‘Extreme’ travel warning for anyone heading to the Canary Islands this week

Officials have issued a wildfire warning to anyone planning to visit the region over the coming weeks (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Some 2,037 fires have been blazed across Europe since January — meaning 2026 is on track to be one of the hottest years on record. Forest fires have caused disruption in regions across mainland Spain, France, Greece, Turkey, and here in the UK. And, as of Wednesday September 16, officials have issued a fresh warning that could impact Brits planning to escape the rain and head to the Canary Islands over the coming weeks. AEMET, Spain’s State Meteorological Agency, has declared that there is a ‘very high’ or ‘extreme’ risk of fire danger in the region. As a result, holidaymakers are now being told to check local conditions across the islands. The Canary Islands is an incredibly popular destinations among Brits (Picture: Getty Images) Over the past year, the Canary Islands have welcomed an average of 1.54 million tourists each month. And, rather unsurprisingly, Brits make up the largest share. In 2025 alone, visitors from the UK accounted for between 32% to 37% of monthly arrivals. And with our long, hot summer finally drawing to a close, and a Super El Niño promising torrential rainfall on the horizon, many Brits will likely already be packed and ready to go. So, should they be cancelling their Gatwick parking spot yet? Are there wildfires in the Canary Islands right now? Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Currently, there are no active wildfires in the Canary Islands. Rather, the region is on high alert as the volatile weather conditions mean there’s every chance one could be imminent. With strong winds, low humidity, and temperatures reaching 40°C in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, officials have activated preventative wildfire emergency plans across all of the islands. Some of the safety measures currently in place include a blanket ban on barbecues and open flames in outdoor areas, a ban on smoking in forests or in mountain areas, and a strong warning for residents and tourists to avoid entering forested areas. The Canary Islands are no stranger to wildfires. In 2019, for example, fires in Gran Canaria triggered widespread evacuations across 40 towns and caused extensive damage. This summer alone, the region has been placed on high alert multiple times. The Canary Islands regularly experiences ‘intense’ weather (Picture: Getty) What should I do if I have a holiday booked? The Foreign Office is advising travellers to monitor local media before embarking on any journeys to the Canary Islands right now. Wildfires can often result in road closures and restrictions, or pose risks that sometimes impede air travel, so it’s important to stay as informed as possible. That being said, the AEMET’s current warning does not mean that flights to any of the islands have been cancelled. Always check the specific terms of any applicable travel insurance policies to make sure you understand your rights and options (Picture: Getty Images) If the situation changes and your flight is axed, passenger rights mean the airline must offer you either an alternative option or a refund. However, one thing to remember is that you might not be eligible for additional compensation if the airline states that the disruption is due to ‘extraordinary circumstances’ out of their control, such as extreme weather. If conditions are poor, your flight may simply be heavily delayed, in which case the airline should provide you with a voucher for food and drinks. Of course, if you yourself choose not to travel because of the potential wildfire risk, you won’t be able to claim a refund. Our Top Shopping Picks Topman’s new-season collection has arrived and prices start at just £10 An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 If you’re travelling to the Canary Islands over the next few days, the best thing to do is keep an eye on local news and check the AEMET website for regular updates. Arrow MORE: The 3 best destination detours in Europe, according to a travel expert Arrow MORE: European airline that carries 4,000 UK passengers a week files for bankruptcy Arrow MORE: The 5 European destinations with hotels under £50 perfect for an early autumn getaway The Getaway Expert Your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro's resident travel expert, Alice Murphy.