Portugal

ARSENAL are close to securing the long-awaited signing of Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners have been desperate for a centre-forward and now appear set to get their man.

2

2

Gunners’ sporting director Andrea Berta flew to Portugal for talks at the end of last week to push the deal through, according to CNN Portugal.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.

Blazes break out in France, Greece, Turkiye and Syria, with several other nations on high alert amid warnings of scorching weather.

Countries across the Mediterranean are battling fast-spreading wildfires and soaring temperatures as a heatwave sweeps through Southern Europe and parts of the Middle East, prompting evacuations and emergency alerts.

Blazes broke out in Greece, Turkiye, France and Syria on Sunday, with several other nations on high alert as forecasters warned that the scorching weather would intensify in the coming days.

From Spain to Italy, authorities urged residents to protect vulnerable people and avoid unnecessary travel during the region’s first severe heatwave of the summer.

Emergency teams and ambulances were stationed near popular tourist destinations, while meteorologists warned that extreme heat events – supercharged by climate change – are becoming more frequent and intense.

In western Turkiye, wildfires erupted on Sunday in Izmir province, fanned by strong winds. Firefighters, supported by aircraft, fought to control the blaze. Local authorities said five neighbourhoods in the Seferihisar district were evacuated as a precaution.

Authorities said firefighters have battled more than 600 fires in the drought-hit nation over the past week.

Turkish authorities arrested 10 suspects in relation to wildfires that broke out across the country over the past week, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Friday.

The wildfires killed at least three people in the western coastal province of Izmir.

Firefighters were still trying to control a blaze in the southern coastal area of Dortyol in Hatay province.

Meanwhile, in Greece, more than 160 firefighters, 46 fire trucks and five aircraft were deployed to combat flames in southern Evia.

The blaze, which began late on Friday, burned through forested areas and forced two villages to evacuate, officials said. Fires also broke out near Athens.

France also saw wildfires break out in the Corbieres region of Aude in the southwest, where temperatures soared above 40C (104F). A campsite and a historic abbey were evacuated.

Meteo France placed 84 of the country’s 101 departments under orange-level heat alerts on Monday.

In Spain, the national weather agency AEMET reported temperatures reaching 44C (111F) in parts of Extremadura and Andalusia.

“I feel that the heat we’re experiencing is not normal for this time of year,” said Diego Radames, a 32-year-old photographer in Madrid, speaking to the AFP news agency. “Madrid just keeps getting hotter.”

Italy placed 21 cities on red alert, including important ones, such as Rome, Milan and Naples. Emergency rooms reported a 10 percent rise in heatstroke cases, according to Mario Guarino of the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine.

Portugal also faced extreme conditions, with the capital, Lisbon, under a red warning until Monday night. Two-thirds of the country was on high alert for wildfires and extreme heat.

On the island of Sicily, firefighters tackled 15 blazes on Saturday alone.

Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying the heat.

“Heatwaves in the Mediterranean have become more frequent and more intense in recent years,” Emanuela Piervitali of Italy’s Institute for Environmental Protection and Research told AFP. “We’ll need to adapt to even higher extremes in the future.”

One travel expert’s advice may just make your summer

Craving a slice of Hawaii without breaking the bank? One travel enthusiast may just have an ideal budget-friendly recommendation for you.

Last month, ‘Jamie Travel’ took to TikTok to share his admiration for what’s commonly dubbed the ‘Hawaii of Europe’. Boasting picturesque black sand beaches, mountain trails and vibrant cultural spots, this hidden gem has something for everyone. And Jamie said he managed to get return flights for £67 with Ryanair, too.

“I always wondered why Madeira was called the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ and soon found out why,” Jamie told his 29,000 followers. “I visited for four days earlier this year, and it definitely exceeded my expectations. If you love adventure, hiking or just spending time in nature, but also want the option to chill by a pool, I highly encourage you to visit.

“We secured flights for just £67, made our way into one of the most dangerous airport landings in Europe before checking into our hotel in the city of Funchal.”

READ MORE: Seaside village in UK ‘feels like Lake Como’ and has very cheap fish and chips

Madeira is a small Portuguese archipelago situated roughly 1,000 km from the European mainland and 500 km from North Africa. It consists of four scenic islands, and its capital city, Funchal, was the birthplace of legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

Although Jamie insists there are ‘101 things to do’ in Madeira, he drew special attention to its various hiking routes, which are also known as ‘PR trails’. These run alongside waterfalls and pass through tunnels while providing ‘breathtaking mountain views’.

