Can You Drink Tap Water In Mallorca: How to Stay Safe (2024)
Traveling to Mallorca Spain and wondering can you drink tap water in Mallorca or if it might make you sick and ruin your vacation? We’re here to tell you everything you need to know to stay safe and healthy!
Caleb and I loved our vacation to Mallorca – from the big city of Palma to the tiny town of Santanyi! Because I, Taylor, am convinced that I am part fish and need to drink water ALWAYS, I took the risk and drank the tap water almost everywhere all over the island! So, it’s safe to say that yes, tap water is drinkable in Mallorca in MOST places, but not all.
I consider myself a bit of an expert on all things drinking water in Mallorca. I’m here to tell you all the ins and outs of where you can and can’t drink the water (and where they might tackle you if you try to drink it. I can’t make this up guys, it happened to me!)
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Let’s dive into everything you need to know about drinking tap water in Mallorca to keep it a romantic vacation and not a sick one!
From the author: I have traveled to Mallorca and drank the tap water in my refillable water all over the island without getting sick. I talked to locals about where not to drink it, so I know a thing or two! If you have questions, leave a comment and I’ll get right back to you!
Is Mallorca Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Good news—according to EU and Spanish standards, the tap water in most parts of Mallorca is safe to drink. There are some areas where we might give you ehhh…that would be brave” as an answer, but we’ll talk more about those areas
First off, the water is regulated by the Spanish water authority and conforms to the EU Clean Drinking Water Act. The The Balearic Water Agency (Agéncia Balear Agua i Qualitat Ambiental or ABAQUA) also has state-of-the-art water treatment facilities and makes their annual water quality reports available to the public. Transparency for the win!
So, on paper, it’s all good. But ask a local, and you might get a different story. Many will warn you about kidney stones but honestly? This is just one of those “we walked uphills both ways in no shoes” kinda stories (how do all grandparents know this story?) and it’s just an urban legend.
I personally drank the water all over the island every single day for a week and I never got sick and never experienced any of these kidney stones the locals speak of! So, we say you’re usually a-okay to drink the water from personal experience doing so!
Where you CAN Drink Tap Water in Mallorca
So, where can you drink tap water in Mallorca? The capital city, Palma, is your best bet. The water here meets EU and Spanish safety standards, so it’s perfectly fine for drinking and cooking.
Most major tourist areas like Alcudia and Andratx also have tap water that’s up to code. These places have invested in water treatment facilities and adhere to strict regulations.
If you’re staying in a hotel or resort, chances are the tap water is also safe to drink. Many of these establishments use additional filtration systems to improve the water’s taste and quality. So, when thinking about many days to stay in Mallorca, consider these areas if you’re concerned with water quality.
Where you CAN’T Drink Tap Water in Mallorca
While most of Mallorca’s tap water is safe, there are some areas where you should definitely steer clear UNLESS you see a sign on the water area that says “potable.” Small towns like Campos, Santanyi, Macor, Sencelles, Lloret, Sineu, S’Horta, Vilafranca, and Costitx have tap water that’s not suitable for drinking or cooking.
I remember driving around Mallorca and being in Santanyi, one of the best places to stay without a car, and I was about to fill up my water bottle in the bathroom of a cafe and the janitor almost tackled me to prevent me from doing so! I guess it’s good they don’t want tourists getting sick.
The reason these areas are undrinkable is because there are high levels of nitrates, thanks to past agricultural practices. Some of these areas also have too many chlorides. Both are no goes for your health and drinking.
Boiling the water won’t help in these areas, so it’s best to stick to bottled water. If you’re an adventurous couple exploring the less-trodden paths of Mallorca and wondering “Can you drink tap water in Majorca?” keep this in mind. It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan like a GRAYL filtered water bottle. We’ve used these in the freaking Amazon Jungle and didn’t get sick!
I’ve created a map for you outlining the areas you can’t drink the water in Mallorca. I erred on the side of caution here to keep you safe! The purple areas are the areas we do not recommend drinking the water!
Why it Doesn’t Taste Good
When we were visiting Mallorca and I was filling up my reusable water bottle so many locals would give me “the eye” if they couldn’t speak English or just come up and tell me how nasty the water was.
I can’t go 5 seconds without water so I risked it. I have to say, it’s not the best tasting water but it’s also not HORRIFIC. The water in Mallorca is rich in minerals, thanks to the island’s limestone aquifers. While that might sound fancy, it actually makes the water taste pretty hard. Add in some chlorine for disinfection, and you don’t have the best concoction for drinking. While swimming in the warm Mediterranean water might be a Mallorca bucket list item, drinking the water may not be for you!
To make it worse desalination plants kick in during the dry summer months, such as visiting Mallorca in June, to supplement the water supply. While it’s a lifesaver for the island, it leaves the water tasting a bit salty. It’s a good thing I love salt so much that I travel with it in my purse (cue Caleb’s embarrassment when I whip it out at a restaurant) so this didn’t really bug me.
