Drinking Water
The drinking water situation in Greece varies greatly depending on the location.
Where Tap Water is Drinkable
- Athens: Yes! The water comes from the Mornos reservoir and is of excellent quality. It tastes neutral and is safe
- Thessaloniki: Drinkable, slightly calcareous
- Mainland in general: Drinkable in most cities and villages. When in doubt, ask your accommodation
Where You Should Use Bottled Water
- Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, etc.) — water is obtained by ship or desalination plant and is often salty, chlorinated, and taste-wise... challenging
- Small islands in general — water scarcity is a real issue, especially in high summer. Use water sparingly!
- Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos) — safer with bottled water
- Crete: Drinkable in Heraklion and Chania, better use bottled water in small southern villages
Practical Tips
- Bottled water: Extremely cheap! 1.5L for 0.30-0.50 EUR in the supermarket, 0.50L for 0.50 EUR at the kiosk
- In restaurants: Water is almost always brought as a bottle (0.50-1.50 EUR). You can ask for tap water ("nero apo ti vrisi") — no problem in Athens, on islands you'll still get a bottle
- Refillable water bottle: Practical and eco-friendly on the mainland. Unfortunately, less feasible on the islands
- Mountain springs: In mountain villages, there are often public springs (Vrisaki) with fresh, cold mountain water — locals fill their canisters there. Usually excellent quality!