Seven Greek islands in the Aegean Sea have declared drought emergencies this summer as thousands of tourists flock to the country. Astypalaia, Tinos, Alonissos, Leros, Patmos, Symi, and Karpathos are facing severe dry conditions, prompting measures to preserve water. Astypalaia now relies entirely on bottled water for drinking after receiving minimal rainfall during the winter, unlike the rest of Greece which was drenched.
Islands Face Water Crisis Amid Tourist Season
Nikos Komineas, mayor of Astypalaia, highlighted the severity: '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 drought threatens to impact the islands' tourism-dependent economies. Hotel owner Maria Alkalai, 42, has introduced a voucher scheme to encourage guests to save water. Those who skip daily cleaning receive a €5 coupon. 'Clients have embraced it,' she said.
Government Response and Funding
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, which is becoming a critical issue for economic growth and local communities. In 2025, some hotels began filling pools with seawater to conserve freshwater.
Overtourism and Sustainability Concerns
Greece is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable tourism practices amid climate change and rising visitor numbers. In 2023, the country recorded a record 33 million foreign visitors. However, this surge has sparked protests on several islands, including the Cyclades, where locals are concerned about overtourism. Demonstrations were held in popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos during the summer.
The drought emergency underscores the delicate balance between tourism and resource management. With climate change exacerbating water scarcity, Greek authorities are seeking long-term solutions to ensure both visitor satisfaction and local well-being.
