Spanish ‘ghost village’ re-emerges after 30 years underwater

There are not many silver linings when it comes to climate change - least of all in the travel and tourism sector, where industry bosses anticipate a decline in foreign travel as temperatures soar.

But in Spain's northwestern region of Galicia, a severe drought linked to the climate crisis has brought to light a buried tourist hotspot - drawing in visitors from far and wide.

The ‘ghost village’ of Aceredo was flooded to create the Alto Lindoso reservoir in 1992. But after 30 years underwater, its eerie ruins are accessible once more after dam levels shrunk to just 15 per cent of their overall capacity.

"It's as if I'm watching a movie," says 65-year-old pensioner Maximino Perez Romero from A Coruna, who once lived in the village.

"I have a feeling of sadness. I worry that this is what will happen over the years due to drought and climate change."

The resurrection of Aceredo follows the hottest January on record in Spain, with average daily temperatures over two degrees Celsius warmer than in previous years.

It’s also the country’s fifth driest winter on record, with rainfall at just one third of the seasonal average.

This is clear to see for those who visit the remains of Aceredo - a barren village situated on the cracked mud flats of the drained Alto Lindoso reservoir.

Partially collapsed roofs, wooden debris and abandoned cars are spread throughout the town, creating a chilling image of what life was once like in this forgotten place.

Jose Alvarez, a former construction worker from Lobios, feels nostalgia as he recalls his working days in Aceredo.

"Back in the day I used to come and work here on foot, bringing a chorizo with me if there was one,” he says.

“I would work in the village as a construction worker and to see it now