Wildfire warnings issued in the Canary Islands as millions prepare to holiday there
The warning, announced by the General Directorate of Emergencies on Sunday, applies to tourist hotspots El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
It comes as the islands enter a high-risk fire period following the wet season, as hot, dry winds known as the 'calima' begin blowing in from the Sahara Desert.
The risk of wildfire is nothing new for the Canary Islands.
The volcanic terrain, Mediterranean climate and fire-adapted vegetation - plants that have evolved to thrive in fire-prone environments - make them susceptible to summer blazes, and scientists say wildfires are part of the archipelago's ecological rhythm.
Some of the worst occurred in 2023, when forest fires ravaged Tenerife, destroying more than 15,000 hectares of land and forcing 12,000 people to evacuate. The blaze was later found to have been started by arsonists.
This year, officials are urging tourists and locals alike to take extreme caution, warning against launching fireworks near forests and discarding cigarettes on dry ground.
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But even as the fire warnings roll in, the Canaries' appeal shows no signs of slowing down.
In 2024, the islands welcomed nearly 18 million tourists, including a record-breaking 15.5 million international arrivals. Among them, British travellers led the way, recording 6.3 million visits – up 500,000 from 2023.
While the Canary Islands continue to attract record numbers of tourists, residents are increasingly voicing concerns about overtourism.
In April 2024, tens of thousands of islanders participated in protests, holding signs that read 'the Canary Islands have a limit' while rallying against rising housing costs, environmental damage and the strain on public services.
Over Easter this year, about 80,000 hospitality workers in Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro walked out in a dispute with unions over pay.
The surge in short-term rentals has been especially contentious. Locals have reported getting priced out of their neighbourhoods as properties are converted into holiday lets, the cost of living soars and wages stagnate.
Despite these concerns, tourism remains a significant part of the Canary Islands' economy, accounting for approximately 35 per cent of its GDP.
After welcoming seven million tourists in 2024, Tenerife remains the most visited island.
Its year-round sunshine and wide beaches keep it a firm favourite among families, especially during the UK's summer school break and throughout the winter months.
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As the peak summer season picks up, local tourism boards have made no indication that the fire pre-alerts will disrupt travel plans.
But authorities remain focused on prevention this year.
More than 2,000 firefighters are on standby. Meanwhile, the government has distributed detailed safety advice, urging people to prepare a go-bag, stay informed and follow emergency evacuation or shelter-in-place instructions if fires erupt.
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Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Coastal Comeback: Why the Great British Seaside Holiday Is Here to Stay
Photograph: Peter Lourenco The British seaside holiday is evolving rather than disappearing. While overnight stays have declined, day trips and short breaks are growing in popularity. Resorts are adapting with modern attractions and events, ensuring the coast remains a beloved and resilient destination. Once defined by deckchairs, sticks of rock, and donkey rides along the sand, the Great British seaside holiday has long been a national tradition. While its form has changed over the decades, its appeal in 2025 remains undeniable. The difference is in how people are choosing to enjoy it. The post-war boom of the 1950s and 60s saw families flock to the coast for one or two weeks each summer. These extended stays cemented resorts like Blackpool, Brighton, Skegness, and Scarborough as household names. Over time, however, cheap package holidays abroad, low-cost flights, and the growing popularity of city breaks began to erode the dominance of the coastal getaway. Today, the seaside is still a draw—but for many, it's now a shorter escape. Tourism data shows that domestic overnight trips to the coast fell from 12.5 million in 2023 to 11.1 million in 2024, with overall spending down 4% year-on-year. At the same time, day visits are increasing, suggesting people still value the coast but are spending less time—and money—there. Economic pressures are a significant factor. Rising costs for accommodation, food, and activities have made longer stays less affordable. The availability of budget flights to destinations with guaranteed sunshine has also shifted holiday habits. But the move towards shorter, more spontaneous trips is not solely about money; it reflects a broader cultural change towards flexible, bite-sized leisure. Some resorts have adapted to this shift more successfully than others. In Lincolnshire, Skegness and Mablethorpe remain busy in summer, but much of the footfall comes from day-trippers. Hotels and guesthouses report fewer week-long bookings, while attractions such as arcades, mini-golf, and