Greece has long lured travellers with the promise of sun-kissed ruins, Mediterranean foods and painfully earnest philosophers’ busts. Now, thanks to a robust combination of science and apocalyptic weather, tourists can add water scarcity to Athens’ top attractions. According to the Institute for Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications, and Remote Sensing, water levels in Athens’ key reservoirs—Mornos and Evinos—have decided to adopt minimalism for yet another summer.
The most recent analysis from the FloodHub service (brought to you by the BEYOND Operational Unit, who apparently skipped ‘optimism’ in their job description) uses satellite imagery and chunky climate records to paint a sobering picture. Here is what the numbers whisper, or rather, scream:
- Satellite data from 1984 to 2025: more bad news than Athenian talk radio.
- The water volume in both reservoirs is approximately 60% full as of May 2025.
- Previous twenty-year lows surpassed, especially in Mornos [surface area only 11.64 km² for May, beaten only by the 2008 record].
- Rain and snow: as absent as a receipt in an Athenian cab.
- Heat levels: lingering somewhere between “relaxing walk” and “surprise rotisserie.”
If anyone was dreaming of a Hellenic cruise on the Mornos or a lakeside picnic at Evinos, it’s high time to reconsider.
Dry Jokes, Drier Pipes
Nobody expects a holiday in Athens to require a crash course in hydrology, but these are special times. Low rainfall, never-ending heat and dramatic drops in snow have turned the city’s water system into a delicate balancing act. Both reservoirs are now running at levels that excite only those who collect worst-case scenarios. For the casual traveller, this means a few things may be off the menu, even that second shower after a sweaty trip up to the Acropolis.
Responsible agencies aren’t sitting back. The call for constant monitoring and immediate action rings out—though their optimism is as high as the water in Mornos. The hydrological strain is clear to see, but whether Athens prefers dry humor to dry fountains remains to be seen.
In brief, the dry facts tourists need:
- Satellite data confirm sharply reduced water volume in major Athens reservoirs.
- May 2025 records show just 60% capacity, the second worst since 2008 in Mornos.
- Drought, sparse rainfall and relentless heat are the usual suspects.
- Both locals and tourists may face water restrictions—please keep your showers short.
- Authorities highlight the urgency for action, although ‘immediate’ is subject to creative interpretation.
- Expect careful controls and possibly dry spells in unexpected places. Pack accordingly.
- Bottled water brands do not sponsor this story, although they could easily do so.
Clearly, Athens refuses to waste a crisis. As ever, visitors are welcome to marvel at ancient ruins—increasingly matched by the city’s parched reservoirs. Perhaps Socrates would find something to ponder here, though he’d need to bring his own water.
