Croatia boasts some of the world’s most stunning natural coves. According to data from the European Commission (EC) and the European Environment Agency (EEA), Croatia is also home to some of the cleanest bathing waters in Europe.
From Korčula to Hvar or Mljet, visitors to Croatia often look beyond the borders of Dubrovnik to enjoy the beautiful waters of the Adriatic Sea. The fact is that many natural coves in the country offer the possibility of a relaxing vacation far from the crowds that flock to the most popular tourist spots.
In Croatia, the beauty of the sea is not its only asset. Coastal bathing waters are also considered very clean, according to European Union officials.
The EEA, in collaboration with the EC, conducts an annual in-depth review of bathing water quality in the EU to assess if there are risks for swimmers due to the presence of viruses or bacteria like Escherichia coli. Their work, therefore, is not only focused on general water quality.
The report covers 22,081 locations in the EU, Switzerland, and Albania, including Geneva Lake, Finnish lakes, and waters in Copenhagen’s harbor (Denmark) and the Marseille Calanques (France). The results are somewhat reassuring, as only 1.5% of Europe’s bathing waters were rated poor.
However, there is a difference between inland and coastal waters, with coastal bathing water quality generally proving better. In 2023, 89% of coastal bathing sites were rated as excellent, compared to 79% of inland bathing waters.
In Croatia, 99.1% of coastal waters were rated excellent, covering 886 out of 894 areas. Holidaymakers who did not choose Croatia can rest assured that swimming will also be enjoyable in Greece, Cyprus, and Austria, where water quality is also rated as excellent.
Photo: Hrvoje Serdar
Source: enavtika.si
