Cyprus has once again confirmed its status as an eco-friendly paradise, ranking as the top country in the European Union for the quality of bathing water.
According to the latest report from the European Environment Agency (EEA), 99.2% of beaches and swimming waters in Cyprus were rated “excellent”, making the island the undisputed EU leader in water hygiene and safety for tourists and locals alike.
Following Cyprus in the rankings are:
Bulgaria (97.9%)
Greece (97%)
Austria (95.8%)
Croatia (95.2%)
These countries also demonstrate a high level of commitment to water quality and public health.
Out of nearly 22,000 bathing sites inspected in 2024 across the EU, as well as in Albania and Switzerland:
96% met the EU’s minimum water quality standards
85% were rated “excellent”
13.5% “good”
Only 1.5% were classified as “sufficient” or “poor”
Despite environmental challenges such as heatwaves and pollution from floods, the overall water quality across Europe remained stable year-over-year.
European Commissioner for the Environment, Jessica Roswall, emphasized:
“The quality of Europe’s waters remains consistently high. This reflects decades of environmental policy, infrastructure investment, and continuous monitoring.”
At the other end of the scale is Albania, where only 16% of beaches were rated “excellent”—a 25% drop from 2023—mainly due to limited sewage treatment infrastructure and environmental resources.
As in previous years, coastal marine waters proved to be much cleaner than inland waters such as rivers, lakes, and ponds. This is thanks to the natural flushing effect of tides and currents, which help dilute and disperse pollutants.
Cyprus not only maintains its leadership but also serves as a model of sustainable environmental management and care for the well-being of residents and tourists. Once again, the island proves to be one of the best beach destinations in Europe—clean, safe, and eco-conscious.
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