Spain holidays

Holidaymakers planning a trip to Spain who haven’t yet booked their flights are being warned to do so know amid speculation that escalating oil prices could soon drive up the costs

A Spanish tourist boss has warned that Brits who haven’t yet booked their summer holidays should book flights as soon as possible to avoid “price fluctuations”.

Jordi Hereu, Spain’s Industry and Tourism Minister, made the comments to Spanish news outlet Expansion yesterday (April 27), warning that growth in the tourist industry could be dampened by rises in the cost of flights. Last year, Spain welcomed 97 million tourists through its borders, and was expected to hit the 100 million mark this year.

He said: “What ⁠we’re recommending is that ‌people buy their tickets now because it’s true that (airlines) are currently using kerosene that was purchased some time ‌ago, and therefore there’s an element of ‌price fluctuations involved.”

“It’s already clear that prices have risen and this could affect demand.” he added. He went on to reassure holidaymakers that authorities were looking at ways to prevent fuel shortages as the busy summer season looms.

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But Mr Hereu also warned: “If the countries ‌that send tourists to Spain had problems, we would have them too.”

Many airlines have been foreced to cancel flights this spring and summer due to the rising cost of jet fuel as supplies run law, as a consequence of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the Israeli and US attack on Iran.

Keir Starmer said the UK was doing “everything we can” to reopen the Strait, although the UK PM warned: “I don’t want anybody to think that, once the Strait is open, that that’s the end of the damage. It will go on longer than that.”

He went on to tell Sky News: “I can see that, if there’s more impact, people might change their habits… where they go on holiday this year, what they’re buying in the supermarket, that sort of thing.”

Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantic’s chief executive, told the Telegraph: “I was looking at improving our financial results by a really significant chunk. And then this happens. We have never seen jet fuel at these levels, with prices more than doubling. The industry cannot absorb increases like this.”

In recent weeks, the cost of a barrel of jet fuel has increased from £63 to as high as £148 amid the conflict in the Middle East. The cost of fuel accounts for around a quarter or more of operating expenses for airlines, meaning it can have a big impact on profits.

According to reports by the BBC, the lowest-priced economy tickets currently cost 24% more on average than this time last year. In response, airlines have asked for measures such as a cut or suspension to Air Passenger Duty to be put in place to balance out the costs for consumers.

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A number of airlines have already cut services, such as Lufthansa, which has axed 20,000 European short-haul flights, which it claims will save around 40,000 metric tons of jet fuel. The German airline will offer customers options, including refunding fares or booking them on alternative flights with other airlines.

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Tourists visiting this holiday hotspot may find it harder to book a hotel room in the future as local authorities are seeking to freeze new hotel licences in a bid to tackle tourist numbers

A European tourist hotspot that’s popular with Brits is eyeing plans to tackle overtourism, including potentially putting a freeze on the opening of new hotels.

The mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, is desperate for his city not to become too overcrowded and overwhelmed by tourists. Haris previously oversaw a ban on new permits for short-term rentals such as Airbnbs in three neighbourhoods in central Athens.

Now, he has told Euronews that he wants to avoid the city becoming like other crowded spots. He said: “We really need to see if and how many more hotels we need and where. We need to see and think about how much extra tourist load we can lift and where.

“We must not become Barcelona. We have to understand that there are saturated areas that cannot afford new beds: whether short-term rentals or not. Talking at events around the globe, we see that capping is not only being put on short-term rentals but also on hotels; in specific, ‘saturated’ areas.”

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Across the Attica region, where Athens is located, there are 68,934 rental apartments, nearly half of which are found in the city center. Across Greece, tourist demand has seen a huge increase in the amount of accommodation available, with 450 new four- and five-star hotels opening between 2019 and 2024.

Should Athens enact the ban, it would join cities including Barcelona and Amsterdam, which already have similar initiatives to tackle the issue of overtourism.

Evgenios Vassilikos, President of the Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association – spoke at the same event. He argued that there needed to be a careful planning process when it comes to expanding the number of hotel beds and short-term rentals.

He said: “There are practices abroad which have been implemented. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. The example I gave is that in Barcelona they have completely banned short-term rentals from 2028 and from 2017 onwards no new hotel licences are being issued. So there are, therefore, these restrictions abroad. We will possibly have to see in Athens what we want in terms of where we want to be in 10 to 15 years. “

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He added: “We will definitely need hotel beds there. How many will these be? How many will be five-star, how many four-star, etc. There has to be a specific plan. And of course that drags in all kinds of beds, meaning non-primary tourist accommodation and short-term rentals.”

