If you’re planning a holiday to Spain, one of the most common questions is whether it’s safe to drink the tap water.

The simple answer is yes. Tap water throughout Spain is safe to drink and is subject to strict European Union and Spanish water quality standards. Whether you’re staying in Valencia, Alicante, Benidorm or a small village on the Costa Blanca, the water supplied to homes, hotels and restaurants is treated and safe for human consumption.

However, there are a few things every visitor should know before filling up their water bottle.

Is tap water safe?

Yes. Spain has a modern water treatment system, and the tap water is regularly tested to ensure it meets strict health and safety regulations.

If the water were not safe to drink, local authorities would issue warnings immediately. For the vast majority of visitors, there is no health risk from drinking tap water.

Why does it taste different?

Many tourists notice that Spanish tap water tastes different from the water back home.

This is usually because:

• Water contains more natural minerals.
• Many coastal areas have hard water.
• Chlorine is added during treatment to keep the water safe.

Along much of the Mediterranean coast, including the Costa Blanca and Valencia regions, the water is naturally hard, meaning it contains higher levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. While this is perfectly safe to drink, it can give the water a stronger taste than many visitors are used to.

What is hard water?

Hard water simply means the water contains dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. These minerals are not harmful—in fact, they occur naturally and contribute to your daily mineral intake.

One noticeable effect of hard water is the white limescale deposits that can build up on kettles, taps, shower heads and bathroom tiles. In many homes across the Costa Blanca, residents install water softener systems (descalificadores) to reduce these minerals. This helps prevent calcium build-up in household plumbing, boilers, washing machines and showers, extending the life of appliances and making cleaning much easier.

Water softener systems (Descalificadores) on Amazon Spain

It’s important to remember that these systems are installed for convenience and to protect household equipment—not because the tap water is unsafe to drink.

Why do so many locals buy bottled water?

If the tap water is safe, why are supermarket trolleys full of bottled water?

The answer is simple: taste.

Many Spanish families buy bottled water because they prefer the flavour, especially in areas with very hard water. It isn’t because the tap water is unsafe.

You’ll often see locals keeping large bottles of mineral water at home for drinking while still using tap water for cooking, washing fruit, making tea or coffee, showering and everyday household use.

Is it safe for children?

Yes.

Children can safely drink Spanish tap water unless your doctor has advised otherwise.

If you’re preparing baby formula, some parents choose bottled mineral water with a low mineral content, but the tap water itself is safe unless local advice says otherwise.

Can you brush your teeth with tap water?

Absolutely.

There is no need to use bottled water when brushing your teeth in Spain. The tap water is perfectly suitable for everyday use.

Should you buy bottled water?

That depends on personal preference.

Many visitors are perfectly happy drinking tap water throughout their holiday. Others simply prefer the taste of bottled water, particularly in coastal areas where the water is naturally harder.

If you’re staying for several weeks, you may find that using a refillable bottle with a filter provides the best balance between convenience, taste and reducing plastic waste.

Is tap water free in restaurants?

If you ask for tap water, don’t be surprised if bottled water is offered instead.

Traditionally, restaurants in Spain have sold bottled mineral water rather than serving tap water automatically. Many restaurants will provide tap water if requested, although policies vary, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Staying hydrated in summer

Spanish summers can be extremely hot, especially in inland areas and during heatwaves.

Whether you choose tap water or bottled water, it’s important to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and avoid spending too long in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.

Final thoughts

Yes, you can safely drink tap water almost everywhere in Spain.

Although the water may taste different due to its natural mineral content, it meets strict safety standards and is perfectly suitable for drinking, cooking and brushing your teeth. In areas such as the Costa Blanca, hard water is common, which is why many homeowners install water softeners to reduce limescale and protect their plumbing—not because the water is unsafe.

For most visitors, whether you drink tap water or bottled water comes down to one thing: personal preference.