The record-breaking high temperatures in many cities each year have led to the concept of climate shelters becoming a key element in urban adaptation to climate change in Spain. Several municipalities have established new networks of spaces designed to accommodate residents during periods of extreme heat or cold, with the aim of reducing health risks and improving quality of life, especially in the most exposed neighborhoods and among the most vulnerable groups.
These climate shelters are located in various types of facilities and open spaces . Options range from community centers, libraries, museums, and cultural venues to parks, gardens, wooded areas, and municipal swimming pools. Many of these places offer shaded areas, benches for resting, free access to drinking water, and climate control in the interior spaces, allowing for a comfortable temperature adapted to the season.
Shelters in large cities: accessibility and services
In Madrid, the network of shelters has been reinforced with public and private spaces open during the most critical hours of the day . Among the most recent measures are initiatives such as the creation of specific spaces for homeless people, the extended opening hours of day centers, and the addition of cinemas with reduced admission in the afternoons. Details of extreme heat alerts in other regions can also be found here.
Notable spaces include the Círculo de Bellas Artes and the Fundación Canal , which offer rest areas, access to fresh water, and connectivity, combining thermal comfort with cultural programming. In addition, the city has implemented programs to cool the city , such as the installation of awnings, misting fountains, and the provision of up to 25 outdoor and indoor swimming pools that serve as natural refuges from the summer heat.
Barcelona, for its part, has a network of shelters that includes libraries, community centers, municipal markets, and green spaces . Since August, the number of open shelters has increased, including libraries that remain open throughout the summer. Furthermore, this year the network of micro-shelters is being expanded in collaboration with local businesses to broaden the reach of these safe spaces.
Natural solutions and local technology in Ourense
Ourense, known for its particularly hot summers, will be a pioneer in a pilot project to identify and create urban climate refuges . The initiative, in collaboration with the University of Vigo and funded by the Galician Regional Government (Xunta), allocates more than €100.000 to the development of a detailed map of heat islands and cool zones . Based on this map, solutions such as new green spaces, tree planting, and improvements to the urban landscape will be designed to mitigate extreme temperatures.
The plan includes the implementation of portable devices to measure temperature and humidity , mapping the actual thermal comfort of different neighborhoods. The goal is to identify locations for creating accessible shelters, both for the population and to ensure urban biodiversity. The model will be piloted in Ourense with the intention of extending it to similar municipalities, consolidating a resilient network of green spaces that facilitate adaptation to global warming.
Regional network and information campaigns
Cities like Bilbao have also promoted the implementation of climate shelters, with more than 130 designated spaces, including public infrastructure and green areas . They have developed their own campaigns, such as SombraLagun , to inform citizens about the location and use of these resources. The average temperature in Bilbao has increased by more than one degree since the 1990s, and heat waves are becoming increasingly frequent, making the dissemination of information about and access to these shelters essential. You can also consult the current heat wave situation in Spain.
In Valladolid, the shelter network consists of community centers, parks, and active lifestyle centers, distributed to ensure residents have access to one nearby. The indoor spaces have areas adapted for the elderly, children, chronically ill, or low-income individuals, and include services such as air conditioning and water. The municipal website offers an interactive map with all the shelters, along with the public drinking fountains throughout the city.
Essential features and tips for dealing with the heat
Climate shelters, both indoors and outdoors, are designed to provide a safe, cool, and comfortable environment during extreme weather conditions. Most are free, except for some swimming pools, and offer universal accessibility, seating, water, and extended opening hours . The locations of these shelters are usually shown on digital maps provided by local councils, making them easy to find and use.
Authorities also recommend taking everyday measures to cope with the heat, such as lowering blinds at home, ventilating at night, staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and protecting yourself from the sun. To better understand how heat impacts cities, you can consult the article on the impact of climate change on sea temperatures . Seeking refuge in air-conditioned public spaces and taking special care of the most vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children, is essential to reducing the risks associated with high temperatures.
An expanding and adaptive model
The deployment of these shelters continues to grow to address the impact of heat waves, both in urban and rural areas. The goal is to expand the network each year, incorporate new shelters, and review their accessibility and functionality. Collaboration between public authorities and private entities is key to strengthening citizen resilience in the face of climate change.