ATHENS, Greece — A punishing heat wave that drove thermometers above 45C has ignited scores of wildfires across Greece, prompting emergency evacuations in suburbs of Athens and on three popular islands.

ATHENS, Greece — Tourists flooding into Athens this week are finding more than dazzling ruins and seaside tavernas. A blistering heatwave sweeping the country is forcing landmark closures, midday work stoppages and heightened fire alerts across Greece’s most-visited regions.

ROME, Italy — A dream photo at the Trevi Fountain or a leisurely climb up to the Acropolis is starting to feel more like a contact sport than a cultural rite of passage.

Wildfires Disrupt Summer Getaways on Chios

Wildfires triggered tourist evacuation on Greek island Chios this week, as reported by the English-language edition of Kathimerini. Flames that broke out Sunday in three different locations near Chios Town spread quickly through forest and farmland, prompting the Greek government to declare a state of emergency by Tuesday. You can read Kathimerini’s full coverage here: ekathimerini.com.

American tourists are now the top spenders among international travelers to Greece, according to a press release by Visa following the company’s first comprehensive study into Greek tourism trends. This new insight reinforces the significance of the U.S. market for Greece’s travel industry, especially for those eyeing luxury accommodations and unique experiences.

Greece Faces Overtourism Crisis, May Limit Summer Visitors

ATHENS, Greece — As sunseekers flock to Greece’s famed islands and historic cities this summer, the country faces a mounting overtourism crisis that may prompt authorities to cap visitor numbers in key destinations.