Hundreds of people in Cyprus have been forced to evacuate their homes after large wildfires swept through parts of Paphos.
Nearly two dozen homes have been destroyed and people in the towns of Psathi, Choulou, and Lemona were told to leave after extreme heat sparked wildfires this week.
According to local reports, strong winds, dense vegetation, and soaring temperatures could have caused the fires. At the time of writing, firefighters continued to battle “continuous and intense” flare-ups in some areas.
Cyprus has reportedly requested assistance from Jordan and Greece, with firefighting planes sent to control the fires.
Cyprus is a popular summer hotspot for UK holidaymakers and Paphos is a bustling city on the south-west coast that welcomes countless holidaymakers each year.
Almost four million people visited the island in 2023, with this year set to be another big year for tourism in Cyprus.
However, with record summer temperatures and the current wildfires, some may wonder if it's safe to visit in the summer.
Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to the island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Is it safe to travel to Cyprus?
According to Cyprus’ Department of Meteorology, an extreme weather warning is in place, with an alert saying the temperature could rise to 43 degrees in places.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) office hadn’t updated its travel guidance for Cyprus at the time of writing. However, it says: “Forest fires and wildfires often occur during the summer months due to dry and hot weather.”
The UK Government has urged people to exercise caution, reminding visitors to Cyprus to stub cigarettes out properly, avoid barbeques, and be ready to call the emergency services on 112 or 1407 if they spot a fire.
Flights to the country are still operating, with most visits unaffected by the wildfires.
As there haven’t been any changes to UK travel advice, it's unlikely that you can cancel flights without incurring a fee. However, check this with your travel company/airline.
How to deal with a heatwave
Given the scorching temperatures, it’s best to be prepared to deal with the heat if you go to Cyprus.
Other countries such as Turkey and Greece have similarly recorded temperatures in the high 30s, so you should exercise caution about travel to any part of the region.
Familiarise yourself with signs of potential heat stroke and stay hydrated and in the shade during the hottest part of the day to keep yourself cool.
