Halkidiki, Greece.

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Does anyone know how extensive the recent fires were in Halkidiki and whether it would be worth booking a holiday there in May 2007?

[mikey0118]

According to BBC reports, "About 3,500 hectares (8,500 acres) of pine forest and at least 15 buildings have so far been destroyed in the blaze".

Halkidiki is a very popular tourist resort and May 2007 will mark the start of next year's summer season. With that in mind, I think it is very fair to say that any necessary repairs or building work will have taken place by then. I don't think Greece could afford for tourists not to visit.

But bear in mind that the damage is on a relatively small scale. Look at Phuket in Thailand for example, following the Boxing Day 2004 tsunami. The damage done there was devastating, yet the island seemed to get turned around very quickly and was open for business again not long afterwards.

I think you will be completely safe booking a trip for May 2007.

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Thanks mikey0118,
Sort of thought this would be the case and they certainly will need the support of tourism. Was looking at Ekies Manor house, but the single supps. are horrendous, plus the fact that it seems there is a camp site opposite!

Still, thanks again.
Information,
(Jersey C.I.)

[darkangel06]

I have been going to halkidiki for 20 years now an d have many friends there. My mother and father went over a week after the fires to make sure everyone was ok. The fire was in pefkohori and hanioti. It has not affected the hotels, beaches etc. It was on the forest side where there are a few burnt houses and lots of trees. I wouldnt affect your holiday if you went now so i wouldnt worry about next year. It is still and always will be a beautiful and relaxing place to go on your holls.

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Many Thanks darkangel06,
Welcome news and nice to know from one who has witnessed first hand.

Jersey.C.I.