Cyprus leads Europe in bathing-water quality for 2025
EEA finds more than 85% of EU bathing sites rated highest; Cyprus and Greece top the list while Bulgaria and Austria also score well.
The latest assessment by the European Environment Agency (EEA), covering the 2025 bathing season, shows broadly positive results for holidaymakers who prioritise clean seawater.
According to the report, more than 85% of bathing sites in the European Union received the highest rating for water quality, while 96% met the mandatory standards for safe bathing. Cyprus once again stands out as the top performer, with more than 97% of its bathing sites classified as "excellent quality".
Greece followed closely: over 95% of its bathing sites earned the top score, underscoring consistently strong results across popular islands such as Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and Thassos, as well as coastal locations on the mainland. Bulgaria and Austria also registered high marks — Bulgaria along stretches of the Black Sea coast, and Austria largely thanks to monitored lakes and river bathing areas.
How the ratings are determined
The EEA’s rankings are not based on clarity or appearance alone. Thousands of bathing sites are assessed primarily through microbiological analyses that measure whether water meets the criteria for safe swimming. Sites are assigned one of four categories: "excellent", "good", "sufficient" and "poor".
For travellers who place clean water high on their list of priorities, the report reinforces that Cyprus and Greece remain among the safest options in Europe. The combination of clear water and sandy beaches remains a central draw for visitors to these destinations.
Officials and tourism stakeholders in countries that performed well can use the findings as reassurance for prospective visitors, while those with lower marks have clearer targets for environmental monitoring and improvement ahead of future seasons.
Photo: press material from the event
