Before setting off on your Greek getaway you are probably wondering, can you actually drink the water in Greece?
In short, no you can’t.
Even though you technically can, many locations (especially the Islands) have an unreliable water source.
If you drink the water when it is not safe, you will end up with at least stomach and head pain.
As a former water quality chemist at a UK water company and avid traveller to Greece for over 20 years, I have seen the worst of what happens when you drink unclean water that isn’t safe quality.
(let’s make sure this doesn’t happen to you on your holiday!)
By the end of this article, you’ll know everything you need to make sure you don’t get sick in Greece from the water.
Don’t have time to read the whole article?
I’ve got you!
You cannot drink most of the water in Greece.
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✔️ Activated Charcoal (the quickest solution if you become ill)
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Can you drink the water in Greece including Athens?
To make sure you have a safe and healthy trip, I would say no.
Even though the water is perfectly safe from the tap in places like Athens and Thessaloniki, this isn’t the case everywhere!
❌ Being sick because of unclear water is brutal (I know first-hand). So even if you are told it’s safe, I highly recommend at least using a Water Purifier Bottle.
The water supply to the mainland comes from reservoirs which are easy to monitor for natural or man-made problems with the water.
If algae is present in the water or something has fallen into the water, this can be seen, tested and treated pretty quickly.
However, many of the Islands are supplied by tankers or by seawater.
From my 4+ experience in the water quality industry, this can make the water taste unpleasant.
Also, these sources are much harder to test and monitor for issues.
You will find bottled water is cheap and it is easy to find wherever you find yourself in Greece.
My parents visit Corfu at least 2 times a year and buy 6 large bottles for €1.50- €2.50.
To make sure you can safely use the water you are visiting, take a look at the list of destinations towards the end of this article.
The #1 way not to get sick in Greece? Using The GRAYL GeoPress Water Purifier Bottle– Keeps you hydrated and filters your drinking water!
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This is the best and cheapest way to make sure you don’t get sick when in Greece because of the water, no matter the water sources you use!
I take my GRAYL GeoPress Water Purifier Bottle everywhere I travel if I’m worried about the water I am drinking there, and it has never failed me!
Why can’t you drink the water in Greece?
The geography of Greece and its Islands means water quality can vary HUGELY from one location to another. As a general rule of thumb, I would recommend sticking to bottled water or filtering it.
To jump straight to the answer, the chlorine levels vary a lot, the natural water sources vary and the old pipes and infrastructure in certain destinations can make using the water a risk for visitors.
Even though water quality is monitored and regulated by local authorities, it can still taste unpleasant or even make you ill.
Here are some other potential issues that can affect water quality during your trip:
- Local Contamination: Specific regions might experience contamination due to industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, or other local factors like weather.
- Old Infrastructure: In some older parts of cities or rural areas, outdated water infrastructure might lead to issues like pipe corrosion, which can impact water quality. This is more of an issue with distribution systems rather than the water source itself.
- Seasonal Variations: During certain seasons, such as heavy rainfall, there might be an increase in contaminants entering water sources. This can be due to runoff carrying pollutants into rivers or other water bodies.
- Natural Factors: Geological conditions can affect water quality. For example, in areas with high mineral content in the soil, groundwater might have elevated levels of certain minerals.
- Microbial Contamination: In rare cases, there may be concerns about microbial contamination, such as bacteria or parasites. This could be due to issues with water treatment or sanitation.
What happens if you drink Greek water?
The water in parts of Greece like Athens and Thessaloniki is generally safe and is from a good supply all year round.
However, it may occasionally taste like chlorine because it is added to the water system to help clean it.
If the water smells or tastes strong of chlorine, I suggest you stop using it.
It can lead to a burning feeling in your throat and/or stomach as well as making you physically sick!
🚨 Helpful TIP: Pack Activated Charcoal as it works quickly to absorb toxins
And if you head to some of the Greek Islands, you may find the water tastes like salt.
But the water tasting a bit funny is probably the best outcome if you drink unsafe water.
The main potential water issues from Greek taps are bacteria, lead from the pipes and chlorine byproducts. Drinking unclean water can make you seriously ill in some cases.
