
Dreaming of a European summer vacation with pristine waters?
Whether you envision yourself sailing the crystal clear Adriatic, sunbathing on the sunny beaches of Greece, or enjoying the picturesque Amalfi Coast, water purity is paramount.
And clean water is not only an aesthetic issue, it is also an essential aspect of public health and environmental protection.
So where are the cleanest waters to swim in Europe?
The European Environment Agency (EEA), in collaboration with the European Commission, has just released its latest report, which covers 22,081 sites across all EU member states, as well as Albania and Switzerland.
Countries are ranked based on the cleanliness of their waters using data collected in rigorous annual assessments that monitor bacterial contaminants such as Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci.
The assessment process classifies waters into four categories: excellent, good, sufficient and poor. An excellent rating indicates that the water meets the highest standards of cleanliness and safety, making it ideal for swimming and other recreational activities.
The strict criteria set by the EU Bathing Water Directive, adopted in 2006, have significantly improved water quality across Europe. According to the latest report, 85% of popular swimming waters in Europe have achieved the excellent rating and 96% meet at least the minimum quality standards. Only 1.5% of sites were rated as poor, reflecting ongoing efforts to reduce pollution and improve water quality.
Brac Island, the cleanest waters in Croatia
According to the latest report, Croatia – a small nation known for its stunning Adriatic coast – is the country with the cleanest coastal waters in Europe. An impressive 99.1% of Croatia's 894 tested sites were considered excellent.
Croatia is followed by Cyprus, Greece and Slovenia—all of which rank highly for their pristine coastal waters. These locations have consistently met the EU's strict water quality standards, ensuring safe and enjoyable swimming experiences for tourists and locals alike.
Europe's cleanest inland waters
For travelers who prefer the tranquility of lakes and rivers, some places offer exceptional quality in their inland swimming waters. Notably, Bulgaria, Greece, Ireland and Romania all achieved perfect results, albeit with fewer bodies of water tested.
Austria also deserves a special mention, with 96.9% of its 260 domestically tested countries rated as excellent. The country's many lakes and rivers offer pristine swimming conditions, contributing to its reputation as a premier freshwater bathing destination.
Europe's cleanest waters in general
When considering coastal and inland waters, Cyprus is the leader – with 97.6% of its 123 bodies of water rated as excellent. Next on the list are Austria, Croatia and Greece, all of which demonstrate impressive results, showing their commitment to maintaining high standards for water quality across the board.
Whether you prefer the saltwater waves of the coast or the calm tranquility of inland lakes, these locations offer the best spots for your next swim. Read on to see all the rankings.
Europe's cleanest waters in general:
1. Cyprus – 97.6%
2. Austria – 96.9%
3. Croatia – 96.7%
4. Greece – 95.8%
5. Bulgaria – 94.8%
5. Ireland – 94.8%
7. Denmark – 94%
8. Malta – 92%
9. Spain – 87.6%
10. Portugal – 86.2%
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29. Albania – 41.2%./ Forbes