Health experts have warned of five destinations where tourists face an increased risk of illness – including cancer
Neil Shaw Assistant Editor
09:24, 22 Aug 2025Updated 09:26, 22 Aug 2025
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Experts have explained precautions you should be taking(Image: Getty)
Holidaymakers heading to some of the busiest destinations in Europe have been warned they could face an increased risk of cancer. Prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays, combined with irritants in air pollutants in parts of Europe, can cause serious issues for your eyesigh – and a cancer risk.
Health experts say people heading abroad from the UK put themselves at risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and certain types of cancers in the eye.
Using a combination of UV ratings and the IQ Air Index, experts at contact lens retailer Feel Good Contacts listed five destinations to take extra precautions with your eyesight this summer.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The capital of Bosnia is nestled deep within the Balkans, however despite its beauty, the city is notorious for its poor air quality – rated 30.8 by IQ Air Index for 2024, more than six times the recommended WHO guidelines for air quality and one of the highest overall in Europe.
Sarajevo is unfortunately surrounded by valleys which act like a bowl and trap air pollutants in much easier than most other capitals in Europe.
Combined with a UV rating in August of Very High – 8, the conditions in the city may cause serious issues for eyesight if precautions aren’t taken for tourists keen to explore this hidden gem.
Venice, Italy
The coastal city of Venice is one of the most popular tourist hotspots for travellers from all corners of the world, however the intense UV rays combined with poor air quality can be detrimental for your eyesight.
Venice’s geographical location in a basin-like valley allows pollutants to linger rather than disperse – combined with the emissions from diesel powered boats and large cruise ships – means the city features in the top 10% for worst air qualities in Europe and a rating of 18.6 in 2024 by the IQ Air Index, almost four times the recommended WHO guidelines.
The city, like much of Italy, can endure extremely high UV ratings, with an August UV rating of Very High – 8, meaning holidaymakers should take extra care with protecting their eyes when visiting.
Tirana, Albania
Tourism in Albania has boosted significantly over the last decade, with more than 6.9 million inbound visitors in 2024 compared to fewer than 3.7m in 2024, however like other regions in the Balkans, the capital of Albania suffers from high heat and poor air quality.
Factors such as a construction boom, older vehicles, and lack of public transportation infrastructure (leading to more older vehicles on the road) contribute to the city being awarded an average 14.5 rating with the IQ Air Index in 2024, almost three times the recommended WHO guidelines.
The country also benefits from high temperatures throughout the summer, however with an August UV index of Very High – 8, tourists should be extremely wary of their eyesight when visiting the Albanian capital, even if just passing through the airport to another location in the country.
Lanarca, Cyprus
An incredibly popular tourist destination, with more than 192,000 Brits passing through the airport in the first eight months of 2024 alone – holidaymakers should be wary of the potential hazards to their eyesight visiting the Cypriot port city.
Industrial emissions, vehicle traffic, and its proximity to vast desert landscapes in the Middle East and North Africa contribute to the air quality exceeding the WHO guidelines by almost three times, with a rating of 13.7 in 2024 according to the IQ Air Index.
Cyprus also basks in incredible summer heat, with an August UV index of Very High – 9, meaning tourists should be covering up their eyes using UV400 certified sunglasses at the very least.
Seville, Spain
One of the hottest locations in Europe throughout the year with its own microclimate, due its location on the Iberian Peninsula, this popular destination in Spain can be a more than just a headache for tourists if proper eye care isn’t taken.
One of the main causes of poor air quality in Seville is due to its proximity to North Africa, and a phenomenon known as ‘Calima’ carries red dust across from the Sahara Desert, giving the city a rating of 12.3 in 2024 with the IQ Air Index – almost two and a half times the recommended WHO guidelines.
The UV rating here is typically quite high, with August reaching ratings of Very High – 9 daily, making it another top location to take extra precautions with your eyesight.
Khuram Sarwar, Dispensing Optician at Feel Good Contacts said: “Europe has seen particularly intense weather patterns this summer – with high UV ratings, temperature records shattered, and wildfires burning throughout the continent as a result.
“If you wear monthly contact lenses, consider switching to dailies for the duration of your holiday to avoid any irritation from dust, debris and loose particles in the air. Make sure to choose lenses that offer a moderate UV protection for your eyes too.
“However, the most effective way to protect your eyesight is by limiting sun exposure and using certified UV400 rated sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Sunglasses can also protect your eyes from potential pollutants and irritants, such as dust.”