Seven Greek islands in the Aegean Sea have declared drought emergencies this summer, prompting concerns over water shortages and the impact on tourism. Astypalaia, Tinos, Alonissos, Leros, Patmos, Symi, and Karpathos are all facing severe dry conditions, with Astypalaia relying entirely on bottled water for drinking after receiving minimal rainfall during the winter.
Mayor highlights extreme water scarcity
Nikos Komineas, mayor of Astypalaia, described the severity of the situation: 'If we collected all the water dropped throughout the year in a bucket or in a washbowl, it would be 2.5 centimeters deep.' The island’s reliance on bottled water underscores the critical lack of natural freshwater resources.
Tourism sector adapts to water crisis
Hotel owner Maria Alkalai, 42, has introduced incentives for guests to conserve water. Those who skip daily cleaning receive a €5 voucher. 'Clients have embraced it,' she said. The move reflects growing efforts within the tourism industry to address water scarcity while maintaining visitor numbers.
Government invests in water infrastructure
Greece’s Environment Minister Stavros Papastavrou has approved €15 million ($17 million) for desalination plants, grid upgrades, and water tanks on nine Greek islands. This investment aims to bolster water resilience, though experts warn that more comprehensive measures are needed to sustain economic growth and local communities.
Overtourism exacerbates water stress
Greece has seen a record 33 million foreign visitors in 2023, intensifying pressure on water resources. Protests against overtourism have erupted across the Cyclades islands, including Santorini and Mykonos, where locals voice concerns over environmental degradation and resource depletion.
Future of tourism under climate change
In 2025, some hotels began filling pools with seawater to mitigate freshwater use. Despite tourist complaints, Greece faces mounting pressure to reimagine tourism sustainably amid climate change and rising visitor numbers. The drought emergencies highlight the urgent need for long-term solutions to balance tourism with environmental preservation.
