# Iberian climate‑refuge network expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iberian-climaterefuge-network-expansion
> Updated: 2026-08-19T19:00:00.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 4.

In late July 2026, Portugal added the Tavira Plaza shopping centre to its national ‘Stay Cool’ climate‑refuge network, providing air‑conditioned space for residents and visitors during extreme heat. Simultaneously, Spain opened two public buildings in Granada as free climate‑refuge sites, offering cooling, hydration and medical assistance.

To support the expansion of this network, Turismo de Portugal launched a €1 million competition under the ‘Crescer com o Turismo’ program. This initiative provides non-reimbursable grants to municipal and parish councils to create or improve climate refuges, covering 80% of eligible expenses up to a maximum of €75,000 per application. Eligible projects include high-efficiency HVAC systems, interior and exterior shading, hydration points, misting systems, and accessibility improvements such as ramps. Carlos Abade, president of Turismo de Portugal, noted that climate adaptation is currently a priority for the tourism sector.

On August 19, 2026, the network expanded in the Alentejo region with the launch of 18 certified locations across five municipalities: Almodôvar (7), Cuba (7), Mourão (2), Arronches (1), and Castelo de Vide (1). These sites, which include both public and private indoor and outdoor spaces, provide free access to controlled thermal environments, drinking water, and rest areas. The regional tourism entity aims to further extend the network into the Ribatejo region to maintain destination competitiveness during summer heat waves.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Alentejo launches 18 Stay Cool climate refuges

Eighteen Stay Cool climate refuges have opened across five Alentejo municipalities in Portugal, providing free heat protection, water, and rest areas to combat extreme summer temperatures.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alentejo-launches-18-stay-cool-climate-refuges

### 2026-08-11: Turismo de Portugal allocates €1 million for climate refuges

Turismo de Portugal has allocated one million euros to expand its ‘Stay Cool’ climate refuge network, providing grants to municipalities for heat protection infrastructure.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turismo-de-portugal-allocates-1-million-for-climate-refuges

### 2026-08-05: Portugal launches €1 million competition to build climate refuges in municipalities

Tourism Portugal offers €1 million for municipalities to create climate refuges—cooling, shading, hydration and accessibility upgrades—to protect residents and tourists from extreme heat.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-launches-1-million-competition-to-build-climate-refuges-in-municipalities

### 2026-07-24: Portugal's Tavira Plaza and Spain's Granada Offices Join National Climate‑Refuge Networks

Tavira Plaza in Portugal and two government buildings in Granada, Spain, have joined national climate‑refuge networks, offering free, air‑conditioned spaces to protect the public during extreme heat.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugals-tavira-plaza-and-spains-granada-offices-join-national-climaterefuge-networks

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Cite as: Iberian climate‑refuge network expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iberian-climaterefuge-network-expansion