Seven islands in Greece have declared a state of emergency due to water shortages: what tourists need to know

Seven Greek islands have declared a state of emergency due to drought and a severe shortage of fresh water. Learn more about the affected areas, possible restrictions for tourists, and how to prepare for your trip

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At the height of the tourist season, Astypalea, Tinos, Alonissos, Leros, Patmos, Simi, and Karpathos faced an acute water shortage. Due to a prolonged drought, irregular rainfall, and a sharp increase in consumption during the summer, local infrastructure is operating at full capacity.

The situation is most dire on Astypalea, where the only reservoir is about one-sixth full. According to Reuters, authorities have already restricted irrigation, installed a temporary desalination plant, and urged residents to conserve water. For tourists, this may mean lower water pressure, individual consumption limits, and changes to hotel operations.

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Which Greek islands have declared a state of emergency due to the drought?

A state of emergency due to water shortages has been declared on seven islands in the Aegean Sea:

- Astypalea

- Tinos

- Alonissos

- Leros

- Patmos

- Simi

- Karpathos

The causes include a prolonged drought, high temperatures, and irregular rainfall. The situation worsens in the summer, when the influx of tourists increases the strain on reservoirs, wells, and desalination plants severalfold.

The state of emergency allows local authorities to secure funding more quickly, install temporary desalination systems, and restrict water use for non-essential purposes. This does not mean a ban on travel to the islands: the tourism infrastructure continues to operate, but visitors may encounter disruptions or water conservation measures.

In a previous article, we wrote about little-known Greek islands where you can find an authentic getaway without the crowds.

The situation is most dire on Astypalea

Astypalea has become one of the hardest-hit islands. The rainy season here was the second driest since 2020, and the only reservoir, built in the Livadi Valley, is about one-sixth full. According to Mayor Nikos Komineas, if all the water that fell on the island over the course of the year were collected in a single container, it would be only 2.5 centimeters deep.

Residents and tourists mainly buy bottled drinking water. To conserve existing reserves, local authorities have halted the supply of water for irrigating farmland. Farmers are forced to use brackish water from wells, which has already caused damage to part of the harvest.

An additional temporary desalination plant was urgently installed to maintain the water supply on Astypalea. In total, the Greek government has allocated 15 million euros to address water issues on nine islands, of which 1.5 million euros are earmarked for Astypalea. The funds are to be used for desalination, new reservoirs, and infrastructure upgrades.

Learn more about the summer quiet period in Greece in 2026 by following the link.

How is the water shortage affecting tourists’ vacations?

Hotels, restaurants, and other tourist facilities remain open. However, vacation conditions on the affected islands may vary slightly depending on the specific location and the load on the local water supply system.

Tourists may encounter the following changes:

1. Low water pressure in the evening, when consumption is highest

2. Short-term interruptions in the water supply

3. Restrictions on filling swimming pools with fresh water

4. Requests to change towels and bed linens less frequently

5. Suspension of daily room cleaning to reduce laundry

6. A ban on using water to wash cars and for other non-essential purposes

Some coastal hotels fill their pools with seawater. One hotel on Astypalea also offers guests a 5-euro voucher if they opt out of daily room cleaning. Such measures help reduce consumption without disrupting the operation of tourist facilities.

There are no uniform restrictions across all seven islands. Specific conditions depend on water supplies and decisions by local authorities, so it’s best to check the situation directly with your hotel before your trip.

We previously reported that Greece is introducing new restrictions due to the influx of tourists.

How to prepare for a vacation on the affected islands?

Before your trip, check the situation specifically at your chosen hotel: water supply conditions can vary even within a single island. Ask the hotel staff specific questions about service interruptions, whether tap water is safe to drink, and any possible restrictions.

During your trip, it is recommended that you:

- Bring a supply of bottled drinking water, especially on Astipalea

- Do not drink tap water unless its safety has been confirmed

- Charge your power bank and keep the contact information for the hotel, tour operator, and insurance company handy

- Take quick showers and do not request daily towel changes

- Check announcements from local authorities and the hotel management

- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and drink water regularly during hot weather

There is no need to buy excessive amounts of water: this only creates an additional shortage for local residents. It is enough to have a few bottles for the first few hours after arrival and to find out in advance where you can restock nearby.

A trip to the Greek islands is not only about choosing a location, but also about properly preparing documents, knowing the rules of entry and the nuances of your stay. The “Travel Guide” from Visit World will help you avoid unnecessary stress: in it you will find step-by-step instructions for applying for a visa, a list of required documents, rules for filling out questionnaires and even useful life hacks for traveling. All information is up-to-date and comes in a convenient PDF format immediately after registration. This is especially important if you are planning an independent trip without travel agents and want to be sure of every step.

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We remind you! Time Out, together with Intrepid Travel, has published an annual ranking of the cities in the world with the best access to parks, gardens and natural landscapes in 2026. Read here which cities received the highest ratings from residents for green areas and why these locations are recognized as the benchmark for ecological urbanism.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and the necessary documents in Greece;

Legal advice on immigration to Greece;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Greece;

Medical insurance around the world.

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