UK Foreign Office issues travel warning to tourists going to Spain, Turkey and Greece
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The Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance for Brits planning trips to Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus, as a scorching heatwave engulfs the European Union.
Northern Europe is currently sweltering under an early summer heatwave, with meteorologists predicting even higher temperatures in the coming weeks. The UK hasn't been spared from the sizzle either, with temperatures soaring to 34C this past Saturday.
France's national meteorological service, Meteo France, has reinforced these alerts, warning that the intense heat poses a threat to "everyone at risk, even healthy people."
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Portugal has recently logged its highest temperature of the year at a blistering 40.5 degrees, while certain areas in Spain have witnessed temperatures climbing beyond 42 degrees.
The situation is particularly dire in Southern Europe, where the Greek island of Chios is currently battling a severe wildfire. Residents have been forced to flee as the parched island ignited over the weekend, reports the Mirror.
On its website, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has published advisories regarding the extreme heat affecting four nations, including Greece, where night-time temperatures are stubbornly remaining above 30C across many regions.
The FCDO has also released heat-related advisories for Turkey, Cyprus, and Spain:.
Greece: "Greece can experience extreme natural phenomena such as earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat and flash floods.
"Take extra care when planning a hike or walk, especially during higher temperatures than you are used to. Trails often lack shade and the quality of route markings can vary.
"Do not light fires as it is both dangerous and illegal due to the high risk of wildfires."
Turkey: "Extreme temperatures can affect many areas of Turkey over the summer months. Wildfires happen frequently in Turkey during summer."
Cyprus: "The Department of Meteorology of Cyprus issues warnings for severe weather, especially during summer. Weather can sometimes cause travel disruption."
Spain: "Temperatures in some parts of Spain can change very quickly. Take extra care when planning a hike or walk. Check local weather reports for warnings of extreme heat or cold temperatures."
Bas Amelung, an environmental systems analysis professor at Wageningen University, has predicted that popular holiday destinations such as Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Turkey could become unbearably hot in future summers.
"Countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey that currently attract the traditional 'sun and sand' summer tourists are likely to become too hot for comfort in the summer," he warns.
"People take decisions based on their perceptions," Amelung further elaborates. "So if a large majority of holidaymakers thinks some European destinations will soon be 'too hot', they may well start adapting, either by going somewhere else in summer or by going to the same place in another season."
The Greek government has declared a state of emergency in Chios following the outbreak of wildfires on Sunday, resulting in the evacuation of several villages. As of Tuesday, the fires are still raging, with hundreds of firefighters, supported by aircraft, battling multiple blazes.
These fires have caused significant disruption, including power cuts, water shortages, and property damage. Indeed, as of 24 June 2025, wildfires continue to blaze on the Greek island of Chios.
Hundreds of firefighters, backed by aircraft, have been battling numerous wildfires in various parts of the island for the third day running.
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