Ahead of the heatwave expected to grip the entire country tomorrow (22/07), authorities are implementing strict preventive measures in high-risk areas. A ban on entry and presence in the Seikh Sou forest has already been decided, while the Samaria Gorge will remain closed to visitors.
Read also: Knossos: Two fainting incidents due to heatwave — archaeological site closes until 5 p.m.
Traffic blocked in forested areas of Chalkidiki
A ban on the movement of pedestrians and all types of vehicles will come into effect tomorrow (Wednesday, July 22) between 08:00 and 20:00 in areas of Chalkidiki, due to the high risk of wildfire.
According to the General Regional Police Directorate of Central Macedonia, the ban applies to:
- The Kassandra Peninsula: the “Koryfogrammi” ridge (from Kassandrino to Agia Paraskevi), “Arapis” and “Chalkovoyni” in the local community of Paliouri
- The Sithonia Peninsula: the Dragoundeli ridge, from the Beekeeping Cooperative to Sykia
- The Municipality of Aristotle: Komitsa to Ouranoupoli — Tsamia Stratonikis — Fysoka — Stratoni Shooting Range
Samaria Gorge in Chania closed
The Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency, taking into account the heatwave that has prevailed in recent days and the updated forecast bulletin from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), which indicates that temperatures above 36°C are expected tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22, 2026 — exceeding the approved operating thresholds set by the Regional Unit of Chania — has announced that the Samaria Gorge will be closed to visitors on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from both of its entrances.
Traffic ban in Seikh Sou forest
A traffic ban is being imposed on the Thessaloniki Periurban Forest (Seikh Sou), the forested areas of Oraiokastro and Thermi, and the Panorama Forest Estate in the Metropolitan Unit of Thessaloniki, effective from tomorrow morning until the following morning.
Specifically, due to the high risk of wildfire (fire danger category 4) in the Metropolitan Unit of Thessaloniki, by decision of the Deputy Regional Governor of Thessaloniki, Kostas Gioutikas, from 07:30 on Wednesday morning until 07:30 on Thursday morning, all pedestrian and vehicular movement is prohibited in the following areas:
- The section of Seikh Sou forest enclosed by the Thessaloniki Ring Road, the provincial road of Pefka–Asvestochori–Exochi, and the provincial road of Thessaloniki–Panorama–Chortiatis
- The Oraiokastro forest area (Oraiokastro Forest Estate)
- The Panorama Forest Estate (from the Platanakia Forestry Station to the Shooting Range)
- The Thermi forest area, specifically near the Environmental Park and the Isenli Forest Estate