Athens has become the most popular tourist destination in Greece with about 12 million international arrivals in 2025. This included around 4.5 million British tourists, up from 3.5 million in 2019. The Acropolis alone receives millions of visitors a year, and at peak times can see over 17,000 visitors a day.

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Air traffic controller strikes will cause ‘indefinite’ disruption to flights from April 17, affecting some of the most popular European holiday locations

British holidaymakers are facing the prospect of indefinite disruption starting from tomorrow at major European holiday destinations. A total of 14 airports at popular holiday locations are preparing for strike action from Friday, April 17.

Air traffic controller unions are warning that the strike action is ‘indefinite’. Spanish media reports indicate that the action by USCA kicks off on April 17 at the Canary Island hotspots of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro – with nine further locations also affected.

Other popular holiday destinations set to be hit by airport strikes include the mainland locations of Jerez de la Frontera, La Coruña, Madrid-Cuatro Vientos, Vigo and Seville. Castellón, Burgos, Huesca and Ciudad Real are also set for strike action.

Travel website Travel On World is cautioning tourists that the greatest risk is likely to be “delays, late aircraft rotations, missed connections and short-notice timetable changes.”

The site notes that for many travellers, the main concern is not a complete shutdown of operations. Instead, it is planes departing late from earlier locations, inbound flights being held up, departure slots changing around, turnaround times tightening and passengers having to put up with long waits for clear details on what is happening.

Because air traffic control is classed as an essential service, Spanish authorities have the power to impose minimum service levels. This should mean that some flights continue to operate.

Some flights are therefore likely to depart close to schedule. Yet others may face significant delays, and some could be cancelled where airlines determine the knock-on effect has become too serious.

What are my rights over the Spain airport strikes?

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, if your UK flight is delayed, and a post-Brexit regulation known as UK261 applies to it, your airline must care for you while you are delayed. This includes supplying you with food and drink depending on the length of your delay, and accommodation if you are delayed overnight.

You may also be entitled to compensation if the delay results in you reaching your destination airport more than three hours late. If the delay exceeds five hours, you can opt not to travel and receive a refund.

What is the Spain strike action all about?

The airports affected by the industrial action share a common thread – all are operated by SAERCO. Further strikes had previously been anticipated at Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, linked to a separate ongoing dispute involving Groundforce baggage handlers. However, it emerged earlier this week that this action has now been suspended.

Travellers must now contend with this latest wave of industrial unrest. Air traffic control unions say they are taking strike action over staff shortages and shift scheduling disputes – and passengers should be ready for disruption.

USCA spokesman José Luis Feliú told El Espejo Canario that delays are a real possibility. And the sunspots are busy all year long. Aena reports that 5.7million British holidaymakers visited the Canary Islands in 2023 alone.

Even outside of the school holidays, the islands remain a firm favourite with British travellers – and for good reason. According to the Hello Canary Islands website, with 4,800 daylight hours a year, the Canary Islands have the most daylight hours of anywhere in Europe.

What the unions are saying about the Spain airport strikes?

USCA spokesman José Luis Feliú told Spanish media there is currently a “shortage of air traffic controllers,” which he said directly impacts the system’s operation. “It generates greater stress, more fatigue, and makes it impossible to guarantee service continuity,” he warns.

The union spokesman highlights that the surge in air traffic has worsened the situation, compelling professionals to shoulder heavier workloads under increasingly difficult conditions, reports El Espejo Canario. One of the most pressing concerns is shift management, he alleges. “The company unilaterally changes the schedule,” alleges Feliú, leaving workers unable to plan their personal lives, he claims.

He claims that air traffic controllers are forced to “give up leave, vacations, and planned changes,” a situation he regards as unsustainable in the long run. “In the end, you work the same hours, but without any planning,” he claims.

The strike is indefinite, although minimum services will remain in place, it is understood. Spanish website Larazon reports that the union cites “staff cuts of up to 33%” as the reason for this nationwide strike.

The website reports that the action is set to affect football fans using Seville airport. The Copa del Rey final will take place in Seville between Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad on Saturday, April 18.

