Rhodes Wildfire Forces Evacuation of 2,000 People Including Resort Tourists
A wildfire ignited on Rhodes on 18 July 2026, forcing the evacuation of approximately 2,000 people — including tourists staying at two seaside resorts — from four locations on the island. Evacuees were moved by sea while ground crews and aerial firefighting units worked to contain the blaze.
The four evacuated areas include two coastal resort locations, meaning the disruption directly affected holidaymakers rather than only local residents. Greek authorities coordinated the sea evacuation using coastguard and ferry vessels. A separate fire on Evia in the same period led to the evacuation of four villages there.
What this means if you are on Rhodes now
Follow updates from Greek Civil Protection at cpedia.gr and monitor communications from your hotel or resort. Evacuation orders in Greece are issued without advance notice and require immediate compliance.
If your accommodation is in an affected zone, you will be notified by property staff. Gather essential documents and medications and proceed to the assembly point without waiting for a second instruction.
If you are travelling to Rhodes in the coming days, check the current fire status before departure. Conditions can change within hours. Airline and ferry operators may introduce short-notice changes to services serving the island.
Save the Greek emergency number: 112 — free from any network, with English-speaking assistance available.
Onward travel
Rhodes airport is outside the current affected areas, but smoke and low visibility can cause operational delays even when the airport itself remains open. Passengers with ferry connections should contact their operator directly, as sea routes may be affected by smoke conditions or temporary port restrictions.
Our Rhodes island guide covers the main resort areas, transport links, and island geography. For emergency contacts, insurance guidance, and advice on navigating wildfire conditions in Greece, see our Greece travel safety guide.
Greek Civil Protection is monitoring the situation in real time. Updates on evacuation status and affected zones will be issued as conditions develop.