Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
16 July 2013 09:31
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice on Greece after increased numbers of jellyfish were reported
Britons have been advised to be on their guard for jellyfish to ensure they enjoy a trouble-free holiday in Greece this summer.
The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has updated its travel advice for Greece following reports of an increase in the number of jellyfish blooms around the country.
Britons are being urged to keep a close eye on local advice as regards jellyfish, while of course holidaymakers will as ever be wanting to ensure they have good quality travel insurance and medical travel insurance in place whatever their destination.
The development comes after officials issued warnings about jellyfish in the Mediterranean coastal waters of France and Italy.
"We have been alerted to large numbers of jellyfish in the Mediterranean this summer, especially in a number of key holiday destinations for UK tourists," an FCO spokeswoman told BBC News.
She said the key aim is to make the FCO travel advice as useful as possible for people travelling overseas.
However, an expert in Italy told BBC News there is no need for any undue concern about the risks posed by jellyfish.
Professor Piraino, a marine biologist at the University of Salento in southern Italy, said a project known as the JellyRisk programme has been closely monitoring jellyfish activity and its impact on humans since 2009.
The expert is a project co-ordinator on the scheme and he acknowledged there has been an increase in jellyfish but the risk they pose is manageable.
"Of course, as in any other ocean or sea in the world, there might be some problems," he said.
However, he added that resorts across the Mediterranean are fortunate because the sea is not home to any deadly jellyfish.
The team behind the JellyRisk programme has developed a smartphone app enabling people to find out about jellyfish numbers in their current location.
It also provides scientific information about how to treat jellyfish stings in view of the fact the appropriate treatment depends on the species involved.
Anti-jellyfish nets are also due to be installed at several popular beaches to assess whether they are effective.
07 June 2019
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.
[more...]
03 June 2019
Want to get into surfing but not sure where to go? Here's where you should be heading to get the best beginner waves around the world.
Heading to the showpiece event of women's football in France this summer? Here's everything you need to know about England's venues for France 2019.
Get more out of your smartphone when you go travelling by downloading these travel apps and make your trip easier at the touch of a button.
24 May 2019
Heading to the football in Baku but don't know what else to do? Explore the hip and trendy crossroad of Europe and the Middle East and experience the fast-growing phenomenon, Azerbaijan.
Two of London's top football teams head east in search of silverware on May 29. If you're heading to Baku for the final, here's our guide on what you need to know before you go...
17 May 2019
There's more to Monaco than the Grand Prix. Discover the magic of the Mediterranean principality with our guide to what you must see in Monaco.
15 May 2019
Are you heading to one of Europe's best music festivals this summer? Then make sure you read our top ten tips before you leave...
What makes the Monaco Grand Prix so special? From a royal guestlist to a challenging circuit, we take a look at why the Monte Carlo Formula 1 race is so prestigious...
Get inspired for a summer of music, travel and adventure with our guide to some of the best music festivals around Europe.
07 May 2019
Thinking of visiting Spain? There are some excellent reasons to explore the country this spring and summer, from football finals to eating snails - so don't miss out!
Want to learn a new language without the hassle of going to classes? Check out our guide to the best free apps on the market and get yourself holiday-ready in no time.