.

For U.S. consulate or embassy guidance , call +(30)(210) 729-4444.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

As wildfires continue in parts of Greece – is it safe to travel to Corfu, Crete and Zante right now?

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After a state of emergency was declared in Rhodes – wildfires triggered by the heatwave continue to rage across Greece , holidaymakers are wondering whether it is safe to travel to the Greek islands .

Evacuations took place from Rhodes and Corfu last week, and the raging wildfires have forced thousands to flee , including British tourists, as the owners of dozens of private boats pitched in to help ferry people to safety.

More than 19,000 people have been evacuated from Rhodes so far in what police told local news outlet  Ellada 24  is the largest fire evacuation operation ever carried out in the country.

The latest decision from the minister of civil protection, Vasilis Papageorgiou, means emergency measures apply for the entire island of Rhodes, a popular tourist destination.

The wildfires in Greece caused an explosion on Thursday night, as the flames spread to an ammunition dump.

Two pilots have also died after their plane crashed while attempting to put out fires over Karystos near Athens.

Many tourists initially took to social media to vent their fears and frustration at not being given any information on what to do by travel companies, and some stranded Brits reported being left to sleep on sunbeds .

TUI, Jet2 and Easyjet repatriation flights have been taking place, but  hundreds of tourists had to spend the night sleeping on the floor of Rhodes Airport  as flights home to  London  are delayed.

Greece’s prime minister is now urging people to come back next year by offering them a free one-week stay.

The Cerberus and Charon heatwaves have caused extreme temperatures in southern Europe , with Gythio in Greece topping the temperature charts so far at 46.4C.

So if you’re due to travel to Greece, or had been planning to book a trip there, is it safe to go?

Here is what you need to know.

Is it safe to travel to Greece right now?

The current advice from the Foreign Office is that if you are planning to travel to any areas in Greece which are experiencing wildfires, you should check with your travel operator or hotel prior to travel and make sure you have appropriate insurance .

The Foreign Office says to be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires, and that you should:

• Follow the guidance of the emergency services
• Call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if you are in immediate danger
• Contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK.
• iPhones go to Settings > Notification. Enable the “Emergency Alerts” option at the bottom.
• Android 11 and higher go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts
• Samsung Devices go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Notifications > Emergency Notifications. Enable the Emergency Alerts option
• Read the  Greek Government’s protection guidelines  in the event of a forest fire.
• Register via the  Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service  (in Greek)

The Greek government has also set up a Crisis Management Unit to help with the evacuation of foreign visitors from Rhodes due to the ongoing fires. Contact them for advice on:

• +30 210 368 1730
• +30 210 368 1259
• +30 210 368 1350

Several holiday firms and airlines are cancelling flights to Rhodes, and Jet2 has cancelled all flights and holidays to Rhodes up to and including Sunday, July 30.

Is Crete safe from fires?

At present the latest official map below shows Crete– the very large island at the bottom of the map in the ‘blue zone’ – is at a low risk of fires.

If you’re due to travel to Crete, it’s important to check with your hotel, airline or tour operator, but at present, flights are continuing as scheduled.

Is Santorini safe from fires?

The island of Santorini is in the Cyclades, the small islands in yellow above Crete.

As it is currently zoned in yellow, Santorini is not at present at dangerously elevated risk for wildfires and travel to and from the island is continuing as planned.

However, the situation in Greece is fast-moving and this could change.

Is Zante safe to travel to?

Popular party island Zante is in the Ionian islands, one of the islands in blue to the left of the mainland.

This means that, at the moment, the island is at not a high risk of wildfires.

At the moment there are no travel restrictions to the island but tourists should be very wary of the fire risks.

However, this could change at short notice, so make sure to check with your travel operator before flying.

Is it safe to travel to Kos?

The island of Kos – which is situated on the right of the map just off Turkey – is currently zoned in blue, indicating a low risk of wildfires.

So while it is not in the red ‘danger zone’, and there are currently no travel restrictions, wildfires can break out at any time.

Trips to Kos are continuing as planned at present but as with all wildfires, the situation is fast-moving and can change suddenly.

Can I get a refund on a Greece holiday?

Unless you are advised to cancel your holiday by the Foreign Office, or it is cancelled by the airline or tour operator, there is no guarantee you’ll get your money back if you choose not to travel.

Most insurance policy claims will only pay out on a trip cancellation under certain circumstances, such as illness, a family bereavement or an exceptionally long delay in travel.

Thousands evacuated from homes and hotels on Greek island of Rhodes as wildfires spread https://t.co/NBbPSpvoRx pic.twitter.com/Pnr0JH1vNb — BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) July 23, 2023

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Airlines are also not under any obligation to refund you if you cancel a trip due to factors beyond their control.

