Is it safe to travel to Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca?
SPAIN is one of several European countries dealing with hot summer weather.
As wildfires rage across Greece and Italy, we give you the latest travel advice for the popular Spanish islands of Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza.
Is it safe to travel to Majorca?
Parts of the island of Majorca have been put on extreme alert for wildfires.
According to Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET, the “extreme” red alert covers the southern tip and eastern coast of Majorca near the main resorts of Magaluf, Palmanova and Santa Ponsa.
Spanish officials have reassured tourists and locals that the island is well-prepared for wildfires with the fire brigade, planes and helicopters on standby.
As of July 25, 2023, it is still safe to travel to the island. However, the UK government’s website warns that precautions must be taken when visiting during extreme heat.
Is it safe to travel to Ibiza?
At the time of writing, Ibiza has been put on a “high” fire risk alert.
However, no wildfires have been reported on the island.
The UK Government website notes that “no travel can be guaranteed safe” and urges British nationals to check with their travel operator or hotel prior to travel.
Is it safe to travel to Menorca?
The second-largest of the Balearic Islands, Menroca, also has a “high” fire risk alert.
Although the Government website has not issued a specific travel warning for Spain and the islands, it recommends checking the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET) website or the European Meteorological Services website for updates on potential wildfires.
Where are there wildfires across Europe?
Thousands of British tourists have been rescued from the fire-ravaged Greek island of Rhodes – with many more facing their summer holidays being cancelled due to extreme weather.
There have also been fires in Corfu that caused nearly 2,500 locals and tourists to be evacuated overnight on July 23.
A “level 5” warning of “extreme fire risk” has been issued for Crete, with Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Lasithi being named as the locations at risk.
The Italian island of Sicily is another popular tourist destination affected by devastating wildfires.
On July 25, 2023, Sicily’s Palermo Airport was forced to close for several hours as fires burned dangerously close to the runways, before eventually opening again shortly before 11am.
The UN’s World Meteorological Organization declared 2023 an El Niño year, which is a year where natural phenomena occur periodically and cause fluctuations in the global climate.