Is this the end of the Mediterranean beach holiday?

More and more consumers are aware of how climate change is affecting weather in Europe and what impact this could have on their holiday

Tourists have flocked to the Mediterranean for summer holidays for centuries. But that could be changing. A recent report by the European Travel Commission (ETC) found that Mediterranean countries remain the most popular destination for Europeans for June to November 2023.

Key takeaways

• Compared to last year, the number of European tourists interested in going to Mediterranean countries has dropped 10%. Many travelers, meanwhile, are shifting their holiday dates: 5% more are opting for the "shoulder season" of October and November versus in 2022;
• Meanwhile, other destinations are reaping benefits. More summer travellers are opting for destinations with milder temperatures like the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Ireland and Denmark;
• These trends are expected to continue, if not intensify, in the coming years, as the conditions in the summer in the Mediterranean are predicted to become worse.

Get the full story at BBC Travel and the European Travel Commission