Is it safe to visit the Greek islands? Travel advice after extreme flooding

A storm in the Aegean Sea has brought severe flooding to the Greek islands of Paros, Mykonos and Crete, with heavy rainfall also hitting popular islands including Rhodes and Samos.

In the towns of Naousa and Parikia in Paros, the island worst hit by the flooding, property was damaged, shops were flooded and cars were carried through the streets by floodwaters. The flash flooding began on Monday, March 31, with Crete becoming the latest victim of the storm on Tuesday, April 1, and Wednesday, April 2.

Paros’s mayor Costas Bizas told the public broadcaster ERT: “Roads have been damaged and we need help with more machines so that we can clear the streets … all this catastrophe happened in two hours.”

Flights are still operating to the Greek islands as normal, and the UK Foreign Office has not updated its travel advice in light of the flooding. However, tourists should be aware that some shops, restaurants and tourist attractions on the islands are likely to be closed. If you are planning to visit any of the affected islands, here’s everything you need to know.

Where is the flooding in Greece?

The flooding began on Monday, March 31, when a storm in the Aegean Sea caused sudden flash flooding on the Cyclades islands of Paros and Mykonos. On Paros, cars were swept out to sea, homes and businesses were flooded, and debris was carried through the streets by the muddy floodwater. Residents of both islands were instructed to stay indoors, with schools closed. Damage to the road networks meant that only emergency vehicles were permitted on the islands’ roads.

Extreme rainfall continued into Wednesday, April 2, with the island of Crete experiencing the heaviest downpours. Rescue crews were sent to assist people trapped in vehicles by floodwater on Crete, with rockslides also reported on the island.

Residents remove furniture from a building damaged by flooding in Paros on April 1

GETTY IMAGES

Rhodes also faced strong winds that toppled trees and caused damage to property, and on other islands in the Dodecanese chain — Kos, Kalymnos, Symi and Tilos — schools were shut in anticipation of more flooding later this week.

There have not been reports of any deaths caused by the flooding.

When was the last time Greece experienced flooding?

Recent years have seen frequent flooding in Greece. In 2023, catastrophic flooding killed 17 people and destroyed houses and crops in the central region of Thessaly. In 2022, a powerful storm caused flooding on Crete that killed two people and caused widespread damage.

• Discover our full guide to Greece

Is it safe to travel to the Greek islands?

A severe weather warning has been issued for the Cyclades island group in the central Aegean Sea, which includes the popular tourist hotspots of Mykonos and Paros.

The country’s Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) has warned that heavy rain and storms are expected to continue through Wednesday. It said in a statement that areas of the country that have been particularly badly affected by the extreme weather are:

• Islands in the Cyclades
• The islands of the eastern Aegean (mainly ​​Samos, Ikaria, Chios)
• Areas in the Dodecanese until midday on Wednesday
• Areas of eastern and central Greece, including Attica and Evia
• Thessaly and the Sporades

The HNMS advised residents and visitors to act in accordance with information from local authorities and to stay informed on the latest weather reports.

While flights are still operating to Greek islands including Paros, Crete, and Mykonos as usual, and cruises continue to dock on the islands, travellers should be aware that roads have been closed on Paros and Crete, many restaurants and shops remain shut, and rainfall is forecast to continue on Wednesday, April 2.

What is the official Foreign Office advice?

The Foreign Office has issued no advice against travelling to Greece or its islands at present. Passengers should check the latest advice from local authorities in case the storm worsens.

Can I get a refund if I choose not to travel to the affected Greek islands?

In the absence of Foreign Office advice against non-essential travel, you are not automatically entitled to a refund under the Package Travel regulations. If you have booked with a travel agent or tour operator, you should call them to discuss your options. If you have booked directly, a refund is likely only if the flight is cancelled or your accommodation is closed.

Am I covered by my travel insurance?

The more you paid for your insurance, the more likely it is that the policy includes cover for cancellation and curtailment due to natural disasters. Check your documents for more details.

• Travel insurance guide: everything you need to know

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