For many overseas buyers, the promise of sunnier summers is a major factor in why they choose to buy property in southern Europe. Unfortunately, in recent years, heatwaves have seen temperatures go from the 30s to over 40°C. This can be hard to adjust to, for locals, let alone those that are used to northern Europe’s much cooler summers. So, we’ve put together ten tips for handling heatwaves in southern Europe.
Tips for handling the heat…
1. Stay informed
In Portugal, The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) is your go-to place for information on weather in the country. It has a colour system for issuing weather warnings.
Over in Spain, head to the The State Meteorological Agency for weather updates.
In Greece, head to Hellenic National Meterological Service (HNMS) for updates and warnings.
If you’re based in the UK, The Met’s X (Twitter) account keeps track of the weather, with an eye to holiday destinations during the summer.
2. Stay hydrated
While a sangria in the sand or an ice cold beer on the terrace might feel refreshing, alcohol dehydrates the body, so make sure to also drink plenty of water. Pop your water bottle in the freezer for a cooling treat.
3. Wear light clothing
Dress in light-coloured, loose fitting clothing made of breathable fabric like cotton or linen. These materials are breathable and help wick away sweat, keeping your skin cool and dry. Long sleeves can actually help to regulate your body temperature, as well as protecting your skin from the sun.
4. Be liberal with the suncream
As keen as you may be for a tan, it’s best to apply as much factor 50 as possible. Ripe red isn’t the new hip shade of bronze.
Listen to your body and head inside when you need to. You don’t need constant sun exposure to get a tan. Especially if you’re living in southern Europe, you’ll get a lovely tan just from walking around.
5. But sparing with the aircon
While the aircon presents immediate relief, it can quickly stack up in bills. You don’t want to replace your tall UK heating bill with a tall Spanish aircon bill. Plus, if you’re trying to be climate conscious, aircons are contributing to the problem.
Be careful with your fan too, you don’t want it to circulate hot air.
6. Keep the heat out
In countries like Italy, Spain and Portugal where the heat can get too much, its customary to have shutters and light curtains to literally shut the heat out. If temperatures are high, opening a window is not going to alleviate the heat. But opening them at night can offer some relief.
7. Adjust to local time
In southern Europe, it’s the norm to eat later to avoid the heat of the sun. You could even enjoy a siesta like your Spanish neighbours.
8. Slow down, take caution
Even if you are a very confident hiker or swimmer, its best to take caution, especially in hotter weather in unfamiliar territory. 11am – 6pm tends to be the hottest period of the day, so head out for a stroll in a familiar area or in the morning or once the sun has faded.
9. Check up on vulnerable neighbours
You might move to Spain: don light clothing, slather on the factor 50 as part of your morning routine, put the shutters down and master sparing aircon use, and go for walks at 8pm but your fellow expats might not adapt with such ease.
10. Make the most of the nightlife
Sometimes, the best time to be outside is really when the sun has gone down and being safe around it doesn’t have to factor in your decision-making. In Albufeira the beach and neon lit “The Strip” comes alive with partygoers, while Ibiza becomes a haven for DJs. Even in quieter towns, you’ll find lively taverns, bars and romantic dinners all taking place – enjoy!
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