What Happened
On August 12, 2025, a major wildfire broke out at approximately 6 AM in a forested area near Koiliomenos, spreading rapidly between the villages of Lithakia, Agalas, and Keri on Zakynthos’ southwestern coast. Fueled by strong winds and summer drought, the fire was one of over 100 wildfires that erupted across Greece during an intense heatwave.
Emergency services deployed 29 ground vehicles, 1 airplane, and 4 helicopters for fire suppression, assisted by municipality vehicles and volunteer organizations. Precautionary evacuations were ordered for Agalas, Keri, and a hotel in the Apelati area.
Impact on Tourism
Popular tourist resorts remained unaffected. Areas like Tsilivi, Kalamaki, Laganas, and Zakynthos Town saw no disruption. Keri was quickly declared safe, allowing visitors to return to their accommodations. The fires primarily affected forested inland areas in the island’s mountainous southwest.
The Copernicus Emergency Management Service was activated to map the affected areas through satellite imagery.
Recovery and Rebuilding
The village of Agalas and surrounding nature — including the popular restaurant scene — were severely impacted. Local authorities and volunteer groups immediately began cleanup and reforestation planning. The regional government announced emergency aid packages for affected residents and businesses.
What Visitors Should Know
For those planning to visit Zakynthos in 2026:
- The tourist infrastructure along the coast was not damaged
- Some hiking trails in the southwestern hills may still be closed or rerouted
- The fire has increased awareness of wildfire preparedness on the island
- Authorities have strengthened fire prevention measures for the 2026 season
The resilience of the Zakynthos community in responding to the crisis has been widely praised, and the island is fully open for business heading into the 2026 season.