Just like drinking water in the UK or elsewhere in Europe, to ensure the water you drink is okay, it generally shouldn’t smell or taste of anything.
So if you have any concerns that the water you are about to use is unsafe, ask your hotel for more information or just use bottled water.
But to guarantee the water you are drinking will not make you sick, use a LifeStraw Filter Bottle. No matter the water sources you use, this will GUARANTEE that you will not get sick!
Can you brush your teeth with tap water in Greece?
Using tap water on your trip extends to more than just drinking and you probably want to know if you can use it to brush your teeth too.
Brushing your teeth with tap water in Greece is absolutely fine.
However, if you want to be 100% certain that the water you are using is okay, use bottled water instead.
This will guarantee that you are using clean water!
I tend to use bottled water when brushing my teeth when visiting Greece for a few reasons. Not only can you know the exact fluoride, PH and metal levels from it, but it is frequently tested for harmful bacteria.
Make sure you have a good travel toothbrush when you jet off to Greece, especially if you are moving around a lot of places.
Can you drink boiled tap water in Greece?
Absolutely and it is a quick way to make sure you have safe water to use in your hotel room.
Boiling tap water is a common method to make water safe for consumption by killing harmful microorganisms like bacteria and parasites.
In many cases, if there are concerns about water quality, boiling tap water can be a simple and effective way to purify it!
Can I drink ice in Greece?
Ice sometimes can be a bit of a risk anywhere you travel, including this top European holiday destination.
In some areas, the water can taste very salty so that will be the last thing you will want to be added to your drink.
Freezing water does nothing for water quality.
This means you are not guaranteed that clean water is being used. If the water is unsafe when it is going into the ice cube tray, it is going to be unsafe coming out.
To keep it safe, you can ask at the bar you are at how the ice cubes were made, or skip them altogether.
Which parts of Greece and the Greek Islands can you safely use the tap water?
I’m sure you have a few more questions regarding drinking water quality in Greece before your trip.
Especially on what Islands you can safely use the water
This is super useful to know if you are planning on visiting more than one Greek destination!
To make sure your trip to Greece is safe and is from a safe water supply, here is a list of the most popular locations:
Can you drink the water in Athens?
✔️ Drinking the water in this part of Greece is perfectly fine and the quality is pretty good too!
Can you drink Santorini tap water?
❌ Stick with drinking bottled water as even though you can drink it, it doesn’t taste good.
Can you drink the water in Kos?
✔️ Technically yes. but the mineral content has commonly caused upset stomachs in travellers. So you probably should stick to drinking bottled water.
Can you drink the water in Rhodes?
❌ Like many of the Islands, avoid drinking the water in these parts of Greece. But at least Uber has finally made it here!
Can you drink the water in Crete?
✔️ Yes you can drink the water on this Greek island, but it doesn’t taste very nice.
Can you drink the water in Zante?
❌ You cannot drink the water anywhere on the Island so you will need to drink bottled water.
Can you drink the water in Mykonos?
❌ The water is particularly salty on the Island so you are best sticking to using bottled water.
Can you drink the water in Greece? Final thoughts
Even though the waters of Greece are perfectly safe to explore, using the water in terms of drinking may not be in your best interest!
Despite official assurances, seasoned visitors and even some locals often advise against drinking tap water, because of potential risks of illness.
This cautious approach may stem from variations in water quality across different regions or concerns about outdated infrastructure.
It’s also worth noting that some Greek islands may lack a consistently safe and reliable water source.
Therefore, to ensure a worry-free stay, especially when travelling to more remote areas or islands, it might be wise to rely on bottled or treated water as a precautionary measure.
(especially after a long day at the beach)
❌To Guarantee Safe Water AT ALL TIMES, Use THIS Amazing Water Purifier Bottle.
Helpful Information for Greek Travel
Here are some of the most popular things to do when visiting Greece:
Did you enjoy this article? Here are some more articles about Greece you may find useful:
The ultimate guide to driving in Greece
A complete guide for exploring Kos
5 Best Free Cabin Bags For Ryanair Options
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.
