Forest fires in Europe can really affect the tourism industry. Find out how intense natural disasters affect the tourism situation in popular EU countries

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Europe remains one of the most popular parts of the world for tourist vacations. Millions of tourists come to its territory every year. However, in the last decade, EU countries have been facing large-scale forest fires that affect not only the environment but also the safety of local residents and vacationers. 

In 2023, the intensity and prevalence of forest fires in Europe increased, causing a negative impact on natural ecosystems, the climate, and, of course, the tourism industry.

To ensure a relaxing and safe vacation, tourists are advised to check the situation with disasters in a particular country. Here's a look at which countries are currently experiencing severe weather conditions and how this affects tourism.

Maui fires: is it safe to travel to Hawaii now - read here.

Spain

The situation in Spain is still under control, but the country's authorities have warned of extreme heat in some southern regions, and meteorological services say it could be the hottest summer in seven decades.

The highest temperatures were recorded in Andalusia, according to meteorologists, in Roda de Andalusia the temperature reached 44.6 degrees Celsius, and at Granada airport - 44.1 degrees Celsius.

At the same time, the Spanish territory is also threatened by fires that have broken out in neighboring Portugal. In the border area, the fire was brought under control, but it has not been completely eliminated.

Portugal

Portugal is currently fighting forest fires in several regions. The provinces of Alentejo and Algarve have suffered the most from the fire. 

Areas of Portugal where firefighters continue to fight fires:

- part of the central region;

- the northern border with Spain;

- the outskirts of Lisbon;

- between Lisbon and Coimbra.

Authorities warn that the risk of forest fires remains. At the same time, airports in the Algarve region continue to operate flights as usual. 

It is worth noting that before traveling to Portugal, it is better to find out detailed information about what is happening in the country to keep abreast of all events.

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Greece

In Greece, the current fires are called the worst in recent times. The size of the burned areas is the largest in 16 years.

Almost 20,000 residents and tourists have been evacuated during the entire period of this year's wildfires. It is estimated that between 10 and 20 percent of the territory of Rhodes Island, including the villages of Kyotari, Pefki, Genadi, Lindos, Kalatos and Lardos, have been burned during this period.

It should be noted that the main fires were detected near Larissa in the north, Evia and Athens in the west, and Messina in the south. 

The authorities declared a state of emergency in Rhodes last week, although the situation there has almost returned to normal. Nevertheless, the risk of new fires remains.

Researchers warn that this year's wildfires in Greece have already become the most intense and toxic on record.

Italy

Last week, fires spread on the Italian island of Sardinia, and the provinces of Cagliari and Nuoro were also affected. The Italian authorities detected 28 and 16 active fires in these two regions.

In other parts of the country, natural rains were recorded. At the same time, floods were reported in Reana del Rojale and Tarcento.

In general, the weather conditions in Italy are acceptable for tourist vacations.

We remind you! More than 4 million Ukrainians have taken refuge in EU countries as a result of the full-scale russian invasion. Find out which countries continue to accept Ukrainian citizens here.

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