Can you drink tap water in Corfu during your trip?
In short, no you can’t.
Many Greek destinations (especially the Islands) have unreliable water sources.
If you drink the water when it is not safe, you will end up with at least stomach and head pain, but it can be so much worse.
As a former water quality chemist at a UK water company and avid traveller to Greece for over 20 years, I have seen what happens when you drink unclean water.
I have put together a complete guide to make sure this doesn’t happen on your holiday.
By the end you’ll know everything you need so you don’t get sick in Greece from the water!
⏳ Short On Time? -No worries!
It’s wise to avoid drinking the tap water in Corfu.
These are the things I pack when visiting Greece to make sure I don’t become sick:
✔️ Activated Charcoal (the QUICKEST & CHEAPEST solution if you become ill)
Planning A Trip To Corfu? Use The Resources Below!
🚖 Need to book an airport transfer?
Get door-to-door service with Kiwitaxi.
📍 How to find the best tours and experiences?
Check out the most amazing tours and activities with Viator.
🚗 How to hire a car?
Road trips are my jam and the only company I use is Discover Cars.
🏨 How to find hotels?
I always find great deals for accommodation with Booking.com.
Can You Drink The Water In Corfu?
No, you shouldn’t drink Corfu tap water.
Just like most places in Greece, drinking the local tap water is not a good idea.
The Island doesn’t have the best water supply system and there are constant issues with shortages. Combine this with the super old pipes that carry it around the Island and the chances of avoiding becoming sick aren’t great.
I have visited Corfu a few times and my parents visit twice a year. During our visits, locals have told us to never drink the water. Not only does it taste bad because of its hard water but you cannot guarantee it is safe.
Some people do drink it when they are visiting but honestly, they all say how awful it is 😳
Bottled water is cheap to buy out here, you can get 6 1L bottles for as little as €2.50 in some areas.
This is what I do on my visits all over Greece and its Islands instead of drinking the tap water and I have NEVER been sick.
If you do want to drink the tap water during your visit you should run the tap for 30 seconds before you do. This will minimise your risks of becoming unwell by anything that could be lurking in the taps.
❌ Being sick because of unclear water is brutal. So even if you are told it’s safe, I highly recommend at least using a Water Purifier Bottle.
Can You Use Corfu Tap Water To Brush Your Teeth?
I personally don’t because of the whole better safe than sorry rule.
Even though the tap water is treated and monitored to meet safety standards, you can’t be too sure in Corfu.
However, if you don’t have bottled or boiled water to hand, you should be okay if you don’t consume the water in large amounts.
If you have a sensitive stomach or are unsure about the water quality, choose to use bottled water for brushing your teeth.
TIP: Pack a small kit for your trip to make sure you have the essentials to keep you safe. Include Activated Charcoal because it absorbs toxins quickly!
Can I Boil Tap Water To Use In Corfu?
Yup, and I highly recommend it if you do not have access to bottled water!
Boiling tap water is generally an effective method to make it safe for drinking, as boiling kills many bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens.
Boiling water for at least one minute (or longer at higher altitudes) should make it safe for drinking and other purposes.
If you are uncertain about the water quality in Corfu during your visit, and you prefer to err on the side of caution, boiling tap water before using it for drinking or cooking is a good practice.
Can You Have Ice In Corfu?
It can be really risky!
You can’t 100% guarantee the ice has been made from bottled water so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
But if you want ice in your drink I suggest asking if it is from purified water before you order.
Does Corfu Have Soft Water?
No, Corfu doesn’t have soft water. It is considered “hard” and has a high mineral content.
This makes it unpleasant to drink, damages appliances like dishwashers over time and makes your skin and hair dry!
You may also notice if you are travelling around the Island that Corfu has varying water hardness levels. So if you are showering in one place, it may feel more hydrating than another.
It’s also good to be aware that if you are not used to hard water, drinking or using it may be unpleasant for a while. This is why I never drink it and boil it before using it to cook.
How Much Is Bottled Water In Corfu?
The prices will vary depending on the brand, size and where you get it. Shops near tourist sites and hotels tend to be a bit more expensive so keep that in mind.
A standard 1.5-litre bottle of water in Corfu might cost anything from 0.45 to 1.50 euros.
If you hire a car it’s a good idea to bulk buy your water as it tends to be cheaper!
FAQs
To guarantee the best trip to Corfu, I’m sure you have a few more questions. To help you out, these are the most commonly asked questions in one place:
The water quality varies throughout Greece so it does depend. However, it is recommended to stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth during your visit here.
The waters surrounding Corfu are stunning and super clear and in most places, so is the tap water. However, factors such as local infrastructure and seasonal changes can influence water clarity.
While hotel tap water in Greece is often treated and considered safe, tourists should prioritize bottled water to avoid potential variations in water quality. Drinking bottled water reduces the risk of stomach issues and ensures a more consistent source
This depends because water safety and quality vary in each location. In water-developed areas like Athens, tap water is generally safe. However, in more remote regions and the Islands, locals usually prefer bottled water.
Can You Drink Tap Water In Corfu? Final Thoughts
Corfu has amazing and safe waters to explore. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for the Island’s drinking water.
Some people say you can drink it, others don’t. However, I haven’t met a Greek who drinks tap water in Corfu.
To ensure you stay safe, you are best drinking bottled water- especially after swimming!
The tap water in Corfu is hard so tastes awful and you cannot 100% know it is safe because the water supply system is so unreliable.
To make sure you stay healthy during your getaway using tap water (even just to brush your teeth), pack Activated Charcoal.
Here are some more relevant articles for your Corfu Getaway:
✔️ Is There Uber In Corfu? (+Other Transport Options)
✔️ Driving To Corfu From The UK: The Complete Guide
✔️ How To Get The Ferry to Corfu: The Complete Guide
✔️ The Best Corfu Car Rental Options: Reviews, Prices & More
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