traditional funfairs continue to benefit from passing visitors. Nationally, businesses that have diversified their offer are faring better. Butlin's, the iconic holiday resort brand, continues to attract families for multi-day breaks while also catering to the growing demand for day passes. In East Yorkshire, destinations like Bridlington and Hornsea have maintained a balance between short-term guests and longer-term stays, aided by a mix of events, upgraded facilities, and improved transport links. Despite these shifts, the emotional connection to the seaside remains strong. Generations of Britons associate the coast with childhood memories—building sandcastles, exploring rock pools, and enjoying fish and chips on the promenade. This nostalgia, paired with the sensory pleasures of sea air and open skies, ensures that even as the format changes, the draw endures. Seasonality remains a challenge. Many coastal businesses see visitor numbers spike during warm summer weeks and drop sharply in winter. Rising operating costs have intensified the need for a year-round offer, prompting some resorts to introduce festivals, indoor attractions, and wellness retreats to spread tourism more evenly across the calendar. Local councils and tourism boards are also playing a role in the seaside's evolution. Investment in promenade upgrades, beach cleaning, and heritage restoration is helping to refresh the appeal of traditional resorts. Meanwhile, marketing campaigns are increasingly focused on positioning the seaside as a destination not only for families, but also for couples, groups of friends, and solo travellers. The Great British seaside holiday of 2025 may not look exactly like the extended stays of the past, but its cultural significance is intact. Visitors may be more likely to arrive for a day or weekend rather than a fortnight, but the essence—sea, sand, and a sense of escape—remains unchanged. With its blend of nostalgia and adaptability, the seaside is proving resilient. It has weathered competition from foreign travel, shifting economic conditions, and changing leisure patterns. Today's holidaymakers are also looking for ways to make their trips more affordable, and sites like Vouchersgo —offering the latest verified discount codes for for everything from travel essentials and hotel stays to dining, clothing, and more—are helping them do just that. In the process, the seaside has found new ways to stay relevant, ensuring that future generations will still pack buckets, spades, and beach towels for a trip to the coast. Media Contact Company Name: VouchersGo Email: Send Email Phone: 13219752289 Address:Unit 402, 4f Fairmont House No.8 Cotton Tree Drive Admiralty State: Hong Kong Country: China Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Coastal Comeback: Why the Great British Seaside Holiday Is Here to Stay
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
‘I retired to Portugal – it's like living in a five-star hotel'
Ken MacKenzie has always loved spending time at his holiday home in Praia d'El Rey, in Portugal. So after retiring in 2021, he set about trying to convince his wife Diane to move there permanently. The couple had bought a plot of land north of Lisbon in 2007. There were setbacks in getting their project off the ground due to the financial crisis, but by 2011 they had a five-bedroom villa – with a pool and sea views. During school holidays the couple, along with their four children, would visit for weeks at a time. MacKenzie would often commute back on Monday mornings to London, where he worked as a partner at an accountancy firm, and then rejoin the family on a Thursday evening. 'It was always in my mind that we could live here in the future, but you do have to recognise that things are going to be different,' says MacKenzie, 64. 'You give up your routine and your day-to-day contact with friends and family.' Finally, in March 2024, the family made the decision to make the holiday villa their full-time home. How to move to Portugal Portugal has long been a popular destination for British expats. Not only is the weather better and the cost of living lower, but it has been relatively easy to get a residence permit and – until recently – there were significant tax breaks for expats. It is estimated that almost 50,000 British expats live in the country. Those moving to Portugal will first need to apply for a residency visa, and then once they are in the country, apply for a residency permit. This is usually valid for two years and can be extended for a further three years, according to Gilda Pereira, of the Portuguese migration agency Ei. After living in the country for five years on this permit, you can apply for a permanent residency permit or citizenship. For all of these, you will need to prove you have sufficient income to live on and accommodation. Since Brexit, a golden visa programme has opened up to UK residents moving to Portugal. This is a visa available to those investing or buying a property in the country, but does not require you to live there permanently. But Pereira says the most common option for UK retirees is a D7 visa, which is available to non-EU nationals who can prove they have the funds to support themselves – with €870 (£753) a month for a single person or €1,305 (£1,130) a month for couples. This does not require an investment. Previously, some expats were eligible for the Non-Habitual Residents (NHR) tax scheme, which offered generous tax breaks to foreign residents – including a reduced tax rate of 10pc on UK pension income. This ended in 2024, although those who had already qualified are able to benefit for 10 years. The MacKenzies moved before the scheme ended, so are able to enjoy this tax break. 