Severe forest fires in Cyprus: What travelers need to know

Cyprus is one of the most popular travel destinations in the Mediterranean. However, especially during the hot and dry summer months, severe forest and bush fires repeatedly occur on the island. On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, a devastating fire broke out in the hinterland of the city of Limassol in the south of the island. According to the Cypriot broadcaster RIK, the fire claimed two lives and injured numerous others, causing significant damage.

According to the authorities, 16 villages, three campsites and several tent camps were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Travelers currently in Cyprus or planning a trip there have many questions. We provide an overview of the current situation and answer the most important questions.

As the Cyprus Radio and Television (RIK) reported on the morning of July 25, the fire fronts have significantly weakened after almost two days of fighting. The mountainous hinterland of Limassol, including the towns of Omodos, Pano Kivides, Souni-Zanatzia , and Anassa , was particularly affected. Power supplies there also temporarily collapsed.

Although local and international forces – including Israeli C-130 aircraft – were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the Troodos State Forest, authorities remain on high alert.

The fires are causing severe damage, particularly in the mountainous hinterland of Limassol – numerous villages have been evacuated, including the village of Souni (pictured).

Source: IMAGO/Xinhua

Fire department spokesperson Andreas Kettis confirmed that local fires broke out again in the early morning hours. However, these were contained through rapid intervention. 26 specialized forestry units from Greece are now also supporting the firefighting efforts.

According to the RIK and local media, tourist facilities along the Limassol coast are not affected. Beach holidays in popular resorts such as Agios Tychonas, Amathus, or Limassol city center are currently still possible – however, there are restrictions for outdoor enthusiasts:

Travelers should currently refrain from hiking in the Troodos Mountains or excursions to affected regions. The situation remains particularly tense around Omodos and the surrounding villages. Access to national parks or forest areas may also be temporarily restricted.

The fires in Cyprus are leaving a trail of destruction – so far, around 100 square kilometers of forest and land have been destroyed.

Source: IMAGO/Xinhua

This map shows where forest fires are currently raging in Cyprus. It was created using NASA data.

This map shows the locations in Cyprus where forest fires are raging on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Source: Screenshot/ Firms

Travelers should definitely check before departure whether there are any fires near their holiday destination. If so, they should contact their tour operator.

Anyone currently in the area or planning to travel there should regularly check the current situation, for example, via local media such as the Cypriot Radio, civil protection websites, official social media channels of the authorities, or their accommodation! Avoid affected areas and check for possible road closures before planning trips into the interior of the island.

The Federal Foreign Office writes in its travel and safety advice for Cyprus : "Bush and forest fires occur repeatedly during the summer months. In these cases, disruption to infrastructure, even in tourist areas, must be expected."

Forest fires are considered extraordinary circumstances. However, there are legal differences between package tours and individual tours. With package tours, travelers can withdraw from the travel contract free of charge under certain circumstances. "The tour operator must then refund the price," travel lawyer Paul Degott told reisereporter.

However, package holidaymakers can only invoke exceptional circumstances if the forest fires are in the immediate vicinity of the holiday destination and there are concrete disruptions such as ash rain or evacuation.

Anyone already in Cyprus who is suddenly affected by the fires can cancel their trip early with their tour operator. The additional costs for the early return must then be shared between the traveler and the tour operator, according to Degott. There are also claims for reductions.

Travelers who aren't starting their vacation for a few weeks should wait and see how the fires develop at their destination. Degott says that mere fear of wildfires doesn't justify a free cancellation. Furthermore, the right to free cancellation cannot be exercised if the fires are far away from the vacation destination.

Individual travelers must adhere to the terms and conditions of their flight and booked accommodation. These should outline cancellation options. Often, if a flight is operating and accommodation is available, cancellations cannot be made free of charge.

What do travelers need to know right now? You can find all the important vacation news at reisereporter , and the latest travel offers on our deals page .

travel reporter