The Foreign Office has issued travel advice for Britons heading to Spain, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus as a heatwave sweeps across southern Europe. Temperatures have soared above 42°C in parts of Spain, while Greece is battling wildfires on the island of Chios, prompting evacuations and a state of emergency.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) warns that Greece can experience extreme natural phenomena including wildfires and extreme heat. Tourists are advised to take extra care when hiking, as trails often lack shade, and are reminded that lighting fires is both dangerous and illegal due to high fire risk.
For Turkey, the FCDO notes that extreme temperatures affect many areas during summer and wildfires occur frequently. In Cyprus, the Department of Meteorology issues severe weather warnings that can cause travel disruption. Spain's advice highlights that temperatures can change quickly, and hikers should check local weather reports.
Professor Bas Amelung of Wageningen University predicts that popular destinations like Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey may become too hot for summer tourism. He suggests that if a majority of holidaymakers perceive these places as too hot, they may choose alternative destinations or travel in different seasons.
On Chios, wildfires have been raging since Sunday, with hundreds of firefighters and aircraft battling multiple blazes. The fires have caused power cuts, water shortages and property damage. As of 24 June 2025, the situation remains critical, with the government declaring a state of emergency and evacuating several villages.
