Halkidiki closes forest roads: entry into dangerous areas will result in a €300 fine

In Halkidiki, on Saturday, July 4, from 08:00 to 20:00, the movement of pedestrians and all types of transport in individual forest areas in municipalities Cassandra, Sithonia and Aristotle. The decision was made due to the high risk of forest fires.

The restriction was introduced by the regional administration of Halkidiki, and for its violation there is an administrative fine of 300 euros. Details published on website of the region Central Macedonia.

The ban does not apply to the entire territory of the peninsula, but to specific forest roads and areas where the risk of rapid fire spread is especially high. There will be police checks at entry points, and people and vehicles in restricted areas will be asked to leave the area.

Which areas are closed

• In the municipality Cassandra the restriction applies on the ridge road between Kassandrino and Agia Paraskevi, as well as in the areas of Arapis and Chalkovuni near Paliouri.
• In the municipality Sithonia The Dragundeli ridge road is closed, from the Beekeeping Cooperative to Sikia.
• In the municipality Aristotle the restriction applies to the area from Komitsa to Ouranoupoli, as well as to the areas of Tsamia-Stratonica, Fisoka and the Stratoni shooting range.

The list of zones is given in the decision of the regional administration and confirmed by the Greek media. News24/7

Why are restrictions introduced?

Regional authorities point to fire danger level 3 for a specific solution for Halkidiki. At the same time, the nationwide Civil Protection map for July 4 also declared a very high fire risk, category 4, for a number of areas of the country. Greek Civil Defense reminds: on such days, any spark, unextinguished cigarette, barbecue or work with a tool can cause a major fire.

⚠️ Χάρτης Πρόβλεψης Κινδύνου ?για αύριο Σάββατο 04/07

? Πολύ υψηλός κίνδυνος 4️⃣ σε:

? περιοχές #Θεσσαλονίκης & #Κιλκίς

? Υψηλός κίνδυνος 3️⃣ σε αρκετές περιοχές της νησιωτικής και ηπειρωτικής χώρας

ℹ️ https://t.co/qBoE12eUta pic.twitter.com/ne9WsaqEzI

— Civil Protection GR (@CivPro_GR) July 3, 2026

The restrictions do not apply to members of volunteer groups participating in fire protection activities. For others, the rule is simple: do not try to go around the barrier, do not take a walk “for five minutes,” and do not check how seriously the state takes the words “entry is prohibited.” A fine of 300 euros usually helps to understand this faster than explanations.

What the authorities advise

Residents and tourists are advised to check the route in advance, do not enter forest roads, do not leave cars near dry vegetation and immediately call 112 if smoke or fire is detected.

The ban applies only on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 08:00 to 20:00. If fire conditions worsen, authorities may extend or expand restrictions.

Sources: Regional unit of Halkidiki, Greek Civil Defense, News24/7.

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