You can often drink tap water in mainland Greece (especially cities like Athens), but it's usually better to stick to bottled water on islands and in rural areas due to taste, mineral content (like salty desalinated water on Santorini/Mykonos), or older pipes, though it's generally safe for brushing teeth; consult locals for specifics, as quality varies greatly by location.
Municipal tap water throughout the Peloponnese meets European Union safety standards and is considered safe for consumption. Greek water authorities conduct regular testing and treatment to ensure compliance with strict EU regulations governing drinking water quality.
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.
Be cautious with ice: For people with sensitive stomachs, when ordering drinks, ask if the ice is made from bottled water. If not, it is better to avoid it.
If you're traveling anywhere in Africa, South America, or Central America, it's safe to assume you shouldn't drink tap water. In North America, the only countries that have generally safe tap water are Canada, Greenland, and the United States. Mexico is one popular tourist destination to cause concern.
Countries With the Safest Tap Water
Papua New Guinea, where 60% of the population live without a safe water supply, is the most difficult and expensive place in the world to access clean water, according to a study released by WaterAid. The study found that people in Papua New Guinea are forced to spend more than half their income on accessing water.
Taking food into Greece
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.
Water activities
Many beaches in Greece are supervised and enforce excellent safety procedures. However, tidal changes and strong winds can cause hazardous currents and riptides. Coral, urchin, jellyfish and other aquatic life found along reefs can poison, sting or cause infection if touched or stepped on.
Bring Your Reusable Water Bottle
Especially in the summer months, the sun can be strong around the Mediterranean. Don't forget your sunscreen and reusable water bottle to stay cool and protected against sunburn and dehydration.
In most of Greece, tap water is safe to drink, meeting strict European Union standards. Restaurants and cafes in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki often serve tap water. This is both a gesture of hospitality and a cost-effective alternative to bottled water.
Santorini, being a volcanic island, lacks natural freshwater sources. Desalination plants are essential for providing tap water by removing salt from seawater.
When visiting Athens, one of the most common questions travelers ask is, “Can I drink the tap water?” The answer is a resounding yes! Athens boasts a reliable and safe public water system, making tap water perfectly safe to drink.
Instead, the majority of the tap water comes from ocean water that has been run through a desalination plant to make it safe for human consumption. Technically, Santorini's tap water is safe to drink. However, it's also brackish, and the water supply system itself isn't always reliable.
While boiling water eliminates bacteria in the water, it does not make the tap water pure. Water can contain other contaminants such as microplastics, pesticides, fertilisers, industrial chemicals, hormones, medications, heavy metals and neurotoxic microorganisms which are not removed through boiling water.
Given that groundwater serves as a crucial source of drinking water in many states, traces of arsenic may be present in tap water. Long-term exposure to water with high levels of arsenic can cause havoc to our skin, this can include pigmentation changes and skin lesions such as blisters, rashes, and acne.
In summer, what to wear in Greece is simple: T-shirts, shorts, and sundresses. During July and August, Greece experiences hot and dry weather and your priority will be staying cool. Think lightweight, breathable fabrics, such as linen, chiffon, and light cotton.
Cardiovascular diseases and cancer were the leading causes of death in 2022 – especially ischaemic heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. Smoking rates remain high in Greece, despite a decline over the last two decades, with 25 % of adults smoking daily in 2019.
The Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) The brown bear is the largest carnivorous animal in Greece, primarily found in the mountainous regions of Pindus and Rhodope in the north. This species faces threats such as habitat destruction and conflicts with human activity.
Don't wear hot pants or crop tops if you're planning on visiting any churches or monasteries. Some things are better left to the imagination. If you must wear hot pants, save them for a trip to the beach.
Typical offerings include homemade pies (like spanakopita and tiropita), a variety of fresh breads and pastries, creamy Greek yogurt with honey or fruit, local cheeses, olives, cold cuts, seasonal fruit, and nuts. Breakfast is complemented by Greek coffee, herbal teas, or freshly squeezed orange juice.
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.
Water scarcity is a persistent issue in Australia given the relatively dry and variable climate. The emergence of climate change has exacerbated this issue.
As reservoirs empty and wells fail, the country's hydrologists say Iran is on the verge of “water bankruptcy.” They forecast food shortages, a repetition of water protests that spread across the country in the summer of 2021, and even a water war with Afghanistan over its dam-building.
Bangladesh is frequently cited as the world's most polluted country based on average annual PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) levels, followed closely by Pakistan and India, with high concentrations driven by vehicle emissions, industrial output, and construction, though Chad sometimes tops the list in specific reports, highlighting ongoing severe air quality challenges in South Asia and parts of Africa.