Dreaming of a European vacation that includes lots of time at a beautiful beach with clean, clear water for swimming? A recently released report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) reveals that there are some beach destinations that you might not have considered.
Ever thought about a beach getaway in Slovenia or Lithuania? They were the top-ranked countries, tying for first place for the cleanest coastal waters in the world.
The EEA found that over 85 percent of the monitored locations met the most stringent quality standards for “excellent” swimming, and 96 percent at least met the minimum, based on suitability for swimming, focused on bacteria known to potentially cause serious illnesses. The report noted that just 1.5 percent of swimming waters in the European Union were of poor quality, so you’ll find many places for safe swimming.
Other high-scoring countries included Greece and Croatia, long-time favorites for their beaches, where brilliant shades of blue and green frame calm waters perfect for swimming.
Thinking about planning a trip to enjoy them? These are a few of the best options to consider in the highest-ranked nations:
Slovenia
Slovenia has less than 30 miles of coastline, but there are many picturesque beaches, from the popular town of Piran to the more remote Strunjan Nature Park, including Moon Bay. We recently featured Moon Bay in 12 Lesser-known Beaches in Europe You Need to Visit, as it’s ideal for tranquility, breathtaking scenery, and opportunities to swim or snorkel in crystal-clear turquoise waters. As it requires a 60-90 minute hike, the effort to get there keeps the crowds away, but it’s well worth the moderate trek.
Lithuania
Lithuania offers 60 miles of white sandy beach edged by surprisingly warm summer waters, averaging around 71 degrees. Palanga has the longest stretches of sand, with 11 miles of it backed by dunes. It’s one of the country’s most popular, but as there’s plenty of room, it rarely feels crowded, and it’s staffed with lifeguards during the summer.
Greece
Naxos offers some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Greece, including Agios Prokopios, stretching over a mile with some of the clearest, cleanest waters. The translucent cobalt sea looks like a big natural pool, providing one of the country’s most surreal swimming experiences. The beach itself can get busy, lined with beach bars, tavernas, and restaurants with terraces spilling onto the sand, but if you head to the northern end, you can enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Croatia
Croatia is jam-packed with spectacular beaches, although many are made up of pebbles. That doesn’t detract from Stiniva, which looks as if it were stolen from the Caribbean. Tucked into a hidden cove between two dramatic cliffs and framed by emerald waters, it’s a beach for those who appreciate the beauty of unspoiled nature while escaping mass tourism. It can only be accessed via a steep hike or by boat from Komiza town nearby.
