Can you drink tap water in Spain?

Yes, the water in Spain is considered safe to drink by both locals and visitors.

Spain treats its water to strict EU guidelines, ensuring safe drinking water in cities and towns alike. Some regions may have a different mineral profile, but the quality is consistent.

Quick Overview

Tap Water Concern:Our Advice
Tap Water Drinkable?✅ Yes, it’s safe to drink
Common Risks:Minimal — high quality standards
Brush Teeth?✅ Yes, no concerns
Wash Fruits/Vegetables?✅ Yes, safe to use tap water
Use Ice in Drinks?✅ Yes, generally safe in restaurants
Safe to Shower?✅ Yes
Filter Bottle Needed?❌ No, not necessary

Source: CDC Travelers’ Health, WHO water safety reports, and regional public health agencies.

Worried About Tap Water? Consider Using a Filter Bottle

If you’d rather not take chances with the tap water, a filter bottle is a smart and affordable solution. We don’t sell these ourselves, but we’ve reviewed the most effective and traveler-approved options to help you stay safe, reduce plastic use, and avoid unnecessary bottled water costs—scroll down to see which ones we recommend.

Water Filter Bottle – LifeStraw

Rating

★★★★★
A full view of a translucent gray LifeStraw Go water bottle standing upright on a smooth, light surface. The black lid features an integrated carry handle, making the bottle easy to clip onto a backpack or hold while traveling. Through the clear body, the internal filtration system is visible, including the long white membrane microfilter designed to remove bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and sediment. The LifeStraw logo appears vertically along the front of the bottle in white. The clean, minimal background keeps the focus on the durable, BPA-free bottle—made from 50% recycled plastic—and reinforces its purpose as a reliable, travel-ready filter bottle for safe, great-tasting water during trips, outdoor activities, and everyday use.
A disassembled LifeStraw Go water bottle laid out on a light-colored surface, showing all the key components of the two-stage filtration system. The translucent gray bottle stands in the background with the LifeStraw logo visible. In front of it, the long white membrane microfilter lies horizontally, displaying its vented design used to remove bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and sediment. Next to it are the smaller parts: the activated carbon filter pod that reduces chlorine and odors, the white connector piece that attaches the filters inside the bottle, and the black screw-on lid with its integrated drinking spout. The layout highlights how each part fits together, reinforcing the bottle’s functionality, easy maintenance, and purpose as a durable, BPA-free, travel-ready filtration system made from recycled plastic.
A straight-on view of a translucent gray LifeStraw Go water bottle standing upright on a light surface. The LifeStraw logo appears vertically in white along the front of the bottle. Through the clear plastic you can see the internal two-stage filtration system, including the long cylindrical microfilter that removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, as well as the lower section where the activated carbon filter fits to improve taste by reducing chlorine and odors. The black lid with the built-in sip spout sits securely on top. The clean, minimal background draws attention to the durable, BPA-free design made from 50% recycled plastic—highlighting the bottle’s purpose as a reliable, eco-friendly filter bottle for travel, everyday hydration, and safe drinking water on the go.
A close-up photo of a translucent gray LifeStraw Go water bottle showing the “MAX 0.65L” fill line printed in white on the side. Small droplets of water cling to the surface, suggesting the bottle was just rinsed or recently used. Through the clear plastic, the internal filtration system is visible—the upper cartridge that houses the two-stage filter combining a membrane microfilter for bacteria, parasites, microplastics, sediment, and cloudiness, and an activated carbon filter to reduce chlorine, odors, and aftertaste. The top portion of the lid with the built-in drinking spout appears at the edge of the frame. The image highlights the durable, BPA-free construction made from 50% recycled plastic. It supports product information about the LifeStraw Go series, which provides safer, better-tasting water for travel, outdoor use, and everyday hydration, while also contributing one year of clean drinking water to a child in need with every purchase.
Protection: Filters bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and dirt from unsafe water
Travel-Ready: Safe to use in countries with non-drinkable tap water
Better Taste: Carbon filter reduces chlorine, odors, and chemical flavor
Eco-Friendly: Replaces up to 8,000 single-use plastic bottles
Long-Lasting: Membrane filter lasts up to 1,000 gallons
Safe Materials: BPA-free, durable, and leak-proof design
Budget-Friendly: Cuts daily costs on bottled water
Convenient: Great for airports, hikes, hotels, and remote areas
Check Price on Amazon

Health Risks for Travelers

Even in countries where tap water is considered safe, it’s still possible for travelers to experience mild digestive issues. Your body may not be used to the mineral composition, local bacteria (even the harmless kind), or differences in water treatment methods.

Here are a few minor risks and factors worth noting:

  • Mineral levels may be higher or different than you’re used to, which can cause temporary discomfort for some travelers.
  • Aged infrastructure in older cities or hotels could affect water clarity or taste, even if the water itself is safe.
  • Filtered water may still be used in restaurants, especially for ice or washing produce, as an extra precaution.
  • Public water systems vary by region; tap water in cities is typically highly regulated, while rural areas may be more variable.
  • Travel fatigue or a change in diet can also affect how your body reacts to new water sources — not necessarily the water itself.

In general, the health risks are low in countries with safe tap water, but it’s still smart to be aware of local conditions and trust your own comfort level.

If you experience persistent symptoms while traveling in Spain, consult a local doctor or pharmacist. In many tourist areas, English-speaking care is available.

More About Tap Water in Spain

In Spain, bottled water is often served at home and in restaurants—even though tap water is safe to drink nearly everywhere. This is mostly due to taste preferences: in coastal areas and the south, many people find the water too chlorinated or metallic. In contrast, tap water in cities like Madrid is widely appreciated for its clean, soft taste, thanks to its origin in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. Filter pitchers like Brita are common in areas with harder water.

Water is typically treated with chlorine, and sometimes UV filtration. The country’s varied water sources—including rivers, reservoirs, groundwater, and a small portion of desalinated water—mean the composition can vary greatly by region. In coastal areas, the water is often harder, which can cause limescale buildup and dry skin.

What many travelers don’t know: 99.3% of tap water in Spain is officially safe to drink, and when it’s not, it’s clearly marked.

FAQs About Tap Water in Spain

Is it safe to brush your teeth with tap water?

Yes, you can safely brush your teeth with tap water in Spain—no special precautions needed.

Can I use tap water to wash my face?

Definitely—it’s safe to wash your face with tap water in Spain with no risk.

Is it safe to use ice in drinks?

Yes—ice made from tap water in Spain is totally safe.

Can I shower safely with tap water?

Tap water is clean and safe for all hygiene, including showering.

Not sure what’s in the water where you’re staying? A compact shower filter can help protect your skin and hair from harsh water. Just double-check that the showerhead isn’t built into the wall—those can’t be fitted with a filter. According to most travelers, this shower filter is the best pick. Click here to check the best price.

Can I wash fruits and vegetables with tap water?

Absolutely—you can wash fruits and veggies just like you would at home.

Is bottled water expensive in Spain?

If you prefer bottled, it’s affordable—but totally unnecessary here.

Spain is often visited in combination with Portugal, France, or Andorra—popular stops for travelers exploring southwestern Europe. Water safety conditions may vary slightly.

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