According to Diario de Jerez, as of midday Thursday, the Jerez airport schedule still showed 18 commercial flights planned for Friday (nine landings and nine takeoffs). Meanwhile, another 18 commercial operations are scheduled for Saturday, two of them with Germany.

Many passengers are facing waits of up to three hours at Spanish airports due to the new controls

Travellers in Spain are experiencing significant delays at airports. And experts are warning that one particular group is bearing the brunt of new border controls, according to a Spanish travel organisation.

There have been widespread reports of waiting times of up to three hours. New regulations have been introduced, with some passengers in particular facing very long waits.

Spanish media reports indicate waiting times of up to three hours at Palma airport alone, with similar delays reported in France, Greece, Italy and beyond. Travel group Aviba is now calling for urgent measures to prevent chaos this coming summer.

Pedro Fiol, president of the travel association, is demanding immediate action to avert disruption this summer, and has revealed he has been pushing for such measures for months, according to Ultimata Hora. The new system has only just been introduced, having fully launched on April 10, following a trial period that began late last year.

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) initially began operations on 12 October 2025, with a phased rollout across 29 European countries. Now it is fully in place.

The system replaces passport stamping with digitally recorded entries, exits or refusals of entry of non-EU nationals arriving for short stays. Travellers’ facial images, fingerprints and personal data from the travel document will also be recorded.

Mr Fiol said: “The implementation of the new European Border and Security System (EES) is already beginning to be felt at the Balearic airports, especially at Son Sant Joan, the main gateway to Mallorca, where we are still operating with a hybrid model. At certain times, it is causing some slowdowns in the controls, particularly for non-EU passengers.”

He warned that “we are facing a structural change in how borders are managed across Europe: biometric registration is replacing manual passport stamping, and this means more time for the passenger’s first contact with their destination.” In his view, so far “the experience has been inconsistent: some days the operation runs relatively smoothly, while others, according to agencies and tour operators, can take more than two hours from the moment the plane lands until the traveller collects their luggage, and even nearly three hours in some specific cases.”

Ultima Hora reports that the National Police have acknowledged the delays, though they say they have seen no evidence of prolonged hold-ups. Sources close to the security forces have told Spanish media that additional staff have been deployed during peak hours in a bid to ease any difficulties that may occur during periods of heavy passenger congestion at checkpoints.

Travellers passing through airports in countries including France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Greece are facing waits of several hours at border controls, according to the Airports Council International (ACI). Olivier Jankovec, the director of the ACI European division, told the Financial Times: “This situation, in the coming weeks and certainly over the peak summer months, is going to be simply unmanageable.

“We are seeing those queueing times now, at peak times, when traffic is just starting to build up.” A spokesperson for the European Commission told the Guardian: “What we can see from the first days of full operation is that the system is working very well. In the overwhelming majority of member states there are no issues.”

The commission said that the average registration of a passenger was 70 seconds, although the ACI has claimed that it can take up to five minutes. The spokesperson said there were a “few member states where technical issues have been detected” but that they “are being addressed”.

They said: “It is up to member states to ensure the proper implementation of the EES on the ground.” Luke Fitzpatrick, from independent travel agency Perfect Getaways, told the BBC this week that travellers should plan ahead to make border checks as smooth as possible.

“It’s about being as prepared as you can be,” Fitzpatrick told BBC Radio Merseyside. “There is a lot of uncertainty at the moment as people are getting used to the new system.”

While he said the advice was to arrive at the airport “at least three hours early”, he said it could be more difficult for people booked on a package holiday. “If you’re on a shared transfer back, everyone’s coming together at the same time,” he said.

EES changes and the impact on transfer and pick-ups

Pedro Fiol told Ultima Hora that “this situation is forcing a restructuring of transfer and pick-up operations at destinations to better co-ordinate exact times, avoid additional downtime, and guarantee the smoothest possible service.” Given this situation, he says that “travel agencies are concerned that if resources are not properly allocated at airports with such high tourist pressure as those in the Balearic Islands, significant queues and a negative first experience for visitors are possible.”

What do Brit tourists need to do with EES rules?

The govuk website states that “if you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay using a UK passport, you may be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.

“EES registration is replacing the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU. EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border.”

