Home » EUROPE » Spain Flooding Disrupts Holiday Hotspots Barcelona, Valencia And The Balearic Islands: What Travelers Need to Know

Sunday, July 13, 2025

Chaotic scenes in Spain following days of heavy flooding Recent flooding in Spain has triggered chaos for many of the country’s most popular tourist hotspots. A half-dozen Spanish provinces — tourist destinations like Barcelona, Valencia and the Balearic Islands — have been lashed by heavy rains and flash floods, inundating streets and getting vacationers wet. As Spain works to overcome the impact of the severe weather, many travelers are asking if it’s safe to visit Spain, and what they should do if their plans to travel there are affected.

Flash Floods Cause Havoc Across Spain’s Tourist Regions

Over the past week, Spain has experienced some of the worst flooding in recent memory, triggered by heavy rainfall and severe storms. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued urgent weather warnings for half of Spain’s provinces, including Huesca, Teruel, Zaragoza, and Barcelona, as intense storms battered the region. In just one hour, some areas saw up to 100mm of rain, causing flash floods that left streets submerged and caused extensive damage.

The region of Catalonia, including the Balearic Islands and Valencia, faced significant challenges, with shocking footage showing streets flooded and cars floating away near the El Cardener river. Two people have been reported missing in the area, and the Military Emergency Unit (UME) was deployed in Zaragoza to assist with rescue operations and assess the damage. The extreme weather also led to air travel disruptions, including a plane from Barcelona that had to turn back due to damage from a hailstorm.

How the Flooding Affected Spain’s Popular Tourist Destinations

Tourists visiting Spain’s coastal cities, including Barcelona, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands, have been particularly impacted by the floods. Popular destinations such as Catalonia and the Costa Brava have seen widespread disruption, with numerous roads blocked and businesses affected by the storm’s aftermath.

In Barcelona, flooding forced at least one hospital to refuse patients after its premises were inundated. The city’s infrastructure was severely impacted, with many public spaces flooded and transport services disrupted. In the worst-hit areas, emergency services were overwhelmed, and local authorities urged tourists to avoid traveling to flooded zones.

The impact of the storms was not limited to the mainland. The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca and Ibiza, also faced weather-related hazards, including high winds and torrential rain. For travelers planning to visit Spain’s iconic Mediterranean beaches, the storms have turned the weather from sunny skies to a grim situation. High winds have made coastal activities hazardous, and lifeguards have warned against swimming during the stormy conditions.

Travel Advice for Tourists in Spain

While the UK Foreign Office has not yet issued a formal travel warning for Spain following the floods, it is still urging British nationals to exercise caution and stay updated with local weather reports. The Foreign Office recommends that travelers consult the latest updates from Spain’s AEMET, as the weather in certain regions is expected to remain unpredictable for the coming days.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also echoed these sentiments, calling on people to exercise “great caution” in the flood-hit areas, particularly in popular tourist regions like Catalonia and Valencia. Tourists are advised to stay informed and follow local authority guidance to ensure their safety.

What to Do If You’re Caught in a Flood Abroad

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides essential safety advice for British travelers caught in a flood abroad. Key recommendations include turning off gas, electricity, and water supplies (if safe to do so) and moving to higher ground to avoid floodwaters. If flood protection products are available, these should be used to minimize the impact of rising waters.

Above all, travelers should follow the advice of local officials and emergency services. Local governments are typically well-prepared for extreme weather events, and their guidance is crucial to ensuring safety during floods.

Can I Get a Refund If I Cancel My Holiday Due to the Floods?

For tourists who have booked their trips to Spain and are considering canceling due to the floods, travel insurance may provide coverage, but only under certain conditions. If you purchased travel insurance that covers natural disasters, you may be eligible for a refund, but the specific terms depend on your insurer.

To claim a refund, the Foreign Office would need to issue a warning advising against all but essential travel to Spain. Currently, no such advisory has been issued, so travelers may not be eligible for a refund based solely on the flood situation. However, if your holiday provider or airline continues to operate in the affected areas without any disruptions, cancellation coverage may not apply.

Travelers should closely review their insurance policies, particularly the “cancellation and curtailment” sections, as some insurance providers may offer compensation for trip cancellations due to extreme weather, even without a government advisory. However, if bad weather was predicted before the policy was purchased, the insurance may not cover the cancellation.

Final Thoughts: Navigating the Chaos in Spain

The recent floods in Spain have certainly created a challenging scenario for tourists. While there have been no official travel bans or warnings from the UK Foreign Office, travelers are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and flexible with their plans. Spain remains a beautiful and popular tourist destination, but unpredictable weather can pose risks, particularly during the summer months when storms are more likely.

People already in Spain or planning to go in the next few days should keep an eye on the weather and follow advice from local authorities to keep safe. Spain offers much of the same even when the weather takes a turn for the worse, as indoor activities such as exploring museums, historical sites or local restaurants offer a safe haven from the floods. Savvy travelers can still relish the culture and the good tourism Spain has to offer, despite unexpected weather.