Evacuations ordered as wildfires spread across popular Greek holiday island
Large wildfires are currently ravaging the Greek holiday island of Chios, having broken out around midday on 22 June.
Strong winds are causing the flames and thick smoke to spread rapidly across three fronts, damaging warehouses and threatening homes.
Precautionary evacuations have been ordered for residents in 16 settlements across the island.
Approximately 140 firefighters, 15 engines, and 70 forest commandos have been deployed to battle the extensive blaze.
Watch the full video above.
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Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The best Greek islands to retire to in 2025 - including a destination with over 300 days of sunshine a year
Dreaming of spending your golden years under the sun? A new report has revealed the best island destinations in Greece for retirees and the dream might be more 'realistic' than many people think. Jennifer Stevens, executive editor of International Living, says: 'People dream of retiring to a Greek island for the sunshine and beauty - but what's remarkable is how realistic that dream actually is today. 'With excellent healthcare, a warm Mediterranean lifestyle, and surprisingly low costs, Greece ticks all the right boxes for a fulfilling European retirement. 'While many assume island life must come with sacrifices, in Greece, you gain more than you lose. From bustling markets and historic towns to efficient healthcare and international airports, many of these islands are better connected and better resourced than people expect.' So, where are Greece's best islands for retirees? Greece expert Lynn Roulo has picked out six 'standout' Greek islands that have plenty to offer those looking to spend their golden years in the sun. Crete Top of the list is Crete which ' combines the best of Greek island living with practical advantages' like healthcare, accessibility and infrastructure. Lynn says: 'With a population of over 600,000, Crete offers the infrastructure of a small country with the soul of an island. 'It has a strong expat community, particularly in Chania and Rethymno, and a lower cost of living than many Western countries. Its blend of ancient history, Mediterranean beauty and modern comforts make it a top-tier choice for retirement in Greece.' Lynn recommends looking at Heraklion for museums, Chania for a charming old town, Rethynmno for a vibrant cultural scene and Agios Nikolaos for its relaxed coastal lifestyle. Corfu Corfu is the ideal choice for British retirees who 'love Greece and Italy in equal measure'. 'With regular direct flights from the UK, including London, Glasgow, Manchester and more, it has long been a favourite among British retirees, contributing to a welcoming English-community,' says Lynn. 'Corfu is a strong contender for retirement, especially for those who enjoy a quiet, peaceful winter and a lively, social summer.' She recommends Corfu Town due to its UNESCO status and 'cobbled streets' filled with 'charm and character'. Syros This pretty island should get 'serious consideration' from retirees searching for culture in their golden years. Lynn says: 'As the administrative capital of the Cyclades - the island group that included Mykonos and Santorini - Syros stands apart with its refined charm, elegant architecture and vibrant, year-round atmosphere.' Syros has more of a 'continental feel' than other Greek islands, says Lynn with 'Venetian-style balconies' instead of whitewashed villages. The travel expert adds: 'Cafes, markets and waterfront tavernas remain open throughout the year, making it one of the few Greek islands that doesn't slow to a crawl in the winter months.' Naxos Naxos is a 'lower-profile island that is growing in popularity', explains Lynn, who adds that it's the 'largest island in the Cyclades'. It could be a dreamy home for foodies as the island is unofficially known as the 'cheese capital of Greece' and is home to more than 10,000 cows. Active retirees could hike the 1,640 feet to the top of Mount Zas, the highest mountain in the Cyclades. Lynn says: 'For those seeking an authentic Greek island experience with excellent gastronomy and a varied landscape, Naxos is a solid option.' Rhodes Rhodes is known for its 'exceptionally sunny climate' that averages 'over 300 days of sunshine a year'. Lynn recommends Rhodes Town, which has one of 'Europe's best-preserved medieval quarters'. She adds: 'Rhodes isn't just about history. With over 40 Blue Flag beaches, it's also ideal for beach lovers.' The travel expert particularly recommends the 'golden sands' at Tsambika Beach or 'windsurfing' at Prasonisi Beach. Evia Evia is Greece's second-largest island and is connected to the Greek mainland via two bridges. Lynn says: 'What sets Evia apart is its rare blend of natural beauty, year-round accessibility, and authentic Greek living - all without the tourist crowds that often overwhelm more well-known islands.' In the centre of the island, retirees will find 'lush forests' and 'rolling hills' and 'olive groves'. The island also has plenty of 'clean, uncrowded' beaches along its 'rugged coastline' with 'good water quality'.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Fewer crowds and quiet hotels – what it's like visiting Santorini following the earthquakes
