No, you generally cannot flush toilet paper in Santorini (or most of Greece); you must place used paper in the small bin next to the toilet due to narrow pipes that clog easily, though some modern hotels might have better systems, always use the bin as a precaution. Look for signs, as there's usually a bin provided for disposal, and it's a standard practice across the islands.
The toilet will clog. Greek sewage pipes are much narrower than US or British pipes, and therefore can't handle paper or any other items as it can easily clog them.
You can't flush toilet paper in Greece because the sewage pipes are much narrower than elsewhere in the world (2 inches in diameter vs. 4 inches in the U.S.!), and toilet paper can cause them to clog.
Where Can't You Flush Toilet Paper?
Even if the place you are staying at is connected to the desalination system, the locals advise that you choose bottled water, as the taste of tap water is not very pleasant. However, tap water can be used for washing up, brushing your teeth, or cooking. For cooking, it is especially safe if it is going to be boiled.
Tap water can be used for washing, bathing, and brushing your teeth. Only bottled water is potable.
They put this down to the rising cost of living around Europe, but also the effect of the earthquakes that hit Santorini in February, leading around 11,000 residents and holidaymakers to flee to the mainland, leaving shops and restaurants boarded up.
Eating any food while on the toilet is forbidden. After defecating, the anus must be washed with water using the left hand, or an odd number of smooth stones or pebbles called jamrah or hijaarah (Sahih Al-Bukhari 161, Book 4, Hadith 27). Many jurists agree that toilet paper suffices in place of these stones.
The inability to flush toilet paper in certain countries stems from outdated plumbing systems which cannot process paper waste. The plumbing systems in various areas continue to use outdated infrastructure which fails to process paper waste.
Not all countries or cultures use toilet paper to wipe their bums. This can be because of cultures that have traditionally used alternatives to toilet paper and therefore never really used it or lack of access to toilet paper.
There's a very important rule for using the bathroom in Greece: don't flush your toilet paper. Find out why, and get tips on tips on bathroom etiquette, hygiene, and water sanitation in Greece. The most memorable travel adventures take many forms.
In many parts of Athens (and Greece in general), the plumbing systems are not designed to handle toilet paper. Instead of flushing it, you'll need to dispose of used toilet paper in the small waste bin provided next to the toilet.
Impact on Sewage Systems
Regular toilet paper, non-toxic toilet paper, and flushable wipes can all contribute to these problems. Also, items that should never be flushed, like baby wipes, dental floss, sanitary napkins, and tampons, can worsen these issues, leading to clogged toilets and strained plumbing systems.
No, in Santorini you cannot flush toilet paper down the toilet bowl. As with most places in Greece, toilet paper cannot be flushed down the toilet. You should place the used toilet paper into a special trash bin located next to it. The hosts or hotel staff empty the bin every day and put a new bag in it.
First-time visitors to Crete are often surprised to find signs in restrooms asking them not to flush toilet paper. This isn't about outdated habits – it's about outdated pipes. The Greek plumbing system, especially in older buildings and island areas, wasn't built to handle anything beyond human waste and water.
You throw your toilet paper in the trash. You do not throw it in the toilet mainly because the pipes are probably too narrow and clog easily. This was common in my experiences in Greece though I was mainly on islands.
In many Amish homes, rags are a common toilet paper alternative. These rags are typically old clothes that have been worn out. After simple processing, they become practical cleaning tools.
Although we would think today that all cultures use toilet paper, surprisingly some cultures still abide by their old habits. In parts of India and Arabia, people exclusively use their bare left hand for wiping. They consider it disgusting that other cultures use toilet paper, as it leaves behind an unpleasant residue.
During the Middle Ages Europeans relied on various alternatives to toilet paper for personal hygiene. People used rags wool and moss as their primary cleaning materials. The ancient bathroom tools were selected because they were readily available and inexpensive.
Scholars have agreed that during a wife's menstrual period, a husband may engage in any form of sexual intimacy with his wife and touch any part of her body though he is to avoid the area between her legs and navel while many others do not prohibit this area but stipulate abstention from vaginal penetration.
They also can help on overnight bus/train rides. 5. Tissues: Egyptian people do not typically use toilet paper, and you often will not find it in bathrooms. Instead, they use a bidet, which is much more hygienic, and in my opinion, far superior to toilet paper!
In order to undertake the required personal washing when away from home, some people will fill whatever container they can find (often a cup or water bottle) with water and take this to the privacy of a toilet cubicle to undertake this personal ablution act in private.
In Greece, extending five fingers with the palm facing outward towards someone is a severe insult known as the Moutza (μούντζα), equivalent to giving someone the middle finger, and is historically linked to smearing criminals with soot. To show the number five, a Greek person will present their palm facing themselves (inward) to avoid this offensive gesture.
The Sapphire Villa at Celestia Grand
This is the particular villa the Kardashians stayed in. The Sapphire Villa is the top-tier villa at Celestia Grand and offers the best sunset views on the property. Another angle on the private pool and picture-perfect sunset view. Sunset view from the Sapphire Villa's jacuzzi.
Cluster of earthquakes surrounded molten rock
The seismic activity started to stir beneath the Greek islands of Santorini, Amorgos, and Anafi in January 2025. The islands experienced tens of thousands of earthquakes - many of which were over magnitude 5.0 and could be felt.