Can you drink the tap water?
Tap water in Spain: safe, but the islands taste different
Spanish tap water is safe to drink everywhere. On the Canary and Balearic Islands much of it is desalinated sea water. It's safe, but often tastes salty or of chlorine, so locals tend to buy bottled.
- Tap water safe
- Safe in cities
- Drink bottled
Madrid and Barcelona's water is fine to drink, and Madrid's comes from the mountains and tastes great. Fill up at public drinking fountains in summer.
Where it differs
- Mainland citiesTap water safe
Safe and good. Madrid's is excellent.
- Canary IslandsTap water safe
Safe, but often desalinated and salty-tasting.
- Balearic IslandsTap water safe
Safe, but hard and chalky. Many prefer bottled.
Why the islands taste different
Much of the Canary and Balearic Islands' water comes from desalination plants or deep wells, so it's high in minerals and salt, with a noticeable chlorine taste. It's treated to EU standards and safe to drink, but many locals prefer bottled for the taste. On the mainland, cities like Madrid and Barcelona get their water from rivers and mountain reservoirs.
Getting tap water when eating out
- Ask for 'agua del grifo' and most restaurants will bring a jug for free.
- Fill up at public fountains (fuentes) in cities. Look for 'agua potable' signs.
- 'Agua no potable' means the water isn't for drinking, common at beach showers.
Before you go
- Ask for 'agua del grifo' in restaurants for free tap water.
Official advice: FCDO health advice for Spain
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