Greece's tap water generally safe in cities but varies on islands, tourists advised to check

Tap water in Greece meets drinking‑water standards in most mainland cities. In Athens and Thessaloniki the water is considered safe for drinking, tooth‑brushing and cooking, and testing agencies report compliance with quality norms.

On many Greek islands and in smaller towns the water may taste salty, chlorinated or highly mineralised, and infrastructure can be strained during peak tourism. Some islands rely on desalination of seawater, such as the project on Iraklia. While the water often satisfies sanitary criteria, the WHO notes that taste, smell and appearance relate to acceptability rather than direct microbiological safety.

Tourists are advised to follow local recommendations, inspect the water’s appearance and smell, and consider bottled water in older buildings, remote islands, or when advised by accommodation staff, especially for children, the elderly or those with sensitive stomachs.