Santorini's signature view is as marvellous as ever. From my vantage point at Adami restaurant in the picture-perfect village of Oia, I can see the semicircular sweep of the volcanic crater's cliffs plunging deeply into a midnight-blue sea, with Thirassia islet completing its outline on the other side. Ferries are buzzing in and out of the port beneath Fira, the island's capital, while the massive cruise ships anchored nearby are so far below that they look like bath toys. It's an everyday Santorini scene, but this year's tourist season is anything but average. Oia, though still bustling, is considerably quieter than usual: a situation that's partly attributed to the earthquakes that shook the island back in February, right in the middle of the peak booking period for sunshine holidays. 'It definitely had an impact,' confides John Bubaris, the general manager of Canaves Ena, the luxurious hotel within which Adami sits. 'The island as a whole has had a very slow start to the season, but now that things have calmed down and bookings are returning.' Had the earthquakes hit any other Greek island than the one with a world-famous profile, it's unlikely that they would have made headline news. Tremors, after all, are commonplace in Greece thanks to the nation's position near a subduction zone where two tectonic plates collide. Nevertheless, February's period of seismic activity was unusual. 'It wasn't so much the intensity as the frequency that was surprising,' says John, 'with literally hundreds of tremors every day.' And although there were viral videos online of rocks tumbling down the caldera's cliffs, there was barely any damage to the island's infrastructure or architecture. 'The schools were closed and many locals temporarily left, but the situation was never out of control,' continues John. 'Admittedly, it was sometimes scary, but I honestly found it exciting!' Canaves isn't the only Santorini hotel that's shrugging off the earthquakes' hangover. Daniel Kerzner, who owns Santorini Sky: an all-villa retreat at the centre of the island, close to the hilltop village of Pyrgos, told me: 'The island is fully open again, with zero limitations. Even with the disruption, we've already welcomed guests from nearly 20 countries since January, and we're forecasting 90 per cent occupancy for the year overall.' Despite this positive outlook, even a casual observer can see that Santorini's tourism has taken a hit. I was there in late May, well before the peak-season rush, and in places Santorini felt eerily quiet. Yes, the port had been hectic when I arrived by ferry, but in Oia there were hardly any people at the spots where queues normally form to take selfies beside the village's famous blue-domed churches. I walked to Oia one morning along the rugged clifftop footpath from Fira and only encountered a trickle of hikers where usually there'd be a flood. And when I passed through Imerovigli, the highest village on the cliffs, the plunge pools at the many sunset-facing hotels and suites were almost all unoccupied. Even Imerovigli's ubiquitous 'floaty dress' and 'bride-and-groom' photoshoots were in short supply. If you ever wanted to see Santorini without the crowds, this could be the year to do it. You might want to think about booking soon, though, as the calm won't last for long. Mercury Holidays is one operator for whom Greece bookings are resurging. 'We haven't seen any longer-term negative impact on customer demand for Santorini and other Greek islands after the earthquakes,' says the company's marketing manager, Charlie Wakeham. 'Enquiries for Greece are actually higher than last year; and bookings are up, especially for last-minute and summer holidays.' Even though it sounds like the island is set for a business-as-usual summer, visitors this year can expect a few positive changes. A particular battle is against the reported overtourism that's tarnished Santorini's reputation in recent years. Much of this overcrowding has been attributed to visiting cruise ships, though a €20 (£16.80) per person tax on passengers coming ashore is one of a raft of measures introduced this year to begin resetting the balance. Elsewhere, there are moves to tackle the perception that Santorini is exclusive and expensive, especially in Oia, where the romance of cave-suite hotels means that some of them can get away with charging the highest rates in all of Greece. 'Several of Oia's fine-dining restaurants have recently switched to offering more traditional Greek cuisine,' says John Bubaris. 'It's in response to consumer behaviour shifts towards simpler, more authentic experiences, but it's also helping to counter the image of Santorini being too pricey.' It all sounds rather promising for Santorni-bound holidaymakers this summer, I told him. 'Definitely,' John agrees. 'It's great that hoteliers, cruise lines and other stakeholders are coming together collectively to improve the overall guest experience, especially in Oia. That can only be a good thing.' How to save on your Santorini holiday As one of Europe's most sought-after holiday destinations, Santorini getaways don't always come cheap. While you can often find a great deal by booking directly with the hotel, or via booking platforms like Expedia and it's also worth considering a package deal where your flights and transfers are included, too. Jet2holidays is offering one of the best deals right now, saving you £100 per person on all Santorini holidays departing before 15 November 2026. To be eligible, for the full savings you will need to register as a free myJet2 member, however, non-members can still save £90. See more travel deals on our dedicated Jet2holidays discount codes page.