The countries in the Schengen area are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

While Brits usually have to join the line with other non-EU citizens, one airport will offer a lane solely for those with British passports after a new system led to huge delays for holidaymakers

The long-delayed European Entry/Exit System (EES) has officially been implemented today (April 10), which means that all non-EU citizens, Brits included, need to register their biometric data when entering the European Union (EU).

However, during the gradual implementation phase, long queues have been reported at several airports, especially in areas with lots of British tourists such as Spanish holiday hotspots. One spot that has been affected is the holiday island of Majorca, where long queues were reported by Majorca Daily Bulletin over the Easter weekend, a combination of the new systems and airport strikes.

Palma de Mallorca Airport is the third busiest airport in Spain with over 33.3 million passengers a year, even beating major cities on the mainland such as Alicante and Malaga.

The airport has a single terminal, divided into four zones, and while many reviews praise it for its efficiency in handling so many passengers, there have been complaints about long queues and overcrowding. However, it has been confirmed by an airport spokesperson, speaking to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, that dedicated lanes will be set up for British travellers.

The move could help ease pressures at passport control, as first-time registrations can reportedly take several minutes for each passenger. British travellers will be directed to a specific area with kiosks to collect their biometric data, and additional staff from the Guardia Civil will be on-hand to help manage the process.

The new EES system involves taking a photograph and fingerprints from non-EU citizens, and its aim is to be able to easily track those who overstay. Eventually, it will replace manual passport stamps, allowing EU countries to identify whether someone has followed the 90-day rule.

So far, the system has reportedly caught out over 4,000 travellers who’ve either accidentally or deliberately overstayed. Brits visiting the EU are allowed to stay up to 90 days visa-free within an 180-day period, although many don’t realise this is a rolling window, which could lead to confusion when calculating how long someone has been in the EU.

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Brits visiting Portugal or Sweden can download the official Travel to Europe app to save time. This app allows them to scan their passports and capture their biometric data in advance before generating a QR code. If no further checks are needed at the airport, then visitors can then simply scan the code at the EES kiosk on arrival.

Later this year, Brits will also need to participate in the new visa-waiver scheme, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which is set to be implemented in late-2026.

Not to be confused with EES, ETIAS will require Brits visiting the EU to apply for a visa-exemption, with the application costing €20 (about £17.42), although it will be valid for three years.

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A British holidaymaker was left baffled as he was enjoying the sunshine at his hotel in Tenerife, as he looked up to see something he wasn’t expecting by the poolside

A British tourist was left completely baffled while soaking up the sunshine at his Tenerife hotel, after glancing up to witness something he certainly wasn’t expecting.

Travelling to a new destination, whether it’s to chase the sun or embark on a city break, often brings with it culture shocks and surprises – particularly if it’s your first visit. From navigating a foreign language to sampling unfamiliar cuisine and customs, discovering a new culture is packed with thrilling moments. Occasionally, though, it can leave you utterly baffled – as one Brit found out during his recent trip to Tenerife.

Taking to Instagram, Emil Dale began filming from his sun lounger beside the pool at his Tenerife hotel. Clearly revelling in a lazy afternoon in the sun, he couldn’t help but question whether what he’d just witnessed was entirely normal for the island.

“So this is my first time in Tenerife, and, there was a man doing acrobatics, and then he said, after it, here’s Michael Jackson,” he said as he zoomed in on a Michael Jackson look a like performing as the King of Pop.

“And then, for the last 15 minutes, Michael Jackson has been doing like a mega mix of all of these songs,” the man explained, before revealing that the performer had also pulled off several costume changes throughout the show.

“And he’s doing a full set,” the gobsmacked tourist said. “But it’s like the middle of the day, and like, everyone is kind of watching.

“Is this, I’ve never been to Tenerife, is this a Tenerife thing?” he pondered, as he carried on watching the show.

Towards the end of the footage, he showed himself posing for a snap with the Michael Jackson tribute act, who was kitted out in a red leather jacket, white T-shirt and black hat, evidently channelling the pop icon’s signature stage looks.

“Michael Jackson appeared by the pool in the middle of the day on Easter Monday at our hotel in Tenerife while everyone was sunbathing,” he wrote in the caption accompanying the clip.

Numerous viewers quickly flooded the comments section to share their reactions, with many claiming to have witnessed the same act during their own Tenerife getaways.

“This is a Tenerife thing! we went on holiday and Michael Jackson was everywhere. pictures of him in the zoo, on every radio station etc. we googled it and apparently he stayed/toured there years ago and brought in loads of tourism so the locals love him,” one user explained.