He continued: “It’s impossible to show you everything that we got up to in one short video, but I will show you the best of what we did there. We started day one by taking a Bolt Taxi up to the PR1 trail for what turned out to be an absolutely incredible sunrise.

READ MORE: Love Islander Demi Jones says she brushed off key symptom before cancer diagnosis

“We followed the trail to many of the viewpoints along the way and also walked the famous ‘Stairway to Heaven’. We then took a cable car up to Monte Palace, which is one of the most unique places in Madeira before opting for a quicker way down using the famous wicker toboggan ride.”

In the days following, Jamie and his companions spent some time exploring the island’s black sand beaches and natural pools. They also ventured through the eerily enchanting Fanal Forest, considered part of the Laurisilva Forest.

You’d be forgiven for thinking this UNESCO Heritage site was pulled straight from a set of The Hobbit. It conserves the largest surviving area of primary laurel forest – a vegetation type now confined to the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands.

READ MORE: Dementia patients at greater risk of heatwave-related health risks, nurse warns

“We also hiked the PR9 trail, which is a 14km out-and-back trail that passes through waterfalls and tunnels,” Jamie said. “And you end up at this huge waterfall, the Caldeirão Verde.

“It is definitely a trip that went far too quick, so I hope to revisit in the near future. I hope this is your sign to book that trip to Madeira, as it’s not somewhere you want to miss.”

The brothers, who were en route to the UK, were found dead near Zamora in northwestern Spain after a car crash.

The funeral of footballers Diogo Jota and his brother has been held, two days after the siblings died in a car crash in Spain, with family and friends joined by players and staff from Jota’s Premier League club, Liverpool.

Saturday’s service was held at Igreja Matriz church in the Portuguese town of Gondomar, where Jota had a home.

Portugal’s national team coach Roberto Martinez and several top Portuguese players also attended, including Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes.

Among the mourners, Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk arrived carrying a red floral arrangement in the shape of a football shirt with Jota’s No 20 in white. His teammate Andrew Robertson carried a similar arrangement with the No 30, the number worn by Jota’s brother, Andre Silva, who played for Portuguese club Penafiel.

Jota, 28, and his brother, Silva, 25, were found dead near Zamora in northwestern Spain early on Thursday after the Lamborghini they were driving crashed on an isolated stretch of highway just after midnight and burst into flames.

The brothers were reportedly heading to catch a boat from northern Spain to go to England, where Jota was to rejoin Liverpool after a summer break.

Cause of crash unclear

Spanish police are investigating the cause of the crash, which did not involve another vehicle, they said.

They said they believe it could have been caused by a blown tyre.

Their bodies were repatriated to Portugal after being identified by the family. A wake was held for them on Friday.

Jota’s death occurred two weeks after he married longtime partner Rute Cardoso while on holiday from a long season where he helped Liverpool win the Premier League. The couple had three children, the youngest born last year.

Jota was born in Porto but started his playing career as a child in nearby Gondomar. Silva played in Portugal’s lower divisions.

Their loss has led to an outpouring of grief and condolences from the football world and Portuguese officials.

“Of course, if we had the possibility to change everything, we would change everything for sure. But this is a hard day for us.”

Portugal boss Francisco Neto joined in the tributes to Diogo Jota as thousands of fans also paid their respects during the team’s Euro 2025 opener against Spain.

Liverpool forward Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, both died early on Thursday morning when the Lamborghini car they were travelling in crashed in the Spanish province of Zamora.

On an emotional evening, a heartfelt rendition of Portugal’s national anthem was followed by an impeccably observed minute’s silence before kick-off, during which a black-and-white image of Jota was displayed on the big stadium screens in Bern.

“It was a really tough day to play football, because this life is much more than a game, much more than football,” said Portugal forward Jessica Silva.

“Of course everyone is sad. It’s heavy, my heart is heavy – much more important things than playing a game.”

Portugal fans held up placards with messages paying tribute to the player who is also being mourned in Liverpool, while both sets of players wore black armbands.

Despite having relentless support from their fans throughout the 90 minutes, Portugal fell to a 5-0 defeat in Bern as world champions and tournament favourites Spain began their pursuit for a first European crown.

Speaking in his post-match news conference, coach Neto, who appeared to hold back tears during the minute’s silence, described Jota as a devoted supporter of the women’s side.