Telegraph
4 hours ago
- Telegraph
It's still possible to find a Corfu unspoilt by mass tourism – here's how
If Eau de Corfu were a fragrance, there'd be a couple of editions. 'Kavos Summer' would combine aromas of Ambre Solaire, lager, souvlaki and moped fumes. 'Durrell Spring', meanwhile, would feature top notes of orange blossom and sea breeze, hints of wild oregano and fennel, undertones of pine and olive. Which is a roundabout way of saying that there is more than one Corfu. There's the fly-and-flop destination typified by sprawling resorts. Then there's the magical isle evoked so lyrically in conservationist, naturalist and presenter Gerald Durrell's My Family and Other Animals: tortoises lumbering through somnolent olive groves, paint-peeling villas, fireflies and figs. That's the version that sparked my vicarious long-distance love affair with Corfu many decades ago – though I'd never actually visited. This year marks the centenary of Gerald's birth, celebrated with events including a revival of the play of My Family in Corfu Town. So the time seemed ripe for a first visit to Corfu, to search for his old haunts. On the face of it, this is easier said than done. In the postwar decades Corfu's tourism industry boomed, redrawing stretches of coastline. In 2024, nearly two million international air passengers landed, a figure doubled by domestic flights, cruise-ship passengers and ferries. 'Gerry thought it was partly his fault that Corfu succumbed to mass tourism,' I was told by Lee Durrell, his widow, who has a home in the island's hilly centre. 'In the 1960s, he became distraught at the pace of shoreline development, believing it was in some ways a result of the popularity of his books.' In truth, the worst of overtourism in Corfu is concentrated in a limited number of spots, largely on the east coast. You'll also find other smaller, more pleasant resorts with luxury villas, family-friendly hotels and welcoming guesthouses. But historically most Corfiot Italians lived inland, seeking safety from seaborne raids in settlements amid the hilly interior. Today that hinterland is, if not untouched, still largely a sleepy swathe of variegated greens: some four million olive trees interspersed with cypress, myrtle and kermes oak. How, then, to discover authentic glimpses of Gerry Durrell's childhood paradise? I found the answer – and not for the first time – in a hike: the 110 or so miles of the Corfu Trail, which traverses the island from south to north, winding inland to visit settlements little touched by tourism. Don't expect to find the exact places Durrell depicts, though, cautions Hilary Whitton Paipeti, an English expat who launched the Trail in 2001. 'Not all of the specific locations and moments he recounts may have existed in the way he describes them,' she notes. 'They could be amalgams of various sites and incidents. But you can find similar spots if you know where to look.' Her updated book In the Footsteps of Lawrence Durrell and Gerald Durrell in Corfu (corfudurrellfootsteps) offers handy pointers. Wary of the fierce heat and hordes of summer, my wife and I walked in April, enjoying the freshness of spring when, Gerry wrote, 'the island was flower-filled, scented, and a-flutter with new leaves'. Stage-by-stage descriptions of walking routes rarely thrill, so let's paint a broad-brushstrokes picture of a typical day. As the morning stretches wide its arms and yawns, we follow a stony track between veteran olive trees. Cats snooze under chairs, on tables, beneath bushes. The fluting whistle of a golden oriole, the trills of Sardinian warblers, the liquid babble of goldfinch. Basking blue-faced lizards skitter off the path. Wildflowers jostle for attention, festooned with butterflies: shivering rock roses, flimsy mauve petals crumpled like crepe paper. Ivory lace-flowers, cerulean borage and blowsy, bearded iris. And orchids – so many orchids: pyramidal, horseshoe bee, green-winged, early-purple and titillating naked-man orchids. Each stage ended on the coast, to find accommodation and food. We'd shed sandy boots, plunge into the limpid Med for a spring-brisk swim, then dither over typical Corfiot dishes: stifado, beef or rabbit simmered with tomatoes, baby onions and red wine vinegar; sofrito, thin slices of veal in garlic, herb and white wine sauce; pastitsada, rich meat stew with pasta; or bourdetto, dogfish or eel in a spicy red sauce. Inevitably, wildlife encounters were pale echoes of those described by the boy naturalist. On Lake Korission, where Gerry and mentor Theodore Stephanides watched flamingos, we spotted only a lone egret stalking the shallows. The Durrells enjoyed a nocturnal lightshow as cavorting porpoises set the bioluminescent sea ablaze; we delighted in fireflies dancing like 'green embers' beneath our balcony. Gerry watched mating snakes 'entangled as streamers at a carnival'; I narrowly avoided treading on a pair of horned vipers coupling on the path. The route stitches together stretches of stony tracks, sandy paths and forest trails, cobbled kalderimi (traditional donkey paths), concrete and asphalt, linking scenic, cultural and culinary highlights. There's the clifftop Byzantine fortress of Angelokastro, with sweeping views across Palaiokastritsa – reputedly where Odysseus washed ashore, and where parts of recent Ralph Fiennes epic The Return were filmed. Though now much developed, its gorgeously sculpted coves retain the allure that prompted Theodore Stephanides to rhapsodise: 'Palaiokastritsa… with its three bays and rocky headlands, was a dream