Back to newsOn World Desertification and Drought Day (June 17), Cretan environmental official Michalis Karakatsanis warned that the area of Crete at risk of desertification has expanded in recent years. Drought conditions across the island have intensified due to reduced annual rainfall and prolonged dry summers. For visitors, this means water conservation is increasingly important: many municipalities request that tourists use water mindfully, particularly in rural and eastern areas of the island. Hiking trails in dry inland zones can become hazardous during summer heat, and some vegetation areas face elevated wildfire risk from July onward. Travelers planning outdoor activities should carry sufficient water, check local fire risk alerts before excursions, and follow any water restriction notices posted at accommodations or public facilities.
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Crete's Desertification Crisis Deepens as Island Faces Severe Drought
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