The heat-wave gripping Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean this summer reaches its peak this August, causing the Greek Health Ministry to issue advice to travellers. Tourists hitting Greece and its islands this summer have been greeted by a heat wave that’s sent temperatures soaring over a 41 degrees Celsius, prompting the Greek Health Ministry to issue advice to citizens to carry water at all times, wear light and bright clothing, and avoid heavy daytime drinking. The temperatures have done nothing to deter sales of Greek Islands holidays, with over 1 million British tourists expected to make the trip to the mainland or one of the country’s island resorts this summer. “Escaping the rain and misery of the UK, it’s easy for travellers to forget to take the proper precautions against these kinds of temperatures,” says Richard Bray of online travel experts Travelmatch. “Even the Greek authorities are taking the heat seriously. Holidaymakers might be desperate for sun and warm weather, but when temperatures peak like this, moderation and hydration are both key to keeping your holiday illness-free.”
The average temperature across the Greek islands in August is 25 degrees Celsius, with highs of 28 degrees and lows of 19 degrees. While records are being broken in specific regions and cities around Greece, this summer is still nowhere near beating the national record - the highest temperature ever recorded in Greece was 48.7 degrees in Tatsoi in 1977.
As in Russia and other countries throughout the Mediterranean this summer, minor forest fires have broken out in eastern Greece, aided by gale-force winds. Unlike previous years, damage and general disruption to the tourism industry has so far been kept to a minimum.
“In both 2007 and 2009 Greece experienced massively disruptive wildfires that were seen as the result of a combination of high temperatures, drought and potentially arson,” continues Bray. “Luckily it looks as if the worst of it has passed this year, so tourists who’ve booked 5 star holidays with any of the island resorts can rest assured.”
About Travelmatch: Travelmatch is a new travel discovery engine that helps inspire customers by matching their requirements to a wide range of holidays, hotels, flights, cruises, villas or city breaks. Unlike other travel sites, customers are not required to choose a destination, date or budget before they can begin searching. Customers are able to make informed decisions by exploring photos, user reviews, maps, events and activities and other fun things relevant to their chosen travel product. Travelmatch, which closed its first funding round in 2010, is based in Notting Hill, London.
