Practical tips
Can You Drink Tap Water in Athens?
Short answer: yes. Here's everything you need to know about water quality, staying hydrated, and beating the Athens heat.
Yes, Athens tap water is safe to drink. It's clean, well-regulated, and tastes good. Bring a refillable bottle.
Athens Water Quality
Athens' drinking water comes primarily from three reservoirs: Lake Marathon, the Mornos Reservoir, and the Evinos Reservoir. The water is treated and distributed by EYDAP (the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company) and meets all European Union drinking water standards.
Here's a detail that most visitors don't know: the Marathon Dam, which created Lake Marathon in the 1930s, was faced with Pentelic marble, the same type of marble used to build the Parthenon 2,400 years earlier. Your drinking water is stored behind a dam clad in ancient temple marble.
The water is tested continuously at multiple points throughout the supply chain. Athens' water quality consistently ranks among the best in Southern Europe. It's significantly better than many other Mediterranean capitals that visitors accept without question.
How Does Athens Tap Water Taste?
Athens tap water is relatively soft and neutral-tasting. Most visitors find it perfectly pleasant. Noticeably better than cities like London, Barcelona, or Paris. It doesn't have the heavy mineral taste you'll find in some Mediterranean destinations.
That said, taste can vary slightly depending on the age and condition of the plumbing in your specific building. In older hotels or apartments, running the tap for a few seconds before filling your bottle is a good habit. The water from the mains is excellent; any taste issues are almost always from the last few metres of internal pipework.
In restaurants, you'll typically be served bottled water (a half-litre usually costs €0.50-€1). But if you prefer tap water, you can ask for "nero apo ti vrisi" (νερό από τη βρύση), which means water from the tap. No one will think it's odd.
Staying Hydrated in Athens Heat
Water quality isn't the real challenge in Athens. The heat is. Summer temperatures regularly hit 35-40°C, and most of Athens' best outdoor experiences involve hills with limited shade. Here's how to stay comfortable:
Carry More Water Than You Think
A good rule of thumb: 1 litre per 2 hours of walking in summer. If you're hiking Lycabettus Hill or the Philopappos trails, carry at least 750ml. On George's guided tours, he always reminds guests to bring water.
Go Early or Go Late
The best time for outdoor activities in Athens is before 10 AM or after 5 PM. This is exactly why George runs his Sunrise Hike at dawn so you finish the climb before the heat kicks in and catch the most beautiful light.
Use Public Water Fountains
Athens has public drinking fountains (vrysaki) scattered around the city, especially near parks and archaeological sites. These are connected to the mains supply and perfectly safe. The Kolonaki neighbourhood at the base of Lycabettus has several.
Sun Protection Matters
The Mediterranean sun is fierce, especially at altitude. A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are non-negotiable for any outdoor activity from May to October. Dehydration and sunstroke are real risks on exposed hilltop trails.
Hydration Tips for Hiking Athens' Hills
Athens' hills are the part of the city that most visitors never see: dramatic viewpoints, ancient trails, and perspectives that no bus tour can offer. But they also mean sustained uphill walking in direct sunlight, which means water is critical.
George has been guiding hikes up Lycabettus, Philopappos, and the surrounding hills for over 16 years. His number one tip for visitors: "Start drinking water before you feel thirsty." By the time you feel dehydrated, you're already behind.
On all of George's guided experiences, he sets a comfortable pace with stops at shaded lookout points. These rest stops serve double duty: you catch your breath, take in a stunning view, and drink water. It's a much smarter approach than rushing up a hill and collapsing dehydrated at the top. If you're planning to explore some of Athens' off-the-beaten-path trails independently, the same rule applies.
Skip the Plastic Bottles
Since Athens tap water is perfectly drinkable, there's no need to buy bottled water at every kiosk (periptero). A reusable water bottle is one of the most practical things you can bring to Athens.
Fill up at your hotel or Airbnb in the morning, top up at public fountains or cafés throughout the day, and you'll save money while reducing plastic waste. Greece's beautiful coastline and islands are increasingly affected by plastic pollution, so every bottle you don't buy makes a difference.
Most cafés and restaurants will happily fill your bottle if you ask politely. Greeks are hospitable by nature, and offering water is deeply ingrained in the culture.
Athens Water FAQ
Can you drink tap water in Athens?
Does Athens tap water taste good?
Do locals drink tap water in Athens?
Should I bring a reusable water bottle to Athens?
How hot does Athens get in summer?
Explore Athens' Hills the Smart Way
George's early-morning hikes beat the heat, hit the best viewpoints, and keep you hydrated with a sensible pace and shaded rest stops.