Europe's two unexpectedly pristine coastal nations boast the clearest marine environments!
Europe's Cleanest Coastal Destinations: Slovenia and Lithuania Lead the Pack
The European Environment Agency (EEA) has released a report on the cleanest coastal destinations in Europe, and Slovenia and Lithuania have emerged as the top contenders. Both countries achieved a 100% rating of excellent water quality for their coastal bathing sites, putting them at the forefront of coastal water quality management.
The report, which evaluated the water quality of 22,127 bathing sites across 29 countries, including Croatia, found that Slovenia had 21 coastal bathing sites tested, while Lithuania had only 16. Despite the smaller sample sizes, both countries achieved perfect scores, with all sites rated as excellent.
By contrast, countries with more extensive coastlines and more monitoring sites, like Greece (1,728 sites, 97% rated excellent), had slightly lower percentages though larger sample sizes. Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Greece ranked highest when considering both inland and coastal waters combined.
Slovenia's 21 tested coastal sites all received an "excellent" rating in the report. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as Slovenia is often overlooked as a summer tourist destination. The country's pristine coastal waters offer a hidden gem for those seeking a clean and safe beach holiday.
Lithuania also ranks high in the list of European countries with clean coastal waters. The country's flagship seaside resorts, such as Palanga, Neringa, and Klaipeda, boast exceptional beaches that have now been certified for their clean water. In total, 85% of the evaluated bathing sites in Lithuania received an "excellent" rating, and 96% met the minimum requirements.
The directive requires national and local authorities to rigorously monitor the bacteriological quality of the water, and this is evident in the results of the EU's Bathing Water Directive, adopted in 2006. The evaluation is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that European bathing waters are safe for swimming and recreation.
Coastal waters generally have better water quality than lakes or rivers due to the constant flushing of water from the sea. This means that coastal destinations, such as those in Slovenia and Lithuania, offer an attractive option for those seeking clean and safe waters for swimming and other water activities.
The report serves as a reminder of the importance of water quality management and the efforts being made by European countries to protect their bathing waters. As more and more people seek out clean and safe destinations for their summer holidays, the cleanest coastal destinations in Europe are likely to become even more popular in the years to come.
[1] European Environment Agency (EEA) Report: [Link to the report] [2] European Commission Report: [Link to the report]
- For those seeking a clean and safe beach holiday, the in-flights to Slovenia and Lithuania may be worth considering, as both countries lead in Europe's cleanest coastal destinations.
- On the heels of the excellent score in environmental-science, these nations are now drawing attention for their pristine lifestyle options, offering a unique blend of science, travel, and eco-friendly living experiences along their coastlines.
