British tourists planning holidays in southern Europe are being warned of potential evacuations as extreme heat continues to grip popular destinations.
Greece, Spain, and Portugal have been battling soaring temperatures, with some areas experiencing highs around 40C in recent days. This intense heat has led to severe water shortages, wildfires, and the evacuation of several towns.
In Spain, families have been urged to conserve water, particularly in areas like Majorca, where ongoing drought and recent heatwaves have depleted water supplies.
The Puigpunyent Council has implemented strict measures, including cutting off water access between 11 pm and 11 am to manage the crisis.
Southern Europe has also been ravaged by wildfires, with Greece being particularly hard hit. Fires near Athens have been described as a “biblical catastrophe,” leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents and tourists.
As of Monday, fires were still advancing toward the Greek capital, fueled by high temperatures and strong winds. Several towns and villages, as well as three hospitals, have been evacuated.
Flights to and from Athens Airport continued on Monday, but some tourists were left stranded, awaiting updates on their flights home. All passenger ferries scheduled for Rafina were redirected to Lavrio Port. Greece’s General Secretariat has issued a Fire Risk Prediction Map, showing a Category Four “very high” fire risk for Attica and central Greece.
The British Foreign Office has advised UK tourists to follow updates from @112Greece on X, heed emergency services’ instructions, and contact the Greek emergency services at 112 if in immediate danger.
In Portugal, a wildfire in the Montesinho Natural Park in the northeast has already scorched 26 miles of land. Flames were seen climbing the park’s southern slopes late on Sunday night. The park is home to around 9,000 people across dozens of villages.
The combination of extreme heat and a lack of rainfall has prompted authorities to impose water restrictions in parts of the country. Tourists have been asked to “use water responsibly,” and Puigpunyent in Majorca has introduced strict measures, including a ban on turning on taps between 11 pm and 11 am.
Last month, a wildfire in Benasau, in Spain’s eastern Valencia region, forced the evacuation of several hundred villagers as a precaution.
The UK Foreign Office has urged tourists to remain vigilant when visiting or driving through woodland areas and to check the AEMET website for official advice.