Published on
August 17, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
The late summer is here, and with it comes the rush of travellers planning quick escapes for the UK Bank Holiday Weekend. For many Brits, this holiday is the last chance to enjoy sunshine before autumn sets in. They usually search for cheap flights, affordable trips, and last-minute packages to nearby hotspots. Yet this year, the mood is shifting. Spain, Greece and Portugal are all facing another season of serious wildfire outbreaks. These fires threaten not only the landscape but also the smooth running of tourism services.
In Spain, blazes in regions like Galicia and Andalucía are disrupting trains and forcing local evacuations. In Greece, flames on islands such as Zakynthos and Chios have led to hotel guests being moved for safety. In Portugal, the scale of burning has been the worst in years, with central and northern towns hardest hit. While resorts remain open, travellers must adjust expectations.
This does not mean the UK Bank Holiday Weekend is cancelled for those who long for sun. Beaches in the Algarve, Costa del Sol, and Greek islands still welcome visitors. But Brits must stay aware of alerts, as sudden evacuations, heat warnings, and travel changes can arise. For those chasing cheap deals and affordable stays, the fires add a layer of risk. However, with smart choices and flexible plans, holidays to Spain, Greece and Portugal can still be enjoyed, even as wildfire challenges shape the season.
A Summer of Fire and Heat
The late summer UK Bank Holiday Weekend is often one of the busiest travel windows for families, couples and solo adventurers. Many Brits look for cheap holidays and affordable stays in sun-soaked spots across Spain, Greece and Portugal. But this year, flames and extreme heat are casting a shadow over bargain trips. Wildfires have spread across forests, villages and rural landscapes. Trains have stopped in northern Spain, hotels have been evacuated in Greece, and firefighters in Portugal are facing some of the worst blazes in years.
For holidaymakers, this does not mean travel has come to a standstill. Flights are still running, beaches remain open, and many resorts continue to operate normally. But travellers who seek affordable stays must now factor in the risks of heat, smoke and sudden disruption. To understand how this may affect Brits searching for cheap holidays, it is important to look at what is happening in each country.
Spain Faces Heat and Flames
Spain is at the centre of Europe’s summer fire map. More than twenty major wildfires have been reported in recent weeks. Regions such as Galicia, Castilla y León and Extremadura have suffered the most damage. In Ourense province, fires forced the suspension of high-speed trains linking Madrid and Galicia. Travellers relying on rail to cut costs may need to budget extra for buses or car hire.
The weather adds further strain. The national weather service, AEMET, has issued red alerts for extreme heat. Temperatures have soared above 44°C in Andalucía, Valencia and Catalonia. For Brits travelling for cheap holidays, this raises two problems. First, the heat itself reduces outdoor time, making sightseeing uncomfortable. Second, very hot days create perfect fire conditions, which can lead to local evacuations and closures.
However, it is important to note that most beach hubs remain open. The Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Balearic Islands continue to welcome tourists. Yet anyone planning rural hiking trips or budget inland stays must stay flexible. The risk of smoke, road closures and even power cuts is real. Those seeking affordable stays should monitor alerts daily.
Portugal Battles Its Worst Fire Season in Years
If Spain is struggling, Portugal is in deep crisis. So far this year, around 139,000 hectares have burned. That is nearly seventeen times more than the same period in 2024. Shockingly, almost half of that area went up in flames over just two days. Central and northern regions, including Trancoso and Viseu, have faced the most intense blazes. The government has declared a state of alert, and European help has been requested.
The Algarve, the favourite of many Brits seeking cheap holidays, is less affected by fire but remains under heat warnings. Here, the main concern is not flames but hot winds and haze. Pools, beaches and hotel terraces are still open, but staying outdoors during peak sun hours may not be safe.
For affordable stays, Portugal remains appealing. Hotels and guesthouses in the Algarve still offer good deals. A strike by airport staff that had threatened to disrupt August travel was called off after negotiations. This is positive news for the UK Bank Holiday Weekend, as flight schedules are expected to remain stable. But budget travellers must keep an eye on inland day trips, especially if they planned excursions to national parks or countryside villages.
Greece Sees Evacuations and Alerts
Greece is no stranger to summer fires. Each year, the combination of heat, wind and dry land leads to dozens of blazes. This season is proving intense. Fires near Patras forced evacuations in several villages. On Chios, coastguards helped tourists leave beaches as flames spread close by. On Zakynthos, some hotels and guesthouses had to move guests for safety.
