Kouvaras Wildfire, August 10, 2026: Evacuations and Sounio Road Diversions
Updated 11 August 2026. A wind-driven wildfire broke out at around 8:00 on Monday 10 August on Mount Merenta near Kouvaras, roughly 50 km southeast of Athens, close to the road corridor used for Cape Sounion day trips and Lavrio port transfers. Residents of Agios Stylianos were evacuated and police diverted traffic on Souniou Avenue and Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue. By the afternoon the fire service reported the situation was greatly improved and the fire was brought under control. Athens International Airport, the metro and central Athens transfers were not affected at any point.
| Impact | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Wildfire near Kouvaras (Mount Merenta), southeast Attica, Mon 10 Aug 2026 |
| Evacuations | 112 alert at 08:30 — Agios Stylianos evacuated toward Kalyvia Thorikou |
| Roads | Diversions on Souniou Avenue (at the Lavriou Avenue junction) and Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue during Monday |
| Airport & metro | Not affected — ATH airport, Attiki Odos and central Athens ran normally |
| Status now | Fire under control since Monday afternoon; Attica remains on Category 4 (very high) fire risk |
What happened
The fire started in low vegetation on Mount Merenta near the village of Kouvaras and spread quickly in gale-force northerly winds gusting above 70 km/h. Around 197 firefighters with 42 fire engines fought the blaze, supported by two water-bombing aircraft and seven helicopters, including French and Romanian crews pre-positioned in Greece under the EU summer programme. A 112 emergency alert ordered residents of Agios Stylianos to evacuate toward Kalyvia Thorikou, and several livestock units were destroyed. Thanks to the rapid response, the fire was contained the same afternoon — the second significant Attica fire of the summer after the late-July blaze near Megara.
Heading to Cape Sounion or Lavrio port? What it means for your transfer
Kouvaras sits just inland from the coastal route between Athens, Cape Sounion and the ferry port of Lavrio. On Monday, drivers were re-routed around the Souniou Avenue diversions, adding time to Sounion day trips and Lavrio transfers. As of Tuesday 11 August the fire is under control and roads are operating normally, but Attica remains on a Category 4 (very high) fire-risk alert, so short-notice closures are possible on hot, windy days. If you have a ferry from Lavrio or a sunset tour to the Temple of Poseidon booked, allow extra time and travel with a driver who monitors road alerts in real time — private transfers were re-routed without cancellations throughout Monday.
Source: Proto Thema English — Kouvaras wildfire in Attica (10 August 2026)
Skip the uncertainty — book a fixed-price transfer
During fire alerts and road diversions, a pre-booked private transfer with a local driver is the most reliable way to reach the airport, Lavrio or Sounion on time. Fixed price, flight tracking and a driver who knows the detours.
Frequently asked questions
Is the road to Cape Sounion open after the Kouvaras fire?
Yes. The diversions on Souniou Avenue applied during Monday 10 August while the fire was active. The fire was brought under control the same afternoon and roads are running normally, though Attica remains on a very high fire-risk alert.
Was Athens International Airport affected by the wildfire?
No. The airport, Attiki Odos motorway, metro and central Athens transfers operated normally throughout. The fire zone was around 20 km south of the airport.
Do ferries from Lavrio still run during fire alerts?
Ferries are affected by winds rather than fires — sailings from Lavrio, Rafina and Piraeus can be cancelled at short notice when gales blow. Check with your ferry operator before travelling to the port, and allow extra time on the road in case of diversions.
Related guides
- Athens Strikes & Travel Disruptions Today (Live Tracker)
- Athens Airport Taxi Guide 2026
- Attica Wildfire Alert: Porto Germeno–Megara Fire
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