Cyprus has been ranked the top country in Europe for bathing water quality in 2025, according to the latest report from the European Environment Agency (EEA), reinforcing the island’s reputation as one of the continent’s premier beach destinations.
The report found that more than 95% of Cyprus’ bathing waters were classified as having excellent quality, with 100% of the country’s coastal bathing waters receiving the highest possible rating. Cyprus was among a select group of countries where every monitored coastal bathing site achieved an excellent classification.
Greece also delivered an outstanding performance, with more than 95% of its bathing waters rated excellent, placing it among Europe’s best-performing countries. Together, Cyprus and Greece continue to showcase the Eastern Mediterranean as a region with some of the cleanest and safest swimming waters in Europe.
Across the European Union, the overall picture remains positive. The EEA assessed more than 22,000 bathing sites and found that 85% were rated excellent, while 96% met at least the minimum water quality standards required under EU legislation. Only 1.5% of bathing waters were classified as poor.
The report highlights the success of decades of investment in wastewater treatment, environmental monitoring, and pollution prevention measures. Coastal waters generally performed better than inland waters, with 88% of coastal bathing sites rated excellent, compared with 78% of lakes and other inland bathing areas.
For Cyprus, the findings are particularly significant as tourism remains a cornerstone of the economy. Clean and safe bathing waters not only protect public health but also strengthen the country’s attractiveness to millions of visitors each year. The results further demonstrate the importance of continued investment in environmental protection and sustainable coastal management.
With both Cyprus and Greece leading the rankings, the Eastern Mediterranean once again stands out as one of Europe’s top regions for beachgoers seeking crystal-clear and high-quality waters.