Fears are growing that a volcano on Sao Jorge in the Azores is likely to erupt and the Portuguese authorities are now advising against all but essential travel to the island.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has updated its information to outline the change in advice from the Portuguese Civil Protection, but the FCDO itself is not currently advising Brits against travelling to the island.

The FCDO said: “The Portuguese Civil Protection authorities in the Azores have been monitoring an increase in seismic activity on the island of Sao Jorge since 19 March.

“As a precaution, they have activated their earthquake prevention plan and have advised against all but essential travel to the island.”

Travel Gossip reported on Monday that many people have left the island, which is a popular destination for walking holidays, with Sunvil one of the UK operators offering the destination.

Sunvil Managing Director Chris Wright told Travel Gossip: “Our first arrivals are not until later in the month.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and liaising with our local office. Should the advice against all but essential travel remain, we will make changes to the scheduled trips closer to the time.”