That said, if you have a pre-existing medical condition and travelling to Greece could be a health risk, you may be able to claim a refund under the terms of your insurance policy.

Likewise, some travel experts have suggested that airlines may offer some compensation due to the current temperatures.

To encourage tourists to return next year, however, the Greek PM has said that those who were forced to cancel or cut their holiday short can get a free week’s holiday.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis told ITV: ‘For all those whose holiday was cut short as a result of wildfires, the Greek government in cooperation with local authorities will offer one week of free holidays on Rhodes, next spring, the next fall, so that we make sure they come back to the island and enjoy its natural beauty.’

He said that the wildfires affected 15% of Rhodes and that the situation is ‘back to normal’ now but authorities ‘understand that it caused some inconvenience for visitors’.

MORE : As Greece is devastated by wildfires, do we know what sparked the major blazes?

MORE : ‘Fire whirl’ vortexes unleashed by massive wildfire burning western US

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No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

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Is it safe to travel to Rhodes right now? The latest advice after another earthquake in Greece

Another earthquake of a 4.7 magnitude has hit the holiday hotspot of Rhodes – here’s everything you need to know about travelling to the island

After being hit by a  4.8-magnitude earthquake on June 12, t he Greek island of Rhodes  has this morning been rocked by another tremor, a t a magnitude of 4.7.  

This second earthquake is the latest in a string of natural disasters and climate-related extreme weather events in Greece  and the Mediterranean. Last month, parts of Greece are scorching in a 43C heatwave – the earliest heatwave the country has ever seen  – leading to tourist attractions including the Acropolis closing in Athens . Nearby Cyprus has seen a wildfire break out around the city of Paphos . Since then, fires have also spread on the islands if Kos, Chios and Crete , and last summer, w ildfires on Rhodes  led to evacuations last summer . 

Understandably, those with trips booked to Rhodes might be wondering if it’s safe to travel to the island following the second earthquake. Here’s what we know so far.

Is it safe to travel to Rhodes in Greece?

Yes. There are no reports from local media on this just yet, but based on the minimal damage that was suffered after last month’s earthquake, the impact is hopefully not extensive. Flights continued to run after June’s 4.8 magnitude earthquake, and no advice against travelling to Greece was issued at the time. 

Where was impacted by the earthquake?

While tremors were felt in Rhodes, the earthquake’s epicentre was detected 25km north of the island. Tremors were also felt in  Türkiye .

What are your rights if you’ve booked a trip?

As the UK Foreign Office has not officially advised against travelling to Greece, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to cancel your trip without penalties. Your best bet is to check directly with your airline or travel provider.

What are the UK Foreign Office recommending?

Greece, as with the previous earthquake, is still safe to travel to, according to the UK Foreign Office. Their safety and security page  has the following advice on earthquakes.

Greece can experience earthquakes and earth tremors. You should:

• familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake
• follow advice given by the local authorities
• call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if you are in immediate danger

The Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection website has advice about   what to do before, during and after an earthquake , and reports on incidents.

What’s happening in the rest of Greece?

Greece recently experienced its earliest-ever heatwave, meaning the government had to  suspend schools and close the Acropolis (the country’s most popular tourist attraction) due to extreme temperatures of up to 43C. Cyprus , Kos, Chios and Crete have been experiencing wildfires over the last few weeks.  

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Is Rhodes Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Greece : Safety by City

• Thessaloniki

Rhodes Island is considered one of the most beautiful islands in Greece and its capital city is Rhodes.

When it comes to Rhodes, the old part is the main attraction of the city, since it has been one of the UNESCO World Heritage sights.

For tourists seeking relaxation by the sea, Rhodes has to offer white sandy beaches and great food in the restaurants that are next to the shore.

Whether your interests are ancient sites, Rhodes offers plenty of authentic Greece historical buildings and landmarks.

Rhodes is one of the most visited Greek Islands because of the combination of beaches, archaeological sites, and medieval towns.

• Warnings & Dangers in Rhodes

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The island of Rhodes in Greece can be taken as a safe destination, besides being disturbed by some young, drunk partiers who might commit crimes against other tourists or locals. Taxi drivers will try to take advantage by turning off their meters. Pedestrian areas are frequent places where pickpockets operate, as well as the beach.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

One of the road dangers in Rhodes is mopeds which are popular with tourists and the locals as well. Put on the helmet in case you are driving and do not wear headphones while walking around town the city. Taxis drivers may charge you more than the real price and the buses are often very full.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

