ATHENS—Brushfires have flared up across parts of northern and central Crete, forcing local authorities to close several hiking trails and prompting tour operators to reshuffle excursions, according to a press release by Which? Travel. While core resort areas and both international airports remain open, smoke and periodic road closures have disrupted day-to-day movement in the island’s interior.
Where the flames are and how they affect popular holiday zones
The current blazes are concentrated in the foothills between Rethymno and Heraklion, an area known more for inland vineyards and olive farms than for beachfront resorts. Municipal officials have carried out precautionary evacuations of a handful of mountain hamlets, but seaside towns such as Chania, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda have not reported structural damage. Local firefighting units, aided by water-bombing aircraft from the Hellenic Air Force, say containment lines are holding but warn that wind shifts could change conditions quickly.
Advice for travelers already on the island
- Sign up for the free 112 Civil Protection SMS alerts, which the Greek government issues in English and Greek during emergencies.
- Keep your passport, medication and one day of clothing in a grab-and-go bag; hotels are legally obliged to tell guests if an evacuation order is issued.
- Plan extra transfer time if driving between the north-coast resorts and sites such as Arkadi Monastery or Samaria Gorge; several inland roads may close without notice for firefighter access.
- Expect reduced visibility on popular trekking routes, particularly in the White Mountains, and verify the status of national parks before heading out.
Can you cancel or postpone your trip?
Under the U.K. Package Travel Regulations, customers may “cancel and receive a full refund if an unavoidable and extraordinary circumstance at the destination significantly affects the performance of the package,” the release explains. Wildfires that merely require itinerary tweaks—such as swapping a wine-tasting for a coastal cruise—usually do not meet that threshold. However, if your accommodation or a major excursion is inaccessible because of official evacuation orders, you can request a cost-free cancellation or a comparable alternative.
Independent travelers who booked flights and lodging separately fall under different rules. Airlines are obliged to refund or reroute you only when flights are canceled or severely delayed. Hotels often rely on their own force-majeure clauses; some Cretan properties are allowing free changes, but others are sticking to standard cancellation timelines. Check the terms closely before you decide.
What travel insurance will—and will not—cover
Standard single-trip and annual multi-trip policies typically include catastrophe or natural disaster clauses, yet each insurer sets its own bar for what counts as “catastrophic.” Coverage normally kicks in when:
- Your pre-booked accommodation becomes uninhabitable.
- A government authority orders you to leave the area.
- You incur extra costs for alternative lodging or early re-routing home.
Insurers seldom pay out for “disinclination to travel,” so a holidaymaker who wants to cancel simply because the news feels alarming may be on the hook for the full bill. Call your provider before making changes—most require written proof such as an evacuation notice.
Flight operations and rebooking policies
Both Heraklion International Airport (HER) and Chania International Airport (CHQ) remain fully operational. Flag-carrier Aegean Airlines and several low-cost carriers told Which? Travel they are “monitoring the situation” but have not adjusted schedules. Charter airlines serving U.K. package holidaymakers—Jet2, TUI and easyJet holidays—have activated flexible change windows; passengers due to depart within the next seven days can switch dates or destination free of amendment fees, subject to availability.
Evacuation logistics: how it works in Greece
If local authorities issue a mandatory evacuation, hotel staff coordinate with fire brigades and civil-protection officers. Guests are typically bused to a nearby sports hall or school temporarily. From there, tour operators arrange transfer to alternate hotels or repatriation flights if necessary. Travelers should save contact numbers for their airline or tour company’s 24-hour helpline as mobile networks can become saturated during emergencies.
One quick quote
“Holidaymakers shouldn’t panic, but they should stay informed and know their rights before making knee-jerk decisions,” said a Which? Travel spokesperson.
Jetsetter Guide takeaway
For most visitors, the wildfires mean inconvenience rather than outright peril, yet conditions are fluid. Stay connected to official alerts, keep your paperwork handy and understand the difference between inconvenience and force majeure when talking to your airline, hotel or insurer. If your itinerary centers on inland hikes or agritourism stays, consider contingency plans—or pivot to the beach until smoke clears.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive across the island right now?
Main highways are open, but mountain roads may close suddenly. Use live-navigation apps and heed police detours.
Will my rental-car insurance cover fire damage?
Most Greek rentals include third-party liability only. Add comprehensive coverage if you plan to park near forested areas.
Can I claim back unused excursions?
Package-tour operators must refund excursions they cancel. Independent travelers must rely on the ticket provider’s terms.
What happens if the airport closes?
EU261 regulations require airlines to reroute you at the earliest opportunity or refund your ticket.
Pro tips for a smoother stay
- Choose seaside lodging with dual road access; coastal routes are less likely to be blocked by fire crews.
- Bookmark the Greek Civil Protection website for real-time hazard maps.
- Pack N95 masks; even if flames stay distant, smoke can drift kilometers downwind.
- Schedule high-energy activities—like the Imbros Gorge trek—early in the morning before temperatures peak.
Should the situation escalate, your best defense is documentation: screenshots of evacuation texts, emails from your tour operator and dated photos of any damage. These serve as evidence for insurance or charge-back claims later on.
Summer on Crete is still very much on, but a dose of preparedness will help you focus on the island’s famed beaches, tavernas and Minoan ruins rather than the local fire bulletin.