from another world.' There were unforgettable characters, too. Above Prasouli Beach we met Mitéra, 'Mother of the Olive Groves'. Impossibly twisted, sinewy and pocked with holes, Mitéra is laden with history – and 10,000 olives in a good year. Perhaps 1,500 years old, she yielded fruit before England existed, and well before the Venetians – who ruled Corfu for four centuries from 1386 – mandated the planting of the ubiquitous olive groves. In inland settlements, sightless windows stare from empty houses abandoned when residents sought opportunities on the coast or overseas – a hollowing-out of hill villages being alleviated somewhat by the Corfu Trail. At his cafe in Dafnata, for example, Kostas Raris refuels hikers with apple pie, baklava and walnut cake washed down with ginger beer, made using a recipe left by the British in the 19th century. 'When I was young, and my father ran this cafe, locals would pop in at six o'clock for an ouzo and half a cigarette – that was all they could afford – en route to their olive groves,' he recalls. 'Now, few people tend their trees, but 20 or 30 walkers come through daily in spring and autumn.' Like any good story, the Corfu Trail builds to a climax. Our final day's walk climbed steeply from Spartylas on a stony path leading to the decrepit chapel of Taxiarchis, where once-vivid frescos have been sun-bleached and wind-scrubbed. Continuing through magical goblin woodland and the flower-spangled karst plateau, we tackled the island's loftiest peak, 906 metre Pantokrator – its monastery now overshadowed by an unsightly forest of antennae – then descended its northern slopes to Palea (Old) Perithia. At its zenith, Corfu's oldest continuously inhabited village, established in the 14th century, was a prosperous settlement of some 130 houses served by no fewer than eight churches. In decline from the 1960s, today there's again something of buzz – and not just from bees producing its renowned honey. Under the leafy pergola of Foros, one of several tavernas opened in historic houses, we glugged icy ginger beer and wiped plates clean of tzatziki and spinach tsigareli with garlicky crusts. Old Perithia's renaissance reflects hopes that alternative tourism, including hiking, can help revive dwindling settlements away from the beaches – and yield glimpses of lost lifestyles and landscapes Gerry loved. Erimitis: coastal Corfu's last stand? In Corfu's far northeast curves the exquisite cove of Kalami. In the Thirties it cast its spell on Gerry's brother Lawrence Durrell, who lived with his first wife, Nancy, in 'a white house set like a dice in a rock already venerable with the scars of wind and water'. You can stay in their apartment, which still holds Larry's typewriter, sideboard and rocking chair, or eat in the well-respected The White House restaurant below. That once-lonely bay is now increasingly hemmed in by villas, apartments, tavernas and a resort. But a pleasant amble north round headlands and beaches leads to the Erimitis ('Hermit') peninsula – focus of a campaign to prevent planned tourism development. 'This is the last pristine, virtually untouched coastal area of Corfu,' says Dr Simon Karythis, executive director of the Ionian Environment Foundation. 'There are no olive groves, just natural Mediterranean scrub, and no buildings to speak of.' It's a precious Corfiot remnant of an ancient ecosystem, where oaks, myrtles and strawberry trees shade sandy footpaths lined by orchids; the wider habitat, including three brackish lakes and thriving near-shore seagrass beds, is home to a profusion of birds, terrapins, fish, mammals and invertebrates. 'Erimitis has a high diversity of butterflies – endemic species and some shared with Albania,' explains Karythis. 'It's on an important migratory route for birds, many of which stop over and feed in the lakes. There are otters and dolphins, and vulnerable Mediterranean monk seals have been spotted; we're funding research into possible pupping caves on the peninsula.' A swathe comprising around one-third of Erimitis was previously government-owned, site of a naval observation post on this closest point to Albania. But following Greece's financial crisis, in 2012 rights to develop around one-third of the headland were sold to investment company NCH Capital, whose plans included a high-end hotel, holiday apartments and villas. The current status of the project is unclear, though information provided to The Telegraph by NCH in 2019 stated that only 7 per cent of the land would be built on, that the design complies with Greek sustainable development requirements, and that it would enhance environmental protection. Yet campaigners believe any substantial development would be devastating for Erimitis. For now, it's a uniquely beautiful patch to explore on foot, with near-empty swimming beaches, serene lagoons and dense thickets providing delicious pools of shade and wildlife habitat – a last untouched coastal corner of Gerald Durrell's 'Garden of the Gods'. 'It's wonderful that Erimitis has remained so unscathed by mass tourism,' muses Lee Durrell. 'It's a really wild place where you can stroll beautiful footpaths, and look for reptiles and butterflies and migratory birds. Right now, Corfu has an amazing opportunity to do something really fine – to be bold and brave, and save this last gasp of nature.' Walks Worldwide (01962 302085) offers a 15-day Corfu Trail holiday covering the entire route plus nights in Kalami, close to Erimitis, from £1,329 including flights, B&B and two dinners. Shorter itineraries also available.
