These three countries have the cleanest water in Europe. "100 percent perfection"
Where to go to the seaside abroad? As every year, tourists can choose not only from travel agencies but also from destinations with clean water, recognized by the European Environment Agency. In the 2025 report, a staggering 85% of European bathing areas received an excellent rating, demonstrating improvements in water quality over recent years.
Countries with the cleanest bathing waterThe classification is divided into different categories.
Considering coastal and inland waters , Cyprus – an island geographically located in Asia and a member of the European Union – took first place . 99.2% of the country's 123 bodies of water were rated excellent. It's worth noting that the island boasts a wide selection of wonderful beaches, not just Nissi Beach.
Another category highlights countries with the cleanest coastal waters – these may be of most interest to tourists planning a beach holiday.
Among the best seaside destinations, Slovenia and Lithuania share first place. Both countries received excellent water quality ratings for 100% of the water bodies tested. Slovenia tested 21 sites, while Lithuania tested 16, but their results are undeniably excellent. This is yet another reason to visit the Adriatic, for example, in Piran.
Rounding out the podium is Cyprus, followed by Bulgaria, Croatia, and Greece.
The worst quality of bathing areas in Albania and Poland, among othersAlbania, considered one of the new tourist hotspots among Poles, fared by far the worst in the rankings. Only 16% of its bathing areas (out of 119 tested) received positive ratings . Polish bathing areas fared better. 58% of them received excellent ratings, although the competition among the winners was not fair. A total of 764 water bodies in our country were assessed.
Want to check the water quality at specific swimming areas? You can find them on the interactive map.
Read also: Where is the warmest water in the Baltic Sea? Here, tourists find paradise. Read also: "Little Mazury" in Masovia. This is the cleanest lake in the area.
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