“He’s always in Tenerife usually dancing round the streets busking he’s brilliant,” a second person added.

Not everyone was in agreement though, as someone else remarked: “Never saw this in Tenerife….”

Another user also commented: “No this is not a Tenerife thing. Its a all-inclusive-never leave your hotel-learn nothing about the culture your visiting-reserve your sunbed with a towel 6 o clock in the morning-thing. I’ve been to Tenerife and its beautiful. I never saw Michael.”

American travel enthusiast Kalani made his way over to Spanish holiday hotspot Benidorm for the first time, and went on to share his honest opinions, including one thing that left him confused

The Spanish coastal city of Benidorm has long been a favourite among British holidaymakers looking to enjoy some sunshine and relax on holiday. But one American was shocked when he visited the Spanish city for the first time by just how much influence the influx of British visitors has had on the destination.

British pubs and chippies aren’t a common sight in Spain, nor is a Full English being served in every café – but they can be found all over the famous strip in Benidorm, making Brits feel like they’re in a home away from home, just with much better weather. To experience it for himself, American travel enthusiast Kalani, who has visited the UK several times, decided to head to Benidorm after having been told about it from British friends.

Taking to TikTok, where he has more than 3.3 million followers, Kalani documented his time in Benidorm and everything it had to offer. At the end, he went on to share his honest thoughts about his holiday, also revealing that there were some things that had left him confused.

Starting off by saying that a lot of people had also warned him against visiting Benidorm, describing it as ‘like Blackpool with more sun’, Kalani said he agreed the famous Strip matched this description, but argued the city also has so much more to offer.

“For me, I could probably only do about one night on the Strip, it’s just too much for me,” he said. “That’s not really my scene anyway.”

However, he added anyone who does enjoy that sort of experience should definitely give it a go. He went on to say that his highlight had been exploring the Old Town of Benidorm.

“Really good views, and then they have Tapas Alley, which we went to last night and you can get authentic Spanish food,” he said. “It’s a really cool atmosphere.

“And if you’re looking to have a little bit more Spanish culture and not just going to Benidorm strip and having a fry up every day, it’s a good spot to go.”

The American went on to say that, while he understood why some people might have urged him to avoid Benidorm, he wondered if these people had visited Old Town, saying this was the highlight of his holiday. He said: “You can experience a part of Benidorm that isn’t as in-your-face as the Strip.”

However, Kalani also revealed that there were some parts of his visit to Benidorm that had left him confused, including repeatedly being asked about ‘Charlie’.

“I need someone to tell me about who Charlie is,” Kalani said, explaining that several people had asked him if he wanted ‘Charlie’ after exploring the Strip one night. Viewers were soon quick to tell him that Charlie is a common nickname for cocaine.

He also explained the various ‘weird‘ things he had spotted on the Strip, including a vending machine with a variety of ‘pleasure products’, a drunk woman driving a mobility scooter with a man holding on behind her, as well as the famous Sticky show.

“But you know what, I’m having a great time,” Kalani said. “I think it’s really beautiful, great views. The other part of Benidorm, I’d have to do in very small doses.”

Jet2 boss Steve Heapy has issued an update to industry experts

Jet2’s boss has warned of a sharp drop in bookings to Cyprus and Turkey but said tourists could get special offers. CEO Steve Heapy said flights on these routes are becoming “empty” due to the uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict.

The boss said demand is instead moving to destinations such as Spain and Italy. TTG reported that he spoke about the issue via video link at the airline’s annual conference in Cádiz in Spain.

He also warned hotel partners to not ‘get greedy’ in Spain and Italy and keep prices competitive. And he vowed to protect customers where that happened.

He said he expects holidays to Cyprus and Turkey to recover quickly once the war in Iran ends. “I think we should all be prepared for a fairly rapid end to the conflict and a fairly sharp recovery when that happens,” he said.

Heapy said: “Bookings to Cyprus and Turkey are drying up, cancellations are up and our aircraft are emptying.” He said Jet2 was working to cross-sell customers to western Mediterranean destinations where demand “seems to be OK”.

Heapy added that Cyprus remained a safe destination despite a drop in demand to the island, which has been targeted by Iran since America and Israel launched airstrikes on the Middle Eastern nation.