However, I may be the minority that finds Mallorcan water not all that horrible. You just need to know what you’re getting into before you drink it so you’re not shocked! And know that it might taste better in months like January or December in Mallorca, due to no desalination.
Ways To Get Water in Mallorca
So you’re in Mallorca and you’re thirsty and don’t want to risk tap water —what are your options? Don’t worry, Caleb and I have got you covered. From public water fountains to natural springs, here’s a rundown of the different ways you can stay hydrated on this beautiful island.
Water Fountains/Public Refill Stations
One eco-friendly option is to use public water fountains or refill stations. Organizations like Cleanwave have been installing filtered water fountains around Mallorca. These stations are a great way to fill up your reusable water bottles and reduce plastic waste. Plus, the water is filtered, so it’s a win-win for taste and the environment.
Here’s a map of Cleanwave stations around the island to make it easier on you!
(You have to scroll to the bottom of that page to see the map!)
Bottled Water
If you’re in an area where tap water is a no-go, plastic water bottles are readily available. But keep in mind, that the Balearic Islands are one of the highest consumers of bottled water in Spain. If you do opt for bottled water, try to recycle the plastic bottles.
If you need to get bottled water, the local supermarket chains that we found great and affordable are Eroski, Carrefour, and Mercadona
Restaurants
In restaurants, you can usually ask for tap water and it’s generally safe to drink. A recent law even requires restaurants to serve tap water if you ask for it. We ordered it every day because we hate being extra for water and it was never an issue, although we did get a little side-eye from the servers sometimes!
If you’re picky about the taste, you might want to stick to bottled water though as restaurant tap water is just like the tap water on the rest of the island so it tastes just as funky to most people!
Natural Springs or Fuentes
For a unique experience, seek out natural springs or “Fuentes” around the island during your Mallorca itinerary. These springs offer fresh, clean water and are often located in scenic spots. It’s a fun way to explore the island and stay hydrated at the same time. Just make sure to research the specific spring beforehand to ensure it’s safe for drinking. Just because you see a spring doesn’t mean it’s safe!
There are only two on the island that we know of: Sa Dont De D’Alt in Esporles and Miramar Mallorca.
You can Google map search “Fuente de agua potable” or go to this website for a good list. The one is Esporles is close to Banyalbufar, which was one of the adorable villages that make Mallorca so worth visiting in the first place!
Where Does The Tap Water in Mallorca Come From?
Mallorca tap water is a mix of sources. About 55% comes from underground aquifers that are rich in minerals. These aquifers are formed from porous limestone, which gives the water its hard taste. Another 20% comes from reservoirs that are rainfed, mainly located in the western mountain range.
When the island faces water shortages, especially during the tourist-heavy summer months like July, desalination plants kick in. There are at least three of these plants on the island, located in Palma, Andratx, and Alcudia. They’re most active in August and September, adding a slightly salty taste to the tap water in these months.
FAQ About Tap Water in Mallorca
Is it Safe to Have Ice in Drinks?
If you’re in a major tourist area or restaurant, ice is generally made from filtered or bottled water, making it safe. However, if you’re in a smaller town where tap water isn’t safe to drink, it’s best to skip the ice just to be safe.
They say alcohol kills germs so if you can’t get ice. Drink wine. #logic 😏
Can You Brush Your Teeth with Water in Mallorca?
Absolutely, you can brush your teeth with water in Mallorca! In places like Palma where the tap water meets safety standards, brushing your teeth with it is totally fine. But if you’re in one of the smaller towns where tap water isn’t recommended for drinking, it’s safer to use bottled water for brushing.
Can you Drink the Water in Mallorca Hotels?
Yes, you generally can drink hotel water in Mallorca. Most hotels and resorts in Mallorca use additional filtration systems to ensure the water’s safety and improve its taste
Will drinking water in Mallorca give you a stomachache?
The chances are low that drinking water Mallorca in Mallorca will give you a stomachache if you’re in a major area like Palma where the water is treated and meets safety standards. The old tales of “Spanish Tummy” are mostly a thing of the past.
Let’s Wrap This Up: Can You Drink Tap Water in Mallorca?
So, can you drink the water in Majorca? Yes! Mallorca’s tap water is generally safe to drink, especially in major tourist areas and hotels. But it’s not winning any taste awards, thanks to its mineral content and occasional chlorine or saltiness.
If you’re exploring some of the small towns by car, be cautious and opt for bottled water. From public fountains to natural springs, you’ve got plenty of options to stay hydrated. So go ahead, fill up that reusable bottle, and enjoy everything this beautiful island has to offer!
Now that you know about the water situation, you need to figure out what to eat! Check out our ultimate guide on traditional Mallorcan food!
We’re curious: have you visited Mallorca and drank the water before? What did you think? Did you find it gross or just fine-tasting?
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