Currently, record-high temperatures are being recorded across Europe, and some countries are issuing special warnings due to cases of abnormal heat and forest fires.
Tourists have been warned to travel to Greece, Italy, Spain, and several other popular EU destinations with caution, according to Schengen.News.
From Greece to Italy. Where the most extensive heatwave expected
Many of Europe's most popular tourist countries, such as Spain, Greece, and Italy, are experiencing air temperatures reaching up to +40 degrees Celsius.
In Greece, amid intense heat, several tourists have gone missing, with some found dead, as temperatures in parts of the country soared to 43 degrees Celsius.
To ensure tourists' safety and prevent further casualties, Athens has taken measures, temporarily closing its most famous historical site - the Acropolis. Crete, Rhodes, and Samos are among the Greek islands also affected by the heatwave.
Italy has also felt the impact of exceptionally high temperatures, prompting the country's Ministry of Health to declare the highest level of alert for several cities, including Palermo and Rome.
Given the current situation, tourists are advised not to litter in unauthorized areas, especially with glass, and to properly extinguish cigarettes to avoid forest fires.
Photo: Record heat prevails in the summer in most Southern European countries (unsplash.com)
How safe it is to travel to popular EU locations during a heatwave
Despite high temperatures, traveling to popular EU destinations is safe as long as you follow local authorities' advice and take all necessary safety precautions.
To stay safe during hot weather, travelers are advised to carry water, use sunscreen, and stay in shaded areas or places with air conditioning.
It's recommended to carry extra water and be mindful of sun exposure while touring cities and historical sites and hiking in the mountains should be done with caution.
Temperatures typically cool down after sunset, allowing tourists to safely visit landmarks without worrying about direct sun exposure.
Travelers are strongly advised to purchase appropriate travel insurance, as extreme temperatures are also forecasted to lead to new forest fires.
While travel insurance mainly covers unforeseen events related to medical expenses and lost or stolen items, some policies also cover cancellations due to extreme weather conditions. It's advisable to inquire with your insurance company about this.
Europe began preparing for the intense heat earlier. Record warmth has persisted for 11 months, and sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic are the highest in 40 years. We previously discussed what tourists should prepare for in the coming months.