He said: “Cyprus is still far enough away that you can still travel. We’re doing what we can to understand what’s going on and how we can work our way through it.”

‘Special offers’ to lure more travellers to Cyprus and Turkey

He expects hotels in Cyprus and Turkey to introduce special offers in the weeks ahead to lure more tourists in. Speaking to travel agents at the conference, he said: “We’ll do what we can to work with you and fight to get through this the best we can,” he said. “Our job is to put our customers’ fears to one side and reassure them that these destinations are safe.

“We’re a very resilient industry. These events happen every couple of years, and I’ll do whatever I can to help all our of businesses navigate through this.”

TTG also reported that Phil Nuttall, CEO of Travel Village Group, said it is too early to offer a full assessment of the crisis’s impact. Yet he said possible price rises could create problems for many families.

Jet2’s head of overseas operations, Lee Davies, also said the operator was putting more resource into challenges arising from the conflict, TTG said. “We’ve had to adapt our service, especially across Turkey and Cyprus at the moment. We have our red team, we’ve increased our presence, we’re visiting hotels, reassuring customers.

“We’ve expanded our visiting times and ring-fenced our 24/7 team in the UK. We’re contingency planning in terms of disruption management, you always have to have a very solid plan behind the scenes ready to activate.”

He reportedly added: “You’ve got to understand why in their minds, wherever that destination is, that they possibly don’t want to travel.” He added that by helping customers now, even if they do not then travel, “they will come back”.

Storm Therese is battering the Canary Islands with heavy rain, 100km/h winds and significant snowfall, with over 40 flights cancelled and schools closed across the islands

Storm Therese is currently wreaking havoc on the Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and La Palma, with an unusual mix of heavy rain, 100 km/h (62 mph) winds, and significant snowfall at high altitudes. Authorities have declared a full-scale emergency in Tenerife, labelling it as one of the most severe storms to batter the archipelago in over a decade.

Spain‘s meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued several alerts that will remain active throughout the weekend. Orange (high risk) warnings have been dispatched for northern Tenerife and parts of La Palma due to wind gusts reaching 90–100 km/h and heavy rainfall. Concurrently, yellow warnings are in place across all seven islands for rain, thunderstorms, and choppy seas with waves reaching up to 6 metres (20 feet).

Unusually for this time of year, significant snowfall has also blanketed Mount Teide and surrounding peaks above 1,800–2,000 metres.

The storm has led to widespread cancellations and safety closures across the islands. Over 40 flights were cancelled or rerouted by Friday, March 20, primarily at Tenerife North and South airports. Travellers are advised to check their flight status via Flightradar24 or their airline.

Schools and universities in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and several other islands were shut on Thursday and Friday, whilst key roads, including access to Teide National Park and the TF-445 to Punta de Teno, are closed due to ice and snow.

Major international events such as the Tenerife Bluetrail 2026 race have been cancelled or postponed.

Providing an update on the weather situation on Friday (March 20), one Tenerife resident known as @theknightstrider1 on TikTok took to the platform to share details with his 115,000 followers.

The car hire and bar owner, who is based in Playa de las Américas, was heard saying: “A little weather update for you then, it’s raining… it’s pretty grim and it’s gone really overcast as well.

“The rain showers are on and off, we haven’t really had any rain until now. It was okay this morning, but yeah it is raining. The current temperature’s around 18 degrees, not too cold but the umbrella’s are out, people are sheltering and it’s really not that nice.”

He added: “Bear in mind, you might get caught in the rain, have a brolly with you. Maybe some of the rain macs as well if you’ve got any, if not buy some because it’s on and off.”

One person wrote: “Weather’s been awful the last three days, can’t wait to go home.”

Whilst another added: “Arrive tomorrow, packed a brolly.”

A third chimed in: “This makes me so happy as someone who was going to go this week and changed to last week! Phew.”

Whilst a fourth asked: “Why is it every time it’s sunny in the UK it rains in Tenerife?”

Another resident of the Canary Islands also posted a weather update on TikTok from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, captioning the clip, ‘Rain, wind and choppy ocean. Flights cancelled and diverted. Flooding in El Médano and roads closed. The storms Theresa and Samuel are hitting Canary Islands.’

He then said in the video: “Here if your weather update from Tenerife South on Friday March 20th, 2026. The two storms – Theresa and Samuel – are hitting the Canary Islands with force.