“Diogo followed our team because he loved the county,” said Neto, who explained he first met Jota while coaching at under-19 level.

“Diogo always, when I talked to him, always knew the result. He followed the team, some players and this is the culture we have in Portugal.

“Today is a really, really sad day because two of us lost our lives. So young. It is not a good day.”

The football world has paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother, who died in a car crash in Spain on Thursday. Liverpool FC fans gathered outside Anfield to mourn his death. The 28-year-old had recently married and was the father of three children.

Liverpool FC and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother, fellow soccer player André Silva, died in a car crash early Thursday morning, Spanish authorities said Thursday. Jota was 28, and Silva was 25.

The brothers were found dead near Zamora, Spain, the country’s Civil Guard confirmed to the Associated Press. Police are investigating the cause of the accident, which occurred just after midnight when the Lamborghini the brothers were riding in veered off the road and burst into flames.

No other vehicles were involved and the brothers were alone in the car, police said. It’s unclear which brother was driving.

“We have lost two champions,” Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença said in a statement. “The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honor their legacy every day.”

Football fans stand next to tributes left Thursday at Anfield Stadium in memory of Liverpool player Diogo Jota.

(Ian Hodgson / Associated Press)

Jota, whose full name was Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, was known as a clinical finisher. Early in his professional career, Jota played for such teams as Paços de Ferreira, Atlético Madrid and the Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He signed with Liverpool in 2020 and went on to score 65 goals in 182 games for the Reds. The organization said in a statement that it is “devastated” by Jota’s death.

“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss,” the team wrote.

Lakers star LeBron James, a minority Liverpool owner, referenced the team’s unofficial anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” as he paid tribute to Jota on X.

“My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time!” James wrote. “May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!”

Jota played nearly 50 games for Portugal as well. He made the 2022 World Cup squad, but was unable to play because of injury. Jota’s final match was Portugal’s 5-3 win in a penalty shoot-out over Spain in the Nations League final June 8. About two weeks later, Jota married Rute Cardoso, who was his childhood sweetheart and mother of their three young children.

“It doesn’t make any sense,” Jota’s Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo wrote in Portuguese on X. “Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had gotten married. My condolences to your family, to your wife and to your children. I wish them all the strength in the world. I know that you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, left, celebrates with Portugal teammate Diogo Jota during a Euro 2020 qualifying match in Luxembourg in November 2019.

(Francisco Seco / Associated Press)

Silva was a midfielder for the Liga Portugal 2 squad Penafiel.

A moment of silence for the brothers will be observed at all UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 matches on Thursday and Friday, including the Spain-Portugal game Thursday at noon PDT.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

EXPLAINER

The football world remains in shock after tragic road accident involving Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother.

In the early hours of Thursday, Diogo Jota, forward for Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team, and his younger brother, died in a car accident in northwestern Spain.

At just 28 years old, Jota was enjoying some of the best moments of his career and personal life; he won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal, the Premier League with Liverpool, and he recently married his childhood sweetheart.

The tragedy has left a deep void in the football world, which is still trying to come to terms with the loss.

What caused the car crash?

The two were travelling in a Lamborghini Urus SUV, which, according to reports, suffered a tyre blowout just after midnight while overtaking another vehicle on the A-52 highway, at kilometre 65.300, near the town of Cernadilla, Zamora, just 15 kilometres from the Portugal border.

The car veered off the road, crashed, and instantly caught fire.

By the time firefighters arrived at the crash scene, the vehicle was completely burned out.

The charred remains of the two footballers could only be identified through their identification papers.

Why was Jota driving back to England?

Jota was travelling by car to catch a ferry from the Spanish port of Santander back to northern England after being advised not to fly as a result of a previous lung surgery, according to multiple media reports in Portugal and Spain.

His club side, Liverpool, are due to begin preseason training on Monday.

What was Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction?

Ronaldo, Portugal’s national team captain, was deeply shaken by the news of teammate Diogo Jota’s death.

“It doesn’t make sense. We were only just in the national team together, you had only just got married,” Ronaldo posted on the social media platform X.

“To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you’ll always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We’ll all miss you.”

Who was travelling with Jota?

His brother Andre Silva, his only sibling.

Though less known internationally, Silva, 25, was also a professional footballer.

He played for Futebol Clube Penafiel in Portugal’s second division and was previously part of FC Porto’s youth academy.

