All eyes are on Greece right now, with Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey storming the global box office, but it seems like today’s travellers might face their own water ordeal. Only this time, the threat isn’t the wrath of water in a raging sea, but having none left in the tap.
A prolonged drought paired with one of the country’s warmest winters on record has pushed a growing number of Greek islands to declare a state of emergency over water shortages. The tally now stands at 7 islands affected.
Which Greek islands are affected by water shortages?
The islands under a formal water emergency include:
- Astypalaia (The worst hit, where the main reservoir is down to a measly sixth of its capacity)
- Tinos
- Alonissos
- Leros
- Patmos
- Symi
- Karpathos
Local authorities are now left sweating over whether next year’s clouds will bring enough rain to sustain the thousands of tourists who heavily strain the local water supply, with the situation looking especially parched over on the holiday hotspots.
The tiny island of Astypalaia is currently relying almost entirely on bottled water for drinking. Why? Well, it sits far out in the southeastern Aegean, and was completely missed by winter downpours that drenched northern and western mainland Greece. Instead, it’s currently enduring its second-driest season since 2020, leaving local officials facing a massive logistical dilemma.
What if I have travel plans?
If you’re heading to one of the affected islands, no one is shutting down the beaches. But you will definitely notice a few changes to your usual holiday routine. Here is exactly what you need to look out for:
- Ditch the tap water: On islands like Astypalaia, the tap water is strictly for showering and you’ll be relying heavily on bottled water for drinking.
- Lower water pressure: With summer consumption stretching reservoirs to a critical one-sixth capacity, expect lower water pressure at peak times, like the post-beach evening rush when everyone tries to shower at once.
- Skip a clean, grab a cocktail: Hotels are getting creative to save water. Some hoteliers like Maria Alkalai, who operates a hillside hotel in Chora, is offering a €5 voucher to guests who skip the daily cleaning service.
- Pools might be restricted: If you’ve booked a luxury villa with a private jacuzzi or pool, check in with your host before you fly. Local authorities are capping non-essential water usage.
- The Mykonos effect: While giant tourist hubs like Santorini and Mykonos aren’t under formal emergency orders yet, they are driving the biggest strain. In peak summer months, water consumption on Mykonos spikes a staggering ninefold compared to winter, meaning conscious water use is expected everywhere you go
- Salty swimming pools: Don’t be surprised if your hotel pool tastes a bit like the ocean. To protect dwindling freshwater supplies in 2025, the Greek government green-lit rules allowing coastal resorts to fill their pools and jacuzzis with seawater. Some eco-conscious boutique stays are already planning future builds that completely ditch luxury pools and jacuzzis in favour of underground cisterns designed to harvest and recycle rainwater.
ICYMI: Planning ahead with your trip? Greece is setting out strict new rules to curb overtourism this summer.
Plus: Check out our local expert’s guide to the best hotels in Greece for 2026.
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