'It is attractive that there is a tax benefit, but we would have moved here anyway,' says MacKenzie. The NHR has been replaced by a new scheme, the IFICI, which does not offer any tax breaks on pension income, says Pereira. However, there is no inheritance tax charged in Portugal. The tax was abolished in 2004, and instead residents pay a flat rate of 10pc stamp duty on inherited assets – although close relatives including a spouse, child or parent who inherit are exempt from this. A double-taxation agreement between the UK and Portugal means you will not pay tax twice on the same income. However, those planning to draw on their pension should consider taking their tax-free lump sum before they become Portuguese tax residents, because there is no equivalent tax break in the country. Everyone registered as living in Portugal is entitled to use its national health service. Unlike the NHS, this is not free but the fees are relatively low – at €5 for a GP appointment and €15 to go to A&E. Pereira says: 'Many people choose Portugal for the weather, the friendly people and the healthy lifestyle. However, they can find the bureaucracy a problem. Applying for visas and permits can be difficult so it is worth finding a professional who can help with the process.' MacKenzie adds: 'Moving country is like moving house but more extreme. And then, if you are dealing with retiring at the same time, it means you have to flip your mindset from saving to spending. It can be a massive challenge.' 'I love to sit on the terrace and watch the waves' For MacKenzie, retirement in Portugal is everything he had hoped for. He swims every day and uses his sauna. He plays golf, goes walking with his dog Gizmo, enjoys cycling and going to the gym. The nearest beach is just 250 metres away. 'The weather is so much better than the UK and it's a very outdoors lifestyle. I love to sit on the terrace and watch the waves, it's such a spectacular setting. It feels like living in a five-star hotel,' he says. 'Having the holiday home has made it all easier. I think it would be daunting to move if we hadn't spent time here before.' Portugal is one of the more affordable European countries to live. According to consultancy Immigrant Invest, you can expect to spend about €300 a month on groceries, while a monthly travel pass is €40 and a litre of petrol €1.87. It estimates that a single person needs about €1,780 a month to live comfortably, including rent. Property prices vary significantly across the country, from about €1,500 per square metre in the Alentejo region in the centre and south of the country to €3,644 per square metre in central Lisbon. According to Portugal's national statistics office, house prices across the country increased by a massive 16.3pc in the year to the first quarter of 2025. MacKenzie and his wife downsized their house in the UK to a smaller property in Tunbridge Wells before moving, and now rent it out to get a steady income stream. He also receives an income from investments and draws down on his private pension. The couple will get the full state pension in a few years, and Portugal is one of the countries where retired expats can still benefit from annual increases in the payment – thanks to the UK's valuable triple lock. However, it depends which country you retire in as to whether you will enjoy this protection. For anyone considering a move overseas, MacKenzie recommends attending events to learn more about how to do it. 'The Portuguese Chamber of Commerce does a six-monthly roadshow in the UK, which is very useful. Social media can also be helpful but there is a lot of wrong information out there,' he says. Seeking professional advice can also be worth it for some of the more complex aspects, and the couple have continued using the property agent who looked after their villa when they were in the UK, to help with any issues. 'Portuguese isn't an easy language, and we don't read it or speak it fluently, so having that help was beneficial. It can also be a problem if you don't get the sequence of doing things right, for example, getting into the tax system in Portugal while extracting yourself from the UK can be tricky because the tax year runs differently,' adds MacKenzie. The tax year in Portugal runs with the calendar year from Jan 1 to Dec 31, unlike in the UK where it runs from April 6 to April 5, so you may have a year where you must file a tax return in both countries. 'You need to be realistic about what you want to take on yourself and where you need help.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. 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Cosmopolitan
4 hours ago
- Cosmopolitan
There's still time to book! Revealed: The 10 cheapest European places for a quick break on August bank holiday