O Futebol Clube do Porto está de luto.

É com choque e profundo pesar que enviamos as sentidas condolências à família e amigos do Diogo Jota e irmão André Silva, que também foi nosso atleta nos escalões de formação.

Descansem em paz.#FCPorto pic.twitter.com/BXlR8v7y7Z

— FC Porto (@FCPorto) July 3, 2025

What family does Jota leave behind?

A wife and three children.

Rute Cardoso has suddenly and painfully become the widow of Diogo Jota, less than two weeks after they were married at a ceremony in his home city of Porto on June 22.

Tributes are coming in following the passing of the popular footballer, who died in a car crash in Spain on Thursday.

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died following a car crash in Spain, according to a police report.

Jota, 28, had been travelling in the car with his brother Andre, 26, also a footballer, when the vehicle went off the road, according to the reporting by Portugal’s public broadcaster, TVE.

The tragedy comes just two weeks after Jota married his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso in Porto, in his native Portugal.

The following are quotes and reactions to his death:

Liverpool Football Club

“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

“The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

“We will continue to provide them with our full support.”

Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025

Luis Montenegro, Portugal Prime Minister

“The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”

Portuguese Football Federation

“The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Spain this morning.

“Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community … We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.”

Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool player

“Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.”

Ruben Neves, Portugal and Al Hilal midfielder

“They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you … FC Porto is in mourning.

“It is with shock and deep regret that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace.”

Sporting CP

“The world of football is poorer. Sporting CP expresses its sorrow at the death of Portuguese international Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Our deepest condolences go out to the whole family at this difficult time.”

From Paris to Lisbon, locals and tourists are struggling as a powerful heatwave grips European countries. Temperatures are soaring past 40°C, prompting school closures, tourist attraction restrictions, and warnings about wildfires and climate change.

Local authorities have issued fresh warnings against the risk of wildfires and urged people to take shelter, as Southern Europe experiences the summer’s first severe heatwave and as experts link the rising frequency and intensity of soaring temperatures to climate change.

Acute heatwaves were recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal through the weekend and into Sunday, with locals and tourists alike battling the sweltering conditions.

Ambulances were also on standby near tourist hot spots.

Two-thirds of Portugal was on high alert on Sunday for extreme heat and wildfires, with temperatures in Lisbon expected to top 42C (107F).

In Lisbon, 39-year-old pharmacist Sofia Monnteiro told the AFP news agency that despite advising people “not to go out” during the hottest hours of the day, “we have already had some cases of heat strokes and burns”.

Several areas in the southern half of Portugal, including Lisbon, are under a red warning until Monday night due to “persistently extremely high maximum temperature values”, said the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).

Much of Portugal was also on high alert Sunday for extreme heat and forest fires – as was the Italian island of Sicily, where firefighters tackled 15 blazes Saturday.

In Italy, a few regions — Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia and Umbria — were planning to ban some outdoor work activities during the hottest hours of the day in response to the record-high temperatures. Italian trade unions pushed the government to expand such measures at a national level.

On Sunday, the Italian Health Ministry placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert, including top holiday destinations like Rome, Milan and Naples.

Hospital emergency departments across Italy have reported an increase in heatstroke cases, according to Mario Guarino, vice president of the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine.

“We’ve seen around a 10-percent increase, mainly in cities that not only have very high temperatures but also a higher humidity rate,” he told the AFP.

It is mainly elderly people, cancer patients or homeless people, presenting with dehydration, heat stroke, fatigue.”

Greece was again on high wildfire alert with the heatwave there expected to continue throughout the weekend.

A large wildfire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, forcing evacuations and road closures near the ancient Temple of Poseidon.

Greek authorities deployed 130 firefighters, 12 planes and 12 helicopters to battle the blaze, while police evacuated 40 people, with five areas under evacuation orders.

In Spain, locals and tourists were desperately trying to keep cool, as temperatures reached as high as 42C (107F) in the southern city of Seville along with other locations in the south and central parts of the country.

Southern regions of Spain recorded temperatures above seasonal averages, prompting health alerts and safety recommendations from authorities. The country’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has said that June is set to break yet another record, becoming the hottest such month since records started.

The ‘urban heat island’ effect

Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common across Europe’s southern region due to global warming.

A Lancet Public Health study published last year highlighted the increasing risk of heat-related deaths due to climate change. The study predicted that heat-related deaths could more than quadruple by mid-century under current climate policies.

