Can You Drink the Water in
Sitges? 2025 Safety Guide

One of the first things I check when travelling is whether the tap water is safe to drink. It may not be the most exciting question, but it can save money and make a holiday easier. So, can you drink the tap water in Sitges?

On my first trip to Sitges, I asked for water in a bar and the barman shook his head. He told me they recommend bottled water and, to prove his point, poured a glass of tap water. A thin layer floated on the surface and the taste was far from appealing. Since then, each time we have visited Sitges, we have bought large containers of bottled water from the supermarket and used them to refill our bottles.

Sitges tap water is officially safe under EU standards, yet the experience of drinking it is not always pleasant. For most travellers, the real question is not whether the water is safe, but whether it is worth drinking at all.

In this post, I will explain everything you need to know about Sitges tap water, from safety and taste to local habits, hotel advice and sustainable alternatives.

Is Sitges Water Actually Safe to Drink?

EU Standards & Testing

Sitges tap water is regulated under EU drinking water standards. The municipal supply is tested regularly for bacteria, contaminants and chemical balance. Local authorities monitor it to ensure it remains safe for both residents and visitors.

EU law requires tap water to undergo more frequent checks than bottled water, making it one of the most closely monitored “foods” we consume. From a health perspective, the tap water in Sitges is safe.

The real issue is taste. Many describe Sitges water as metallic or chlorinated, which has created a culture of bottled water use, even though the official quality is sound.

Sitges vs Barcelona Water Quality

Since Sitges is only about 22 miles from Barcelona, the two towns share similar water quality challenges. Much of the supply comes from the Llobregat River and reservoirs, with desalination used when needed. These sources produce hard water that often has a chalky or salty taste.

Barcelona tap water has long been considered safe but unappealing, and that reputation carries over to nearby coastal towns like Sitges. The chlorine added during treatment ensures safety, but it is also the main reason many people prefer bottled water.

Infrastructure also plays a role. Older areas of Sitges may still have dated pipes that affect taste and appearance, though not safety.

Travellers familiar with the situation in Gran Canaria will recognise the same theme: safety is not the problem, taste is. Just like in the Canary Islands, most people in Sitges choose bottled water for drinking, even though the tap water is safe.

Why Do Locals Prefer Bottled Water in Sitges?

If the tap water in Sitges is safe, why do so many people reach for bottled water instead? The answer lies in a mix of taste, habit and perception.

Many locals continue to buy bottled water out of routine. Decades ago, water quality across Spain varied greatly between regions and in some areas it was genuinely better to avoid drinking from the tap. While Sitges water now meets strict EU safety standards, the old belief that bottled water is “healthier” has stuck. Ordering bottled water in restaurants and cafés has become the cultural norm.

When I first visited Sitges, this was made very clear. I asked for a glass of water in a bar and the barman immediately recommended bottled water instead. To prove his point, he poured some tap water into a glass and showed me the thin film floating on the surface. I took his advice and switched to bottled water for the rest of the trip. Even now, after three visits, we always buy the large supermarket containers and refill our bottles throughout our stay.

This experience is common for visitors. While locals use the tap water for everyday tasks like cooking, making coffee and brushing teeth, they rarely drink it by the glass. The taste, often described as chalky, metallic or overly chlorinated, is the biggest deterrent.

In short, the choice to drink bottled water in Sitges is about taste and tradition, not safety. Visitors can feel reassured that the municipal supply is safe, but they may still prefer bottled water for everyday drinking, just as the locals do.

What Does Sitges Tap Water Taste Like?

Mineral Content & Chlorine

The biggest issue with Sitges tap water is not its safety but its flavour. The supply is classed as hard water, which means it has a higher mineral content than many visitors are used to. Calcium and magnesium are the most common minerals, and while they are harmless, they can give the water a chalky or metallic taste.

On top of this, Sitges water is treated with chlorine to eliminate bacteria. The chlorine levels are within EU safety limits, but the aftertaste can be strong, especially if you are not used to it. Many visitors notice the difference straight away, particularly if they come from countries with softer, milder-tasting water.This combination of minerals and chlorine does not make the water unsafe, but it does make it less pleasant to drink. This is why most restaurants will automatically bring bottled water to the table and why many travellers do the same at home during their stay.

Personal Experience

When I first visited Sitges, the barman who showed me the cloudy glass of tap water convinced me to avoid it completely. On later visits, even though I knew the water was officially safe, the taste put me off straight away.

Now when we go to Sitges, we buy the large supermarket containers of bottled water and use them to refill our bottles each day. This has become part of our travel routine, just as it is for many locals. For cooking and brushing teeth we use the tap water without a second thought, but when it comes to drinking by the glass, bottled water always wins.

The key point to remember is that the tap water in Sitges is safe. The decision to drink it or not is a matter of taste, and most people agree it is not the most enjoyable option.

Traveller’s Guide to Drinking Water in Sitges

Hotels & Restaurants

If you are staying in a hotel in Sitges, the water that comes from the tap is exactly the same municipal supply used in local homes. It is safe to drink, cook with and use for ice cubes. However, most hotels will still serve bottled water by default in their restaurants, since this is the expectation for both tourists and locals.

When eating in my favourite Sitges restaurants such as Nem, La Oca and Bodega Charlie’s, bottled water was always brought to the table. The same applies to cafés and bars. Even if you only ask for “agua,” staff will usually bring bottled water unless you specifically request tap water. This is not because the tap water is unsafe but because bottled water is considered the standard option.

Can You Brush Your Teeth with Tap Water in Sitges?

Yes. The tap water in Sitges is perfectly safe for brushing your teeth, washing vegetables and making tea or coffee. There is no health risk from using it for daily tasks.

For travellers who worry about stomach upsets, it is worth noting that water in Sitges is subject to regular EU-standard testing. You may not enjoy the taste if you accidentally swallow some, but there is no need to buy bottled water just for brushing your teeth.

For Sensitive Stomachs

If you have a sensitive stomach, the different mineral content in Sitges tap water may cause mild discomfort at first. This is not unusual and usually passes once your body adjusts.

A good tip is to start slowly. If you want to avoid bottled water, begin with small amounts of tap water and see how you feel before drinking full glasses. Alternatively, stick with bottled water to be cautious. Either way, you will not face any health risk from using the tap water.

Money-Saving Tips

Buying bottled water in Sitges does not have to be expensive. Large containers of 5–8 litres cost between €1.50 and €3 in supermarkets, making them the most economical choice. You can use these to refill smaller reusable bottles each day, which saves both money and plastic waste.

If you prefer the convenience of smaller bottles, supermarkets and corner shops sell them very cheaply. For travellers on longer stays, a filter jug such as Brita can also help reduce bottled water use and improve taste at the same time.

Alternatives to Tap Water in Sitges

Bottled Water

The easiest alternative to drinking tap water in Sitges is bottled water, which is available everywhere from large supermarkets to small corner shops. Prices are low compared to many other countries, with 5–8 litre containers costing around €1–1.50 and single 1.5 litre bottles usually under €1.

Popular Spanish brands such as Font Vella and Lanjarón are widely stocked, alongside international names. Restaurants and cafés almost always serve bottled water as standard, so expect to pay a small premium when dining out. For everyday drinking, buying larger containers in supermarkets and refilling your own bottles is the most convenient and economical approach.

Filters & Eco Options

If you are staying in Sitges for more than a few days, a water filter jug is a good investment. Products like Brita filters are widely available in Spain and can make tap water taste noticeably better by reducing the chlorine flavour.

For longer stays, this can work out cheaper than buying continuous bottled supplies.Another option for eco-conscious travellers is a filter water bottle. Brands such as Water-to-Go are designed for use worldwide and allow you to drink tap water while filtering out chlorine and other impurities. These bottles are especially useful for travellers who want to cut down on plastic waste.

Sustainable Choices

Sitges is a coastal town with a strong environmental awareness, and reducing plastic waste is important for both locals and visitors. By choosing a refillable water bottle and buying larger containers instead of small ones, you can cut down on unnecessary plastic while still avoiding the taste of tap water.

Some health food shops and eco cafés in Sitges also offer refill stations, where you can top up your bottles with filtered water at a low cost. These are becoming more common across Spain as sustainable travel grows in popularity.

Whether you choose bottled, filtered or refill options, there are plenty of ways to stay hydrated in Sitges without relying on small single-use bottles.

Final Thoughts: Can You Drink the Water in Sitges?

So, can you drink the tap water in Sitges? The answer is yes. The municipal supply meets strict EU safety standards, and it is completely safe for cooking, brushing your teeth and even making baby formula. The only real drawback is taste.

Most locals and visitors still prefer bottled water, not because Sitges water is unsafe, but because it is often chalky or overly chlorinated. This has become a cultural habit, and restaurants will almost always serve bottled water unless you ask otherwise.

For travellers, the choice comes down to comfort. If you do not mind the flavour, you can safely drink Sitges tap water. If taste is an issue, bottled water is cheap and easy to find in supermarkets across town. To reduce waste, refill reusable bottles or consider using a filter jug for longer stays.

Sitges is a beautiful coastal town known for its festivals, beaches and vibrant cultural scene. Staying hydrated will help you enjoy it all, whether you are exploring the old town, relaxing by the sea, or attending the Sitges Film Festival in autumn. Whatever you choose, you can be confident that the water will not ruin your holiday.