Can you drink tap water in Tenerife? What to know

You get to your hotel, turn on the tap and hesitate: can you drink tap water in Tenerife? The short answer is yes – but with a few nuances worth knowing before you fill your bottle.

Safe, but with its own taste

Tap water in Tenerife meets the official drinking standards, so it is safe to drink. That said, it often has a mineral or chlorine taste that not everyone enjoys, which is why many locals and visitors prefer bottled water for drinking. For cooking, brushing your teeth or making coffee and tea, the tap is perfectly fine.

Sensitive stomach? Stick to bottles

If you have a sensitive stomach or you're not used to the local water, the safest bet is bottled water, at least for drinking. The change in minerals can unsettle your stomach in the first few days, even though the water is perfectly safe. With the Tenerife sun, staying hydrated is what matters most – from the bottle or the tap.

Save money without the hassle

Buying bottles every day adds up fast, especially in tourist areas. If you don't like the taste of the tap water, a reusable bottle and a bit of ice or lemon usually does the trick. And if you're renting a car, take water along for the drive up to Teide.

Bottom line: you can drink it, but listen to your body. At canaguia.com we share more tricks for exploring Tenerife like a local.

Sources

• Cabildo de Tenerife — official information on the island's water and services.
• Sun protection in Tenerife — stay hydrated in the sun.
• Tipping in Tenerife — and how much to tip at the café.