According to the European Environment Agency (EEA) report published on Wednesday, May 29, the water quality on Cyprus beaches has been recognized as the best in the European Union.
After testing 120 beaches across the island’s coastline in 2023, 97.6% of water samples received an "excellent" rating.
"Cyprus is the first and only country to achieve such high scores. We have the cleanest waters in Europe, and this has been the case for several years. These exceptional results for bathing water quality are important not only for the health of swimmers and the environment but also for the island's economy, which is closely linked to the quality of our seas and tourism," said Minister of Agriculture Maria Panayiotou.
Notably, Austria ranked second on the EEA’s list with 96.9%, and Croatia followed closely with 96.7%. The top five also included Greece (95.8%) and Bulgaria (94.8%). In total, 22,081 locations across Europe were assessed, with 85% of them classified as "excellent" and 96% meeting the EU’s minimum standards. Only 1.5% received a poor rating. Coastal waters were generally cleaner than inland waters. The EEA highlighted that, while most of Europe's bathing waters are in excellent condition, contamination of surface and groundwater remains a concern and could worsen due to climate change.
It’s worth noting that the European Environment Agency compiles an annual international ranking of bathing sites across European countries based on the results of water quality testing conducted in the previous year. These studies are carried out every year during the beach season in 30 EU countries. Bathing water is classified based on two microbiological parameters—intestinal enterococci and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
With 100% of checked waters in bathing areas meeting minimum quality standards, Cyprus continues to stand out as a top destination for beachgoers looking for clean and safe waters.
Travel Tip: If you’re planning to visit Cyprus and explore its pristine beaches, make sure to rent a car for maximum comfort. Visit secrental.com for the best car rental options on the island. Enjoy a wide selection of vehicles, an easy search tool, and competitive prices to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Cyprus' exceptional water quality not only enhances the experience for tourists but also underscores the importance of environmental preservation for the future of its tourism and economy.
