The blazes are now approaching the ancient site of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic games, with residents in nearby villages being evacuated, a fire department spokesman said.

Fires first broke out on Friday on the southern Peloponnese peninsula, spreading rapidly across the area, with strong winds hampering rescue efforts.

The Greek government has declared a nationwide state of emergency. Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said: "All regions of the country are declared in a state of emergency in order to mobilise all means and forces to face this disaster."

It is thought that many of the fires that swept through the south of the country, had been started on purpose.

Three people have been arrested in connection with starting fires, including a 65-year-old man who has been charged with arson and multiple murder.

Meanwhile, politicians have cancelled their campaigns for the country's September election.

The death toll in the country is expected to rise as many villages are still surrounded by flames.

Rescuers said they had found bodies by the side of roads, in burned-out homes and in cars, including a mother still clutching her children.

Fire-fighters found many of the dead near the town of Zaharo, with some burned to death in their cars as they attempted to flee the fires in the western Peloponnese region.

About 9,000 fire-fighters, helped by 500 soldiers, 1,800 fire engines, planes and helicopters were battling the fires and Greece called for help from its European Union partners.

It is estimated that since Friday, 170 fires have spread across the country, with many people caught unawares by the rapid spread of the blazes.

Large parts of the country are still at high risk as gale force winds are expected to continue to sweep Greece over the weekend.

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