The Civil Protection Authority continues to issue daily fire-risk maps. Many regions are now at level four or five, meaning very high or extreme risk. For Brits who plan cheap holidays in Greece, this makes advance planning vital. While FCDO advice has not turned to “avoid travel”, tourists are urged to follow local updates and instructions.
Resorts such as Crete, Rhodes and Corfu continue to function well. Big cities such as Athens also remain safe bases. For travellers seeking affordable stays, Greece is still open. Yet the risk is localised and fast-moving. Guests may arrive to find that beaches or rural attractions are closed, or that hotel managers advise against day trips into the hills.
The Impact on Cheap Holidays and Affordable Stays
So how do these wildfires really affect Brits chasing cheap holidays? The answer lies in three factors: price, flexibility and safety.
First, prices are not falling everywhere. Some travellers expect last-minute bargains in affected zones. But often, operators maintain prices at unaffected resorts, while reducing inventory where hotels are full or rooms are reserved for evacuees. In some cases, this can even push prices up at safe resorts. Affordable stays may therefore be harder to find at popular beaches, but still possible in inland cities or alternative coasts.
Second, flexibility is now more valuable than ever. Flights continue, but if a blaze breaks out near a booked resort, tourists may need to switch to another hotel. Packages offer some protection here. Under UK law, if significant disruption occurs at your destination before you travel, you may be able to claim a refund or change. For DIY trips, much depends on airline and hotel policy.
Third, safety remains a priority. Families looking for cheap holidays must weigh the savings against the stress of possible evacuations. Heat also limits value for money, as long days at the pool or sightseeing tours may be cut short. Older travellers and young children are particularly at risk.
How to Protect Your Holiday
Even with risks, there are clear steps Brits can take to protect their UK Bank Holiday Weekend plans. The first is to monitor official alerts. Greece issues daily fire maps. Spain updates weather warnings. Portugal’s IPMA gives fire risk levels for each district. A quick daily check can help you avoid problem areas.
The second is to choose flexibility. Select hotels with free cancellation or low-fee changes. Pick airlines that allow simple date switches. For affordable stays, city-beach combinations work well. In Spain, Valencia or Barcelona offer both urban attractions and nearby beaches. In Portugal, Lagos or Albufeira give options even if inland trips are cancelled. In Greece, Crete or Rhodes offer larger bases with hospitals and transport.
The third is to know your rights. If your package holiday is cancelled due to wildfires, UK law entitles you to a refund. If your flight is cancelled, airlines must refund or re-route you. Compensation is not due if the cause is extraordinary, but meals and hotels should be provided during delays.
The final step is to check your insurance. Many standard policies do not cover voluntary cancellation due to fire risk. But some policies with “travel disruption” or “catastrophe cover” may pay out if your trip is affected by evacuations or closures.
Looking ahead to the UK Bank Holiday Weekend, the picture is mixed.
Spain: Highest risk remains in Galicia and inland areas. The southern costas continue to run normally, though heat is extreme. For cheap holidays, beaches are open but rural stays may face closures.Portugal: The Algarve remains safe for tourists. Fires burn in the north and centre. Affordable packages to southern resorts are still strong options for Brits.Greece: Localised fires are being reported on islands and western regions. Larger islands and cities are running normally. Affordable stays are still available, but flexibility is needed.Final Word
Wildfires are a real threat this year. They are reshaping the way Brits plan travel, especially when chasing cheap holidays and affordable stays. For the UK Bank Holiday Weekend, Spain, Greece and Portugal remain open for tourism. But the experience may not be the same as in cooler summers. Heat will shorten beach time. Fires may cause sudden evacuations. Rail or road journeys may be cut.
Yet the dream of an affordable summer escape is still possible. By choosing flexible bookings, checking daily alerts, and basing themselves in safer coastal hubs, travellers can enjoy sunshine without losing peace of mind. The key is not to avoid travel but to travel smart. For Brits, this could mean shifting focus from remote countryside villas to well-connected resorts. It could mean swapping inland hikes for coastal strolls. And it could mean accepting that the perfect cheap holiday might look a little different in a summer shaped by fire.
What remains clear is that Spain, Greece and Portugal will still welcome millions of visitors this August. The flames may change the backdrop, but the warmth of the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts remains. For those ready to adapt, the UK Bank Holiday Weekend can still bring joy, sunshine and memories – even in a season when nature itself burns bright.
