TempoLife › Travel health by country › spain
Spain travel health
Is tap water safe in Spain, what is the emergency number, how do pharmacies work, and what should a visitor know for their health?
General orientation for a healthy traveller, not medical or official travel advice. Confirm emergency numbers and water status with an official source before you travel.
Emergency number
In an emergency in Spain, dial 112. The EU-wide number 112 also works and connects you to police, fire and ambulance, often with English-speaking operators.
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe in cities; on some islands and coasts it is safe but tastes salty, so many drink bottled. Staying properly hydrated matters even more when you are travelling, walking more than usual or in a hot climate — but the water has to be safe first.
Pharmacies
A pharmacy is a "farmacia", marked with a green cross. Many open late and there is always a duty branch. Bring enough of any regular medicine for the whole trip in its original packaging, plus a small kit for headaches, upset stomach and blisters.
Food worth trying
Tortilla, jamon, and rice dishes like paella on the east coast. Eating what the locals eat, freshly prepared, is usually both the tastiest and the safest choice.
Good to know
Meals run late and the midday sun is fierce in summer — pace yourself and reapply sunscreen.
On longer east–west trips, ease jet lag by shifting toward the new time before you leave, chasing morning daylight at your destination, and going easy on alcohol and caffeine in the air. The body clock resets at roughly an hour a day.
Other countries
Estonia
From spring to autumn use tick protection in forests and long grass — tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme are present in the Baltics.
Finland
Ticks are common in summer in the south and on the Åland islands. In winter, dress in layers against genuine cold.
Latvia
As across the Baltics, use tick protection in forests and meadows from spring to autumn.
Lithuania
Tick-borne encephalitis is present; a vaccine exists if you plan a lot of time outdoors.
Sweden
Summer sun in the far north lasts almost all night — bring an eye mask for sleep. Ticks are present in the south.
Norway
Weather in the mountains and fjords turns fast even in summer — carry a windproof layer for any hike.
Source: Emergency number and tap-water status from widely published travel-health guidance; confirm officially before travel. · checked 2026-09-04
Frequently asked questions
What is the emergency number in Spain?
Dial 112. 112 also reaches the emergency services across the EU.
Can I drink the tap water in Spain?
Tap water is safe in cities; on some islands and coasts it is safe but tastes salty, so many drink bottled.
How do pharmacies work in Spain?
A pharmacy is a "farmacia", marked with a green cross. Many open late and there is always a duty branch.
Keep your routine on the road
TempoLife tracks sleep, food and movement so a trip does not undo your habits.