Santorini is one of the most popular destinations in Greece, drawing millions of visitors annually. With its volcanic landscape, iconic whitewashed villages, and luxury hotels, travelers often have one ubiquitous question before arriving: Is it safe to drink the tap water in Santorini?
The short answer is: No, tap water in Santorini is generally not recommended for drinking in 2025. While it is safe for showering, brushing your teeth, and everyday use, locals and authorities advise visitors to avoid drinking it due to mineral content, desalination processes, and inconsistent water quality across the island.
In this guide, we break down why Santorini tap water isnโt ideal for drinking, whatโs safe to use it for, how much bottled water costs, and the best tips for staying hydrated during your visit.
Can You Drink Tap Water in Santorini in 2025?
As of 2025, tap water in Santoriniย undergoesย partial desalination and treatment, but the infrastructure is not robustย enough to guarantee consistently safe drinking water in all areas. The quality varies significantly between:
- Oia
- Fira
- Imerovigli
- Pyrgos
- Kamari & Perissa (coastal regions)
Although the water is technically treated, it often contains high mineral levels, making it unpleasant in taste and potentially irritating to sensitive stomachs.
Official Recommendation
The Santorini Water Authority (DEYAS) and most hotels recommend using bottled water for drinking and using tap water only for washing, cooking, and brushing teeth.
Why Isnโt Tap Water in Santorini Safe to Drink?
1. Limited Freshwater Sources
Santorini has almost no natural freshwater. The island relies heavily on desalinated seawater, which is safe for general use but not ideal for drinking due to the treatment process.
2. High Mineral Content
The volcanic geology of Santorini results in water that contains elevated levels of minerals such as:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
These do not pose serious health dangers, but they can affect digestion.
3. Aging Infrastructure
Older pipes in local villages may affect water clarity and taste, making consistency unreliable.
4. Taste Issues
Even when technically safe, the desalinated water often tastes salty or metallic โ a quality that most visitors dislike.
Is It Safe to Use Tap Water for Brushing Teeth?
Yes. Tap water in Santorini is safe for:
- Brushing your teeth
- Showering
- Washing fruits (if wiped dry afterward)
- Boiling for coffee/tea
Just avoid drinking it directly from the tap.
Do Hotels Provide Drinking Water?
Most hotels in Santorini โ especially in Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli โ provide:
- 1โ2 complimentary bottles of water per day
- Filtered water jugs in premium suites
- A water refill station in the reception or kitchen areas
Luxury hotels may offer unlimited filtered water.
How Much Does Bottled Water Cost in Santorini?
- Small bottle (0.5L): โฌ0.50 โ โฌ1.00
- Large bottle (1.5L): โฌ0.80 โ โฌ1.50
- 6-pack of 1.5L bottles: โฌ2.50 โ โฌ3.50
Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available in supermarkets, kiosks, and hotel shops.
Is Ice in Drinks Safe?
Yes. Ice cubes in bars and restaurants are typically made from filtered or bottled water. Ice is safe across the islandโs tourist areas.
Should You Use a Refillable Bottle?
Absolutely. Many hotels now offer refill stations to reduce waste. A refillable bottle is both environmentally friendly and convenient for use when walking between villages in the hot summer months.
Best Water to Use for Baby Formula
If youโre traveling with a baby, always use bottled water for formula preparation. Itโs safer and avoids issues related to mineral content.
Travel Tips for Staying Hydrated in Santorini
- Drink at least 2 liters of water per day in summer.
- Carry a refillable bottle when exploring Oia or Fira.
- Avoid hiking the Fira-to-Oia trail without at least 1.5L of water per person.
- Keep bottled water in your hotel fridge for morning hydration.
FAQs
Can you drink tap water in Santorini?
No, it is not recommended. Use bottled water for drinking.
Is it safe to brush your teeth with tap water in Santorini?
Yes, brushing your teeth with tap water is safe.
Does Santorini have desalinated water?
Yes, but the desalination process doesnโt produce ideal drinking water.
Is bottled water expensive in Santorini?
No, it is very affordable and widely available.
Is iced water safe in Santorini restaurants?
Yes, ice is usually made from filtered water.
Final Thoughts: Santorini Tap Water Safety in 2025
As of 2025, tap water in Santorini is not recommended for drinking, despite undergoing treatment and partial desalination. The islandโs limited natural freshwater sources and reliance on desalinated seawater result in water that is adequate for everyday use but not consistently safe or pleasant to drink. Variations in infrastructure between villages โ especially between popular areas like Oia, Fira, and the coastal resorts โ result in significant differences in taste and mineral levels from one location to another. For visitors, this inconsistency alone is a strong reason to stick to bottled or filtered water during their stay.
That said, tap water in Santorini is perfectly safe for non-drinking purposes. You can use it confidently for showering, brushing your teeth, washing fruits (as long as they are dried afterward), and boiling water for coffee or tea. Hotels and local authorities commonly reassure visitors that the water meets hygiene standards for everyday use. Many accommodations even offer free filtered water or refill stations to help travelers stay hydrated without producing unnecessary plastic waste.
For drinking, bottled water remains the most reliable and widely recommended option. It is inexpensive, easily accessible in supermarkets and kiosks across the island, and available in all hotels. Choosing bottled or filtered water ensures better taste, avoids potential stomach discomfort, and allows travelers to enjoy their holiday with peace of mind. In short, while Santoriniโs tap water is safe for daily activities, visitors should avoid drinking it directly from the tap in 2025.