“As you can see here, we have quite a lot of waves here in the Troya area of Las Americas. The storms have caused quite a few incidents on the island, we have had 11 flights cancelled yesterday, 10 flights have been cancelled during the day today.

“We have had quite a few flights deviated to other airports as well and we have had ferries that have been cancelled because of the conditions out on the see.”

He explained the temperature was currently hovering around 19 degrees and there had been some rain which was “coming and going” along with overcast skies.

Are flights from the UK to Tenerife being cancelled?

Yes, flights from the UK to Tenerife are currently experiencing cancellations and significant disruptions due to severe weather from Storm Therese.

As of Saturday, 21 March 2026, authorities in Tenerife have declared an island-wide emergency due to extreme conditions including heavy rain, strong winds, and rare snowfall over high ground.

Over 36 flights were cancelled earlier this week, with further disruptions reported today. While many cancellations involve inter-island services, several international flights have been diverted or cancelled due to poor visibility and high winds.

Currently, the most affected airport is Tenerife North (TFN), which has seen the greatest impact, though Tenerife South (TFS) – where most UK flights land –is also experiencing delays and some rerouted services.

Conditions are expected to remain hazardous through Saturday, with a gradual improvement predicted for Sunday, 22 March.

Major airlines serving the UK to Tenerife route, such as Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and TUI, are urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport

If your flight is cancelled, contact your airline immediately to discuss rebooking or refund options.

Travelling with kids can be stressful, but a new data analysis has revealed some of Europe’s most child-friendly city breaks which offer accessibility and plenty to keep kids entertained

With the Easter break, May half-term, and bank holidays coming up, many parents will be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained. While you might not have considered taking younger kids on a city break, it can be a fun option if you’re looking for a short break.

That’s why LateRooms has put together the Family Breaks Index – a data analysis that pulls together information that’s of interest to people travelling with young children, such as flight and transfer times, walkability, accessibility for those bringing pushchairs, and the child-friendly attractions on offer.

Coming in at number three is a Spanish city that has long been popular with Brits for city breaks, and its short flight time and easy walkability have seen it score highly for family trips too.

Barcelona flights are just over two hours from the UK, and on arrival, visitors can hop on the airport train to the centre, which takes just 25 minutes. This makes it ideal for people travelling with young children who wouldn’t be able to do a long journey.

The city has a flat, walkable centre, with many major tourist attractions just a short walk apart. This means it’s easy to navigate with a buggy, and little legs won’t get worn out from a day of sightseeing.

According to LateRooms, the city has about 400 family-friendly attractions, so you won’t have to deal with kids complaining they are bored. To start, there are classic tourist attractions such as the Sagrada Família and Gaudí’s unique and colourful Park Güell, both of which are impressive enough to keep kids enthralled.

Kids love science museums, and Cosmocaixa is an unforgettable day out. One of Barcelona’s largest museums, the entire experience is interactive, full of engaging activities that teach kids about the creation of the cosmos. The museum takes visitors on a journey through the natural world, from the past to the present.

Tibidabo Amusement Park is a great place to see views of the city and enjoy charmingly old-fashioned fairground rides. It’s set on a hill that overlooks Barcelona, and as you ride the Ferris wheel or drop rides, you can enjoy seeing the city below.

A dream day out for kids could well be the Museu de la Xocolata, the chocolate museum, where you can see huge sculptures made from chocolate, including kids’ TV and film characters. It also runs chocolate tasting and making workshops, and once you’ve explored, you can indulge your sweet tooth at the café with a rich and creamy hot chocolate.

One advantage of Barcelona over other city breaks is that it also has a beach nearby, so you can explore the city in the morning and let the kids swim or build sandcastles in the afternoon. The seaside neighbourhood of La Barceloneta is popular with families thanks to its access to a long sandy beach, and it has its own metro station, making it easy to get around the city.

In May, flights to Barcelona start from just £27 one way based on flights from London-Luton with Wizz Air. The weather in May often hits highs of 23C with little rain, making it an ideal time of year to explore.

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Top city breaks for families – full list

1. Copenhagen, Denmark
2. Berlin, Germany
3. Barcelona, Spain
4. Florence, Italy
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
6. Valencia, Spain
7. Basel, Switzerland
8. Kraków, Poland
9. Prague, Czechia
10. Vienna, Austria

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