While more people die from cold than heat, the study stressed that rising temperatures will offset the benefits of milder winters, leading to a significant net increase in heat-related mortality.

Scientists say climate change is stoking hotter and more intense heatwaves, particularly in cities where the so-called “urban heat island” effect amplifies temperatures among tightly packed buildings.

“The heatwaves in the Mediterranean region have become more frequent and more intense in recent years, with peaks of 37 degrees [Celsius, 100F] or even more in cities, where the urban heat island effect raises the temperatures even further,” said Emanuela Piervitali, a researcher at the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA).

Experts have warned that intense heat can affect daily life, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children.

Local authorities have advised against any physical activity during the hottest hours of the day, and recommended drinking plenty of fluids.

Portuguese star says he’d rather prepare himself for a ‘very long’ season, which ends with the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Cristiano Ronaldo says he preferred to take a rest rather than play in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup as he aims to prolong his playing career for club and country.

The Portuguese international, who recently led his country to the UEFA Nations League title, made the comments on Saturday, two days after extending his stay at Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

Al Nassr announced on Thursday that Ronaldo had signed a two-year contract which would keep him at the club past his 42nd birthday and possibly his last appearance in the FIFA World Cup at its next iteration in the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.

Speculation over the 40-year-old’s plans intensified last month when FIFA President Gianni Infantino said discussions were under way about Ronaldo playing in the Club World Cup, despite Al Nassr failing to qualify, but the star forward swiftly brushed them aside.

“I had some offers to play in the [Club] World Cup but I think it didn’t make sense because I prefer to have a good rest, a good preparation, because this season will be very long as it is the World Cup season at the end of the year,” Ronaldo said in a video posted by Al Nassr on X.

“I want to be ready not only for Al Nassr but also for the national team. So, this is why I decided to play the last game for the Nations League and not listen to anything,” he added.

“And of course, to be in this club, which I love”.

Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at @AlNassrFC until 2027 💛🤩 pic.twitter.com/uVOzvZW4u7

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) June 26, 2025

Ronaldo scored for Portugal in the Nations League final against Spain earlier this month, which ended 2-2 before his side went on to beat the European champions on penalties.

The Portugal captain said his aim in staying at Al Nassr was to win a major trophy with the Riyadh-based side.

“My goal, it’s always to win something important for Al-Nassr. And of course I still believe in that,” Ronaldo added. “This is why I renewed the two years more because I believe that I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia.”

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United as a free agent, has scored 93 goals in 105 appearances for them in all competitions.

Ronaldo is also eyeing the 1,000-goal milestone in his career. He has scored 794 goals in club football and 138 for Portugal, taking his tally to 932.

Southern Europe struggles with soaring heat as temperatures hit 40C, sparking fears of wildfires and health risks.

Europeans are braced for the first heatwave of the Northern Hemisphere summer, as climate change pushes thermometers on the world’s fastest-warming continent further into the red.

With temperatures expected to rise to 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Italian capital, Rome, on Saturday, the Eternal City’s many tourists and Catholic pilgrims to the Vatican alike have been converging around the Italian capital’s 2,500 public fountains for refreshment.

In France, with residents of the southern port city of Marseille expected to have to cope with temperatures flirting with 40C (104F), authorities ordered public swimming pools to be made free of charge to help residents beat the Mediterranean heat.

Two-thirds of Portugal will be on high alert on Sunday for extreme heat and forest fires with 42C (108F) expected in the capital, Lisbon.

Meanwhile, visitors to – and protesters against – Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos’s Friday wedding in Venice were likewise sweltering under the summer sun.

“I try not to think about it, but I drink a lot of water and never stay still, because that’s when you get sunstroke,” Sriane Mina, an Italian student, told AFP news agency on Friday in Venice.

Meanwhile, Spain, which has in past years seen a series of deadly summer blazes ravaging the Iberian peninsula, is expecting peak temperatures in excess of 40C (104F) across most of the country from Sunday.

Scientists have long warned that humanity’s burning of fossil fuels is heating up the world with disastrous consequences for the environment, with Europe’s ever-hotter and increasingly common blistering summer heatwaves a result of the long-term warming.

With peaks of 39C (102F) expected in the cities of Naples and Palermo, Sicily has ordered a ban on outdoor work in the hottest hours of the day, as has the Liguria region in northern Italy.

