Greece's picturesque islands, a perennial favourite for British holidaymakers, are confronting a critical water crisis this summer, exacerbated by rising tourist numbers and increasingly hot weather. Seven islands in the Aegean Sea have already declared drought emergencies, as climate change contributes to higher temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns across the region. This situation is putting immense pressure on already stretched water resources, just as the peak tourist season brings a significant influx of visitors.
Astypalaia, an island in the southeastern Aegean, exemplifies the challenges faced. Despite a wet winter in parts of northern and western Greece, Astypalaia experienced its second driest season since 2020. The island's sole reservoir, built in the mid-1990s, currently holds only a sixth of its capacity, sufficient for approximately five and a half months of daily consumption. Mayor Nikos Komineas described the annual rainfall as barely two and a half centimetres deep if collected, highlighting the severity of the deficit.
To manage the crisis, authorities on Astypalaia declared a water emergency in May. This measure allowed for the fast-tracking of a temporary desalination plant for the main tourist town of Chora, capable of producing 600 cubic metres of water daily. Additionally, irrigation for local farmers in Livadi, the island's main fertile region, was suspended to conserve the reservoir's dwindling reserves until autumn. Farmers like Evdokia Palatianou have seen their crops wither, forced to rely on brackish well water, and are hesitant to plant anything unless significant rain arrives.
The issue is not isolated to Astypalaia. The influx of tourists, anticipated to be boosted this year by the release of Christopher Nolan’s film, 'The Odyssey', adds further strain. Many islands already depend on bottled water for drinking. Some hoteliers are actively promoting water conservation among guests; for instance, Maria Alkalai, who runs a hotel in Chora, offers a €5 voucher to guests who opt out of daily cleaning services, a scheme she reports has been well-received.
In response to the broader crisis, Environment Minister Stavros Papastavrou has approved €15 million for water infrastructure improvements across nine of Greece's over 200 inhabited islands. This funding includes €1.5 million specifically for Astypalaia, earmarked for desalination, grid upgrades, and water tanks. While desalination plants offer a solution, they are energy-intensive and costly, posing a long-term challenge for sustainable water management.
Practical Advice for UK Travellers to Greece:
British tourists planning holidays to Greece, particularly to the Aegean islands, should be aware of the ongoing water shortages. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises travellers to stay hydrated in hot weather and be mindful of local water restrictions. While no specific FCDO travel warnings are currently in place regarding water availability affecting tourist access, visitors are encouraged to conserve water during their stay, such as taking shorter showers and reusing towels.
Most popular tourist destinations, including those affected, are not currently requiring special visas for UK citizens for short stays. Costs for bottled water may be slightly higher in areas relying heavily on it. Comprehensive travel insurance is always recommended, covering potential medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unforeseen circumstances, though direct water shortages are unlikely to invalidate standard policies unless they lead to significant travel disruption. New flight routes from UK airports to popular Greek destinations continue to operate as scheduled, but travellers should remain vigilant for local updates upon arrival.