Europe’s Cleanest Beaches: 10 perfect getaways for some sun, sand, and certified blue waters

Looking for your next seaside holiday with clear blue water and safe swimming? Europe has you covered.

The European Environment Agency tested thousands of coastal spots across the continent—and these 10 countries topped the list for excellent water quality.

Whether you're after a short Schengen trip or an offbeat destination with fewer tourists, this guide will help you pick your perfect swim spot.

Scroll through for top beaches, hidden gems, best time to go—and what Indian travellers should know before booking.

Bodies of water tested: 4,853

Where to swim:
- Amalfi Coast: Iconic cliffside beaches like Positano.
- Sardinia: Caribbean-like waters without the crowds.

Hidden gem:
Cala Goloritzé (Sardinia): Accessible via hike or boat, crystal-clear waters.
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Best time to visit: May to September
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Good to know for Indian tourists:
- Schengen visa required.
- Combine swimming with food, wine and art cities.

Bodies of water tested: 2,021

Where to swim:
- Costa Brava (Catalonia): Cliff-backed coves and fishing villages.
- Costa del Sol (Andalusia): Long sandy stretches and warm water.

Hidden gem:
Cíes Islands (Galicia): Remote beaches accessed via ferry.

Best time to visit: May to September

Good to know for Indian tourists:
- Easy to club with Portugal.
- Nightlife and cultural sites add variety.

Bodies of water tested: 87

Where to swim:
- Golden Bay: Soft sand and sunset views.
- Mellieha Bay: Shallow and safe for families.

Hidden gem:
Blue Grotto or Comino’s Blue Lagoon: Ideal for snorkelling and boat rides.
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Best time to visit: April to October

Good to know for Indian tourists:
- Tiny island country, ideal for 4–5 day trip.
- Often used as a Mediterranean cruise stop.

Bodies of water tested: 924

Where to swim:
- Amager Strandpark (Copenhagen): Urban beach with a clean lagoon.
- Skagen: Where the North Sea and Baltic Sea meet.
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Hidden gem:
Bornholm Island: Rocky beaches and forested trails.
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Best time to visit: June to August

Good to know for Indian tourists:
- Entry via Schengen visa.
- Denmark is known for its biking culture and coastal saunas.

Bodies of water tested: 1,728

Where to swim:
- Navagio Beach (Zakynthos): The iconic “Shipwreck Beach.”
- Elafonissi (Crete): Famous for pink sand and shallow lagoons.

Hidden gem:
Voidokilia Beach (Peloponnese): Crescent-shaped bay with natural beauty.

Best time to visit: May to October

Good to know for Indian tourists:
- Well-connected via Athens.
- Ferry network makes island-hopping easy.

Bodies of water tested: 894

Where to swim:
- Dubrovnik: Rocky coves and medieval city views.
- Hvar & Brac Islands: Clear blue water and beaches with pebbles or fine sand.

Hidden gem:
Stiniva Cove (Vis Island): Secluded beach between steep cliffs.

Best time to visit: May to October

Good to know for Indian tourists:
- Croatia is now in the Schengen area (since Jan 2023).
- Great for road trips along the Adriatic.

Bodies of water tested: 92

Where to swim:
- Sunny Beach: Popular with budget travellers.
- Golden Sands: Gentle waves and beach resorts.

Hidden gem:
Silistar Beach: Near the Turkish border, known for clear water and low crowds.
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Best time to visit: June to September

Good to know for Indian tourists:
- Not in Schengen. Requires a separate Bulgarian visa or use valid Schengen.
- Easy to combine with a trip to Turkey.

Bodies of water tested: 123

Where to swim:
- Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa): Clear turquoise waters and white sands.
- Fig Tree Bay (Protaras): Calm, shallow waters perfect for families.

Hidden gem:
Blue Lagoon (Akamas Peninsula): Remote bay, accessible by boat.

Best time to visit: April to October
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Good to know for Indian tourists:
- Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa or separate Cyprus visa.
- Mix of Greek and Turkish cultures.

Bodies of water tested: 16

Where to swim:
- Palanga Beach: Long sandy stretches and a lively promenade.
- Šventoji: A family-friendly beach town near Latvia.

Hidden gem:
Curonian Spit National Park: A UNESCO site with white dunes and Baltic Sea views.
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Best time to visit: June to August

Good to know for Indian tourists:
- Compact country, easy to explore in a few days.
- Combine with Latvia or Estonia for a Baltic trip.

Bodies of water tested: 21

Where to swim:
- Piran & Portorož: Slovenia’s short Adriatic coastline offers calm waters and Venetian charm.
- Strunjan Nature Reserve: Peaceful cliffs and clean waters.
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Hidden gem:
Moon Bay (Mesecev Zaliv): A quiet, pristine bay surrounded by forested cliffs.

Best time to visit: May to September
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Good to know for Indian tourists:
- Slovenia is part of the Schengen zone.
- Fly into Ljubljana, then drive 1.5 hours to the coast.