Chalkidiki: movement banned in forests on Saturday

A ban on the movement of pedestrians and vehicles in specific forest areas of Chalkidiki will be in force on Saturday 22 August 2026, from 08:00 to 20:00. The decision is signed by the Deputy Regional Governor of Chalkidiki, Giannis Koufidis, and was made public on Friday 21 August 2026 at 18:21. The measure is linked to Risk Index 3 forecast for the area, that is a high risk of a fire breaking out. It is a preventive restriction on access, which concerns specifically named sections and not all the forest land in the prefecture. Chalkidiki is at the height of the tourist season, with increased visitor traffic towards beaches and mountain destinations.

In the Municipality of Kassandra the measure covers the Kassandra peninsula and in particular the Koryfogrammi ridge area, from Kassandrino to Agia Paraskevi, as well as the areas of Arapis and Chalkovouni in the Local Community of Paliouri. In the Municipality of Sithonia the ban concerns the Dragoudeli ridge, from the Beekeeping Cooperative to Sykia. In the Municipality of Aristotelis it includes the zone from Komitsa to Ouranoupoli, as well as the locations of Tsamia in Stratoniki, Fysoka and the Stratoni shooting range. These areas correspond to wooded mountain masses and to routes used by visitors, livestock farmers and beekeepers during the summer months.

For the enforcement of the measure, checks are to be carried out at the entrances to forest roads, with the assistance of the Hellenic Police. The decision also provides for the removal of anyone found inside the designated areas during the hours the ban is in force. An exception is provided for fire protection volunteers, who carry out surveillance and early warning duties. In the event of a breach, an administrative fine of 300 euros is provided for. The level of the fine and the explicit reference to police assistance show that the decision is not merely advisory, but is accompanied by a mechanism for enforcement and penalty.

The decision does not state how many officers or staff will be assigned to the checks, nor whether physical roadblocks or simple surveillance at the entry points are envisaged. Nor is it clarified how permanent residents, livestock farmers and beekeepers with facilities inside the areas are dealt with, or whether a procedure for granting a transit permit is provided for. Finally, it is not specified whether the measure will be extended to Sunday as well, since its validity is tied to the daily risk forecast. The ban falls within the same framework as the high fire risk forecast nationwide in recent days, while comparable incidents in neighbouring prefectures, such as the fire at a photovoltaic park in Kilkis, show the pressure on the fire service mechanism in Northern Greece. Visitors who had planned routes at these spots need to check the announcements of the Regional Unit before setting out.