The country’s trade unions are campaigning to extend the measure to other parts of the country.

In Greece, the first heatwave of the summer arrived on Thursday when a fast-moving wildfire engulfed holiday homes and forest land on a section of the Greek coastline just 40km (25 miles) south of the capital, Athens.

More than 100 firefighters, supported by two dozen firefighting aircraft, battled the wildfire that tore across the coastal area of Palaia Fokaia. The flames were whipped up by high winds as temperatures approached 40C (104F).

The heatwave comes hot on the heels of a series of tumbling records for extreme heat, including Europe’s hottest March ever, according to the European Union’s Copernicus climate monitor.

As a result of the planet’s warming, extreme weather events including hurricanes, droughts, floods and heatwaves like this weekend’s have become more frequent and intense, scientists warn.

easyJet states that post-Brexit, Brits travelling to the EU will need to ensure their travel documents meet certain requirements – specifically when it comes to their passport’s validity

If you are one of the many sun-seeking Brits preparing for a European holiday, there are some rules that you should know.

easyJet has shared its guidance for those travelling to certain countries in the EU to ensure all passengers have a smooth flight. Under the ‘travel documents and information’ section of its website, easyJet states that passengers “need to have some form of identification on both domestic and international flights”. Below are the specific guidelines for travel to Spain, Portugal, Greece and France.

Spain

Under post-Brexit regulations, easyJet confirms UK passport holders travelling to the EU (except Ireland), or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the Vatican City or Switzerland need to meet certain passport criteria.

UK passport holders travelling to Spain must have a passport that is valid for “at least three months after the day you plan to depart from the EU or above countries”. Additionally, passports “must be no more than 10 years’ old on the date of travel to the EU or above countries”.

According to the UK government’s latest guidance, those with a full British citizen passport from the UK can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Spain, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

READ MORE: Brits warned as popular holiday country slashes visa-free stays for tourists

Portugal

easyJet passengers flying to Portugal are also reminded that entry is permitted for a maximum stay of 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa.

Portugal follows Schengen area rules as well, meaning your passport’s validity must fall within the prescribed 10-year and three-month rules. Your passport must have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive and have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue).

easyJet also states that extra documents are required for children entering or leaving Portugal without a parent or guardian. According to the airline: “Children aged 17 and under, must carry written authorization to be able to travel to and from Portugal if they are travelling without their parent or legal guardian.”

easyJet’s guidance continues: “The letter must include the details of the adult who will be responsible for them during their stay in Portugal. For full information about the requirements please see the web pages of the Government of Portugal and the Government of the United Kingdom .

Greece

Given that Greece is also part of the Schengen area, easyJet passengers that are UK passport holders are subject to the same passport and visa regulations as those travelling to Spain and Portugal.

Meaning that those with a full British passport will also be able to travel without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Additionally, the UK government website advises that even if you are visiting multiple countries “your total stay in the Schengen area must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days.

“It does not matter how many countries you visit. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’,” the website confirms. Additionally, if you are considering adding on a trip to Cyprus on your Greece journey, remember that Cyprus is not in the Schengen area.

That said, the UK government confirms that British passport holders can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period in Cyprus without a visa. More importantly, any time you spend in the Schengen area does not affect the number of days you can spend in Cyprus.

France

France, also being part of the Schengen region, does not require British passport holders to travel with a visa for stays under 90 days. Non-EU passport holders travelling to the Schengen area are once again obliged to ensure that their passport is valid for at least three months from the date of their departure from the Schengen member country, according to the UK government website.

Though this requirement does not apply to holders of a Schengen issued residence permit or long-term visas.

Experts say many people are being drawn to the North African region by its wide availability of high-quality hotels costing considerably less than similar properties in locations such as Spain, France and Italy

A surge in UK holidaymakers are swapping traditional European destinations for North Africa, according to travel firms.

Experts suggest the region’s appeal lies in its abundance of high-quality hotels that are significantly cheaper than similar properties in Spain, France and Italy. Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are all seeing an influx of visitors from the UK.

Data from aviation analysts Cirium reveals that 19,847 flights are expected to serve routes from UK airports to these countries this year, more than double the 8,653 flights in 2019. In contrast, the number of flights to Spain and Portugal is predicted to rise by 10% and 9% respectively over the same period.

This indicates that many holidaymakers seeking better quality accommodation without paying more are willing to endure a longer flight, despite airlines like easyJet and Ryanair offering non-reclining seats and no onboard entertainment.

