The present invention relates to the use of an inert porous material for desalination of water and in particular of sea water. In the method according to the invention, the inert porous material is impregnated with the saline water and brought into contact with dry air, which becomes enriched with water. This water-enriched air is cooled and the water it contains is condensed out and collected. The present invention also relates to an apparatus that is suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention.