Flera badgäster simmar nära en ljus sandstrand i klart turkost vatten.

As extreme heat arrives earlier, lasts longer and recurs, the risk of a more lasting impact on the destination’s appeal increases.

Photo: Unsplash

Extreme heat is beginning to change perceptions of the Mediterranean

Repeated heatwaves are affecting how travellers view southern Europe as a summer destination. France stands out most, while Portugal has so far shown the greatest resilience. Italy is also beginning to show signs of a changing climate profile, according to a new analysis by The Data Appeal Company.

Camilla Jonsson Camilla Jonsson

Published 1 September 2026 - 11:12

charter Mediterranean travel industry heatwaves climate change southern Europe the travel industry

En kvinna arbetar vid en laptop i ett flygplans kabin, med solljus från två fönster.

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Extreme heat is beginning to change perceptions of the Mediterranean

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Stockholm waterfront skyline glowing at dusk, reflected in calm blue water.

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Bildkollage med en upplyst hotellfasad samt bilder av restaurang och hotellrum.

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Kvinnlig passagerare går mot ett flygplan med ombordstignings trappa på en solbelyst flygplats.

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Chef Stefan Eriksson prepares food beside steaming cookware under a Grand Travel Award 2027 graphic.

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