READ MORE: Europe’s most visited museum shuts its doors due to overcrowding fears

Flights from Gatwick airport in West Sussex to Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh take approximately five hours and 20 minutes. This means an additional hour and 45 minutes on a plane compared to trips to the traditional southern Spanish hotspot of Alicante.

EasyJet commenced flights between Gatwick and Cape Verde, off the west coast of Africa, in March, marking its longest route serving England. These flights cover the distance of 2,332 nautical miles in six hours and 10 minutes.

Tui, the travel company, has reported a 30% increase in bookings for summer holidays in Egypt compared to last year, from both flight-only and package holiday customers. The firm also noted “double-digit growth” for Tunisia and a strong demand for Morocco.

Chris Logan, Tui’s UK commercial director, stated that these three destinations offer “fantastic value for money”, making it difficult for traditional European destinations to compete. Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: “There’s good quality accommodation and great weather beyond the traditional summer season.

“Even in the winter months temperatures are mild, making them a perfect choice for year-round travel.”

To meet the growing demand, Tui has increased its flights from the UK to North Africa this summer, introducing new routes from Stansted to Enfidha in Tunisia and from Newcastle to Agadir, Morocco. Booking.com, the online accommodation marketplace, reported a 68% increase in searches for summer breaks in Tunisia during the first five months of this year, compared with the same period in 2024.

Egypt and Morocco saw increases of 64% and 39% respectively. Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, managing director at Barrhead Travel, commented that Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia offer “incredible value for money” which is “proving increasingly attractive for holidaymakers this year”.

She added: “The investment in high-quality hotels and experiences across these regions is turning the heads of customers who may previously have favoured mainland Europe.”

READ MORE: Spain warning for Brits as new holiday rule comes into force from July 1READ MORE: Brits in Benidorm warned of 3 little-known beach rules that can land them hefty fines

According to Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, “Although favourites such as Spain and Turkey are still our top-selling destinations, it’s safe to say north Africa is a region to watch over the next few years.”

She observed a “clear trend toward value-conscious holiday planning”, attributing this to the ongoing cost of living pressures and reduced disposable incomes.

Lo Bue-Said noted: “This shift has driven growing popularity for destinations like Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia, which offer more competitive pricing and high-quality accommodation options compared to the more traditional western Mediterranean resorts.”

DAN EDGAR made a beeline for a stunning brunette on a Towie cast flight to Portugal in front of “fuming” ex Ella Rae Wise.

The Dancing On Ice star, 35, caused a stir on a Jet2 flight from London Standard to Faro in Portugal after making a bold move mid-journey.

7

7

7

An onlooker told The Sun there were “sparks flying” – but not everyone was enjoying the in-flight entertainment.

CBB ex Ella, 24, was accused of shooting “death stares” to Dan during the entire conversation as Love Island: All Stars couple Sammy Root and Elma Pazar watched on.

An image obtained by The Sun shows Dan locked in conversation with the stunning brunette, who he chatted to for 15 minutes after the pair were “drawn to each other” in the departure queue.

A source told The Sun: “We saw Dan Edgar chatting away to a woman who was on a hen do on our flight – the plane was full of the entire Towie cast.

“One of the girls from the hen do, he took a liking to. He was with her for quite a fair bit of the flight and his cast members didn’t seem too happy.

“You could tell it was a flirty exchange – they were laughing and touching. There were definitely sparks flying.

“Sat near where they were talking was Sammy Root, Elma and Ella Wise. Ella was giving death stares – it looked like she was fuming. It was a very entertaining flight.

“We noticed they were drawn to each other – we could see them eyeing each other in the departure queue.

“It looked like socials were exchanged so it seems their conversation went really well.”

Dan’s potential new romance comes as the Towie cast jetted off to Portugal to kick off filming for the long-running ITV reality series’ 15th anniversary.

He had been dating CBB star Ella in the run-up to her stint on the show in April.

While the last series saw Ella and Dan become “official” ahead of her stint on Celebrity Big Brother, it was revealed on the show that the two had split “amicably”.

The pair now face the first reunion since their split as the cast film scenes in the Algarve for the latest season, out later this year.

Sophie Kasaei, boyfriend Jordan Brook, Junaid Ahmed and boyfriend Joe Blackman also join them in Portugal.

Towie has been approached for comment.

