The Countries With The Cleanest Swimming Water In Europe, Ranked In A New Report Dreaming of a European summer vacation with pristine waters? Whether you envision yourself floating in the crystal-clear Adriatic, sunbathing on the sunny beaches of Greece or enjoying the picturesque Amalfi coastline, the cleanliness of the water is paramount. And clean swimming water isn’t just a matter of aesthetics—it’s also a crucial aspect of public health and environmental conservation. So where are the cleanest swimming waters in Europe? The European Environment Agency (EEA), in cooperation with the European Commission, just issued its latest report, which covers 22,081 sites across all of the EU member states, as well as Albania and Switzerland. The countries are ranked based on the cleanliness of their swimming waters using data gathered in rigorous annual assessments that monitor bacterial contaminants such as Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci. The evaluation 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 stringent criteria set by the EU Bathing Water Directive, adopted in 2006, have significantly improved water quality across Europe. As of the latest report, 85% of Europe’s popular swimming waters have achieved the excellent rating, and 96% meet at least the minimum quality standards. Only 1.5% of the sites were rated as poor, reflecting the continued efforts to reduce pollution and enhance water quality. According to the latest report, Croatia—a small nation renowned for its stunning Adriatic Sea coastline—is the country with the cleanest coastal waters in Europe. An impressive 99.1% of Croatia’s 894 tested sites were deemed excellent. Following Croatia is Cyprus, Greece and Slovenia—which all rank highly for their pristine coastal waters. These countries have consistently met stringent EU water quality standards, ensuring safe and enjoyable swimming experiences for tourists and locals alike. For travelers who prefer the tranquility of lakes and rivers, several countries offer exceptional quality in their inland swimming waters. Notably, Bulgaria, Greece, Ireland and Romania all achieved perfect scores, though with fewer bodies of water tested. Austria also deserves a special mention, with 96.9% of its 260 tested inland sites rated as excellent. The country's numerous lakes and rivers offer pristine conditions for swimming, contributing to its reputation as a top destination for freshwater bathing. When considering both 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, which all demonstrate impressive results, showcasing their commitment to maintaining high standards for water quality across the board. Whether you prefer the saltwater waves of the coast or the serene stillness of inland lakes, these countries offer the best spots for your next swim.