Cities on the Italian island are struggling with a severe drought, resulting in water restrictions .
The ancient city of Agrigento on the island of Sicily is a popular tourist destination. But this summer, it’s asking tourists not to visit because it’s running out of water. Small hotels and guest houses can’t guarantee a consistent water supply to their guests amidst a severe drought that has hit Sicily.
As the 2025 Italian Capital of Culture, Agrigento was expecting an uptick in tourism. Its biggest draw is the majestic Valley of Temples—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that illustrates the story of this city, which was founded in the 6th century B.C. as a Greek colony. But the water crisis has become a worry for travelers.
Giovanni Lopez, owner of Le Cinque Novelle, a bed and breakfast in Agrigento, told CNN that guests complain about the filters on showers and sinks. “The situation is quickly impacting the entire tourist accommodation sector, which risks serious economic consequences, given that tourism is a sector almost everyone in this part of Sicily relies on.”
Although drought is a primary reason for this problem, locals also blame leaks and ineffective governance.
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Hotels are buying water from the mainland, but smaller hotels and B&Bs don’t have storage capacity, so they can’t guarantee water for their guests. Hotels are not only warning travelers about water shortages but also helping them book their holidays on other parts of the island where restrictions are not as severe.
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Worsening Conditions
In August 2021, Sicily recorded the highest temperature in Europe at 119.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Last year, heatwaves scorched the island, and wildfires forced evacuations of residents and tourists, disrupting daily life on the island.
Sicily declared a state of emergency this March due to the worst drought in 30 years. A lack of rainfall and poor infrastructure maintenance slowed the taps on the island, forcing a restriction since February–impacting almost a million people across 93 municipalities. The drought has also dealt a blow to the agriculture sector. The parched land has decimated crops, and farmers are struggling to provide water for their cattle.
Now Sicily’s Lake Pergusa has also nearly dried up. The only natural lake on the island is located in the town of Enna. It is a resting place for migrating birds journeying between Africa and Europe. But a lack of rain and scorching temperatures have shriveled it up, leaving just a pool of water in its wake.
Apart from the lack of maintenance, climate change has also contributed to the situation. Europe is the fastest-heating continent on Earth, warming twice as fast as the global average. Other parts of the Mediterranean regions, including Spain and France, are also in this precarious position.
This isn’t the only worry for Sicily this summer. Last week, the active volcano Mount Etna started spewing ash, which shut down the Catania airport. Nearby Stromboli, off the northern Sicilian coast, also erupted, and lava flowed into the sea. The airport is now operating as normal.
If you’re planning to travel to Sicily this summer, keep an eye on local news about the eruptions and contact your hotels about water supplies.