Meanwhile, Matilda Draper and Jodie Wells have been soaking up the sun at the luxury resort’s pool.

Elma Pazar, Harry Derbridge, Amber Turner and Dani Imbert, AMY Childs and Lauren Goodger are also on the trip.

Dan is also set to face off with another of his exes – 31-year-old Amber Turner, who has since moved on from the Dancing On Ice star with Kent-based hunk Archie Chandler.

The pair have been together since May last year, with sources reporting that Amber has finally found “the one”.

7

7

7

7

Ruben Neves scores winning penalty kick as Portugal defeat Spain 5-3 in a shootout to win the Nations League title.

Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears as Portugal picked up their second Nations League title by beating holders Spain 5-3 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw in the final.

Ronaldo’s 138th international goal took the final on Sunday to a shootout, with Alvaro Morata’s miss proving costly for Spain as Ruben Neves struck the winning spot kick to spark wild scenes of celebration, with emotion overwhelming the veteran captain.

Spain’s exhilarating 5-4 victory over France in Thursday’s semifinal ensured Luis de la Fuente’s side had continued an unbeaten run that stretched back to March 2023 coming into Sunday’s showpiece final in Munich.

They appeared on course for yet another trophy, on the back last year’s European Championship triumph, as Martin Zubimendi tapped home his second international goal in the 21st minute.

The holders’ lead did not last long, however, as flying Portugal full-back Nuno Mendes slotted home the equaliser after good work from Ronaldo in the build up.

A sublime pass from midfielder Pedri helped Mikel Oyarzabal, who netted the winner against England in last year’s European Championship final, restored Spain’s lead before the break.

The tussle between the Iberian neighbours was billed as a clash between old and new – 40-year-old and five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

While Yamal, among the favourites to take home one of the most prestigious individual awards this year, struggled to make inroads, Ronaldo pounced on his chance, firing Portugal level from close range just past the hour mark.

Ronaldo went off injured late on and neither side could find a winner in extra time, with the game going to a shootout and Portugal netting all five of their penalties to claim the trophy.

Earlier on Sunday, Kylian Mbappe led France to third place with a 2-0 win over host nation Germany in Stuttgart.

The Real Madrid star scored one goal and set up the other for Michael Olise as France recovered from a lethargic first half.

The EU rule, which will apply to UK holidaymakers, will cover companies including easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air and TUI

The European Union is planning a change in the rules on carry-on bags on flights, which would cover planes flying between the UK and countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, France and Italy. At the minute, some airlines charge passengers for each item they want to take aboard.

Different airlines have different rules – meaning the size of the bag you can take aboard and how much it will cost you – is different each time. The new EU rule would set a specific size of bag you would be allowed to take on flights operated by companies like easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air.

And the rule would stipulate that the take-on bag would be free, the airline would not be able to charge you extra to take a bag aboard the plane.

The rule would change the confusion that see people being charged extra when they get to the airport for bags deemed too big, or too heavy. And people being charged for a bag by one airline but allowed to take it without additional fees by another.

EU transport ministers this week proposed standardised sizing for free underseat baggage on EU airlines. It will become law if it is accepted by the European Parliament. The new rule would mean passengers are guaranteed one free personal item, measuring up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles) – or which could reasonably fit under a plane seat.

The rules would apply to EU-based airlines, including when they are carrying passengers from a non-EU country like the UK to an EU country and vice-versa.

11 years ago, an EU court ruled that hand baggage should not be subject to an additional fee so long as it is a reasonable size. But the ruling did not define ‘reasonable’.

Currently, Ryanair allows a free carry-on bag of 40x20x25cm, while easyJet’s rules for a free bag are 45x36x20 cm, including wheels and handles. The new rule would cover under-seat bags, but does not currently mention bags you put in overhead lockers.

In November, five airlines in Spain were fined £150million for ‘abusive practices’, including charging for hand luggage. Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry said it planned to ban charging extra for carry-on luggage.

Ryanair told the BBC it fully complied with EU law. A spokesman said: “If airlines were forced to include additional carry-on bags as part of the basic fare, it would reduce choice and drive up air fares for all passengers, which would harm consumers.”

Industry group Airlines For Europe said charging different amounts depending on baggage “allows passengers to choose the exact services that best suits their needs”.

Travel consumer expert Jane Hawkes, told the BBC: “A one-size-fits-all kind of approach would make it a lot simpler for passengers.”