Greece – Why Did No One Tell Me About The Toilet Paper?

I know this is not the best post to have as my first one about Greece. But this just really shook me, and I want to share this because apparently people aren’t mentioning this in social media posts.

Most bathrooms in Greece have signs saying not to flush toilet paper. What?!

I’ve been aware that some bathrooms have sensitive plumbing, and therefore you shouldn’t flush anything OTHER than toilet paper. But this was new to me, even though I’ve lived in Pakistan in my youth. I would’ve thought Greece is more modern than Pakistan was decades ago.

So what’s the deal with the plumbing in Greece? Apparently the Greek sewage pipes are older than most other countries, and are therefore usually only 2 inches in diameter. It makes sense since the first flushing toilet was in Crete in the 1700s BCE. By comparison sewage pipes in the US are 4 inches. Some newer hotels have larger pipes, and therefore can handle flushing toilet paper. Either way you will know by the signs or possibly in your rental unit instructions.

So what do you do instead? There are little trashcans with lids in all Greek bathrooms, and this is intended for any toilet paper and feminine products.

It would be a shame, however, to only stay in new hotels during a vacation in Greece. It’s the older buildings that have all the character! So just go with it and don’t worry too much about it. At least you won’t be taken by surprise like we were.