Still need some plans for next week's August Bank Holiday? It's the last one before Christmas and therefore the perfect excuse to book a much needed quick break away. Whether it's just for a long weekend or a chance to use one less day of annual leave, there's no better time to pack in an extra few days in the sun before autumn kicks in. And if you're looking for somewhere that is wallet friendly, we've got the official 10 cheapest European destinations to head to for a break. In research conducted by Aqua, the top 10 cheapest places around Europe include some classic tourist favourites including Madrid and Porto, and some more under the radar locations and a few UK destinations too. They ranked them by taking into account the cost of travel to get to the city, the cost of accommodation, a meal out, a pint and travel within a city. So if you're still looking to book a holiday for the bank holiday, these are the top 10 cheapest locations to head to. Average cost to get there: £20 Average price for week of accommodation: £1,131 If you don't fancy a trip abroad, there's many holiday destinations right here on our doorstep. Though the cost of accommodation in the Forest of Dean can be pretty steep, getting there and activities, and food there are more affordable. Located in Western Gloucestershire the forest is an ancient woodland filled with plenty of walks for a sunny bank holiday. And if you do one walk make sure it's to Symonds Yat Rock. Average cost to get there: £156 Average price for week of accommodation: £909 Long a favourite with UK holidaymakers, Tenerife remains a go to for affordable trips away. Along with all the classic poolside days and trips to the beach, there's also options to explore pictureeqsue towns, go on hikes and take a tour of a volcano. Average cost to get there: £39.76 Average price for week of accommodation: £574 An iconic UK holiday destination, that still remains one of the cheapest to visit. A weekend spent here must include a trip to the beach, the amusement park especially the Blackpool Tower and plenty of fish and chips. Average cost to get there: £112 Average price for week of accommodation: £825 Madrid is the perfect size for a long weekend. There's plenty of tourist hotspots to hit while staying including the Royal Palace, El Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, and Museo Nacional del Prado. And when you're done with seeing the sites, make sure to squeeze in some time for the famous churros at Chocolateria San Gines. Madrid's tapas scene also needs to be explored and so make sure to stop at Bodega de la Ardosa. Average cost to get there: £46.31 Average price for week of accommodation: £1,015 Another popular UK destination well worth a visit thanks to the stunning scenery. There's no shortage of outdoor activities from walking, to cycling, to kayaking and paddle boarding, you'll likely need more than a weekend to make the trip worth while. Average cost to get there: £151 Average price for week of accommodation: £935 Lanzarote is the second Canary Island on this list and for good reason, it's a very affordable country to visit for a week or two with the family. An average meal out costs around £8.79 per person and a pint is just £2.09. Goodbye UK prices and hello to long days in the sun and beers on the beach. Average cost to get there: £143 Average price for week of accommodation: £769 Porto is a firm favourite amongst our team for a much needed weekend away of fun, culture and food. Our must dos? Serralves sculpture gardens, dinner at Gruta, a port tasting and a trip to the Dom Luís I Bridge. Read our full guide to Porto here. Average cost to get there: £77 Average price for week of accommodation: £1,811 The Costa Del Sol has long been a popular destination for tourism, and while there are plenty of busy resorts, there's still plenty of under radar locations that are perfect for a few days in the sun. Frigiliana is top of that list thanks to it's historic old Moorish quarter and stunning white houses that make for quite the view. Average cost to get there: £1o0 Average price for week of accommodation: £671 In the second spot for cheapest trips in Europe, is the capital city of Czech Republic, Prague. Many tourists travel there for the cheap nightlife (a pint is only on average £2.01 after all) but you're sleeping on the city if you just go for the parties. Make sure to include stops to visit the Prague Jewish Museum, St Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge and for all the book lovers out there, Strahov Library is a must-see. Average cost to get there: £83 Average price for week of accommodation: £536 And it's official! The top cheapest place for a European break is the city of Budapest in Hungary. A week of accommodation in a three star hotel costs under £550 and travelling around for a one way ticket is less than a pound. When you're there you will be spoilt for choice with things to see and visit including Fisherman's Bastion, Buda Castle, Matthias Church and Gellert Hill. Time to book that trip then? Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK's Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she's interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the Daily Express, before working as Features Editor at The Tab, where she spoke on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on LinkedIn.
