Cyprus tops EU for cleanest swimming waters

Cyprus has ranked first in the European Union for swimming water quality, with 99.2% of its waters rated as “excellent,” according to the European Environment Agency’s latest report. This means nearly all swimming areas in Cyprus are very clean and safe. Across the EU, 96% of swimming spots met the required standards in 2024, and 85% were rated “excellent.”

The report assessed over 22,000 swimming locations in the EU, Albania, and Switzerland, checking for pollution mainly from sewage and farming. Cyprus was followed by Bulgaria, Greece, Austria, and Croatia in water quality rankings, while Albania came last. Coastal waters generally had better results than rivers and lakes, thanks to natural water flow and self-cleaning.

In areas where water is rated as “poor,” local governments must act quickly to stop swimming, reduce pollution, and protect public health. Overall, the water quality in Europe has stayed steady compared to last year, with some improvements seen in previously lower-rated sites.