Does anyone have recent information on the impact of the fires on Athens? We are going in a couple weeks. We were only going to spend a couple days there before heading off to the Cyclades - but I am concerned in particular about the air quality and whether it will aggravate an asthma condition. Thanks.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
In a couple of weeks, the fires may be out. A bigger problem might be that Athens probably has the worst air pollution of any city in Europe...check with your doctor before you go. You can keep up to date with the situation through the Greek newspaper, Kathimerini, available in English at http://www.iht.com/indexes/partners/index.php. BTW, this site (the International Herald Tribune...a great news source in and of itself) also has daily newspapers in English from Israel, South Korea, and Spain.
Posted by
la frette sur seine
448 posts
I agree with above...check with your doctor...at the best of times it's "no clear sky" in Athens. The fires are "far" from Athens but everything depends on the wind as far as smoke...Get to the islands as quickly as you can for the blue sky.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8084 posts
I will add though that efforts to improve air quality seem to be working in Athens. My 2005 visit was much improved over a 2002 visit, may have just been luck, but I have seen reports supporting my observation as well.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8084 posts
The satellite photo shown near the bottom of this Article (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6966154.stm) shows the extent of the fires as of a couple days ago. At that time Athens looks to be affected, but as was mentioned, in a week or two, things will be very different (better or worse)