It’s a historical highlight of Europe that’s currently experiencing its worst disaster in over a decade with at least 81 people dead, hundreds injured, several dozens still missing and around 2,500 homes scorched.
Fast-moving wildfires that tore through the outskirts of Athens on Monday have devastated the nation during its busiest season and left tourists with upcoming travel plans wondering whether it’s safe enough for them to visit the capital city and beyond.
While Greece expert and Owner of Sun Island Tours, John Polyviou, understands the concern and sympathy among travellers, he told KARRYON that he sees no need for them to delay or cancel upcoming trips to the country, specifically Athens.
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Polyviou explained that the affected areas – Mati, Neos Voutsas and Rafina – are regional areas outside of Athens and aren’t generally hot spots for international tourists including Aussies.
Popular places for Australian travellers including the Cycladic Islands, Athens and all the major sites around mainland Greece, have not been affected by fires and continue to be safe to visit.
“At this stage, as none of the popular tourist areas are affected, I don’t see any issues for travellers visiting.”
John Polyviou, Sun Island Tours Owner
Polyviou continued, saying that “nothing has really changed for travellers” aside from some flight delays and re-routing of ferries to Piraeus Port.
Image: Farsai C./Unsplash
“They can continue to enjoy their holiday and take in the beauty of Greece,” he said.
According to Sun Island Tours’ on-the-ground operators, the full extent of the damage in regional areas is still unknown and the biggest concern among locals is locating the many people still missing.
“We know that while many people have died and more are injured, there are still many more who have been yet located and may be feared dead,” Polyviou said.
“Many residents have fled their homes due to the speed at which the fires were spreading. Sadly, some who were even in their cars and motorbikes didn’t manage to escape.”
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