The risk of being pickpocketed is medium, meaning that the old streets of Rhodes which are attracted by tourists are at the same time attracted by a large number of thieves, especially in summer.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Earthquakes can be experienced in Rhodes, but they are very rare. Sometimes forest fires can occur during the summer months due to the extremely hot weather. They can be dangerous and unpredictable.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Because Rhodes is a safe city, a traveler might think that mugging and kidnapping do not exist. However, there are dangerous zones were attacks on people who look like foreigners were reported. There have been serious crimes against tourists in busy areas and tourist destinations.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Terrorist attacks in Greece might happen, and cannot be predicted. There have been reports of several attacks in places visited by foreigners. Because there is a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally, Greece is the country which might not be excluded.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scam risk is so low, that it can be said that it almost does not exist in Rhodes. However, never walk the streets without being aware of your surroundings and pay attention to your belongings at the beach, due to a large number of immigrants coming to Greece.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Rhodes is a perfect destination for solo female travelers. Greek men are charming and friendly. They usually only admire women and do not bother ones that are not interested. However, you might get some attention you do not want, but the usual offenders are foreigners and not Greeks.

• So... How Safe Is Rhodes Really?

Rhodes is often considered one of the safest places in Greece.

The low crime rate makes it safe to walk around at almost any time of the day or night.

Nevertheless, the biggest dangers on Rhodes can be drunk people at night who often give rise to fights as well as alcohol-rated injuries and car accidents.

It is a touristic center which leads to pickpocketing.

Thieves tend to take advantage of distracted tourists in crowds.

Even though women can feel safe in Rhodes, they should always practice common sense and avoid dangerous areas at night.

To find out what the risky areas are you should consult with the travel guide or local authorities.

You need to be calm in case of any emergency, whether it is an earthquake, forest fire or some medical issues.

Rhodes is the paradise on Earth, and if you have a chance to visit it, do not hesitate.

• How Does Rhodes Compare?
• Useful Information

When you come to Greece as a tourist and plan to stay under 90 days you do not need a visa. Your passport should be valid. For longer stays, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Only travelers with Schengen can stay in Greece as long as they want.

Greece belongs to the European Union and the official currency is the Euro. It is considered a cheap country in comparison with other European countries, where your budget per day does not need to exceed 60-80€.

Autumn and spring in Greece are mild, but winters can be cold. The best time to visit Rhodes is from May to September. The peak season is in July and August, so if you do not like crowds and extremely hot temperatures, you should avoid it.

You can come to Rhodes via some of the main international airports, such as Athens, Korfu, Heraklion, and Rhodes. Rhodes International Airport is located 14 km from Rhodes Town. It operates daily flights to many capitals worldwide.

Travel Insurance

Greece is a country where medical issues might happen, so make sure that you have bought a travel insurance policy before traveling. It is usually obtained with the ticket itself.

Rhodes Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Greece - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

3 Reviews on Rhodes

nice it is really helpful

I have been holidaying in Pefkos Rhodes for 28 years now,needless to say I love it,I travel on my own and can guarantee it is completely safe,if you haven’t already visited then go

Great place for everything

Sunbathing, exploring Greek food, swimming, every little corner of this island can be freely explored. We’re from Germany so a quick 5 hour flight is what it takes to be teleported to paradise.

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Article Contents

• Rhodes : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Tips on Rhodes (Island) Warnings and Dangers – Stay Safe!

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Rhodes (Island) Warnings and Dangers

The island of Rhodes, Greece is not a truly dangerous destination, but there are some unique problems that can pop up. Here are a few tips you should take advantage of in order to remain safe and avoid potential problems.

Walkways and Ruins Are Elevated: Watch Your Footing

Everything seems to be steep on the island of Rhodes. Whether taking in the sights or walking back to your hotel room, you’d be surprised as to the kind of sudden hazards you could face. Many of the resorts have elevated pathways. This helps the pathways stand out, but some may have sudden drops of a few feet. Due to some flooding in past years, many walkways use an elevated construction. Just be careful while walking. When walking to the Acropolis, the stones can be slippery and yet jagged at the same time. Be careful wherever you go on the island as this can potentially be a problem.

Beach Hazards

When at the beach, be mindful of what’s beneath your feet both on the beach itself and in the water. Sponges, coral and shells are common, and stepping on one can injure you. Essentially, whenever on the island of Rhodes, watch where you step. It will help you avoid most problems.

Bring Your Own Medication

There isn’t a wide range of medical services on the island. If you have a basic medical need, you will probably need to handle it yourself. Bring any kind of basic medication you think you might need: for headaches and pain, for indigestion, stomach aches, etc. The upset stomach medication (such as TUMS, Gas-Ex or any other over the counter stomach medication you take) is recommended whenever visiting a new country as you likely will not know what kind of food will agree with your stomach.

Watch Out for Mopeds

Traveling on a moped is a way of life here, and popular with tourists as well. Keep your eyes open: Do not wear headphones while walking around town, and pay attention to the road.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Rhodes Island.

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