The European Environment Agency (EEA) has officially declared Croatia as the country with the cleanest sea in Europe.
According to the EEA report, over 99% of Croatia's coastline was rated as having excellent water quality. This is the highest score in Europe, placing Croatia ahead of countries such as Greece, Italy, and Spain. American media, including the prestigious Forbes, have also highlighted this extraordinary achievement, calling the Adriatic Sea the "blue gem of Europe."
Research Results
The analysis, based on data from the previous year (2023), showed that 99.1% of Croatia's coastal areas (specifically 886 out of 894 surveyed) received an excellent rating for water quality. The testing included 27 EU member states, as well as Switzerland and Albania. Croatia ranked first, followed by Greece, Cyprus, and Austria.
The evaluation process classified water into four categories: excellent, good, sufficient, and poor. An excellent rating indicates that the water meets the highest standards of cleanliness and safety, making it ideal for swimming and other recreational activities.
Overall Results:
Croatia (894 water bodies) – 99.1%
Cyprus (123 water bodies) – 97.6%
Greece (1,728 water bodies) – 95.8%
Slovenia (21 water bodies) – 95.2%
Belgium (41 water bodies) – 94.6% (tied)
Bulgaria (92 water bodies) – 94.6% (tied)
Denmark (920 water bodies) – 93.9%
Spain (1,994 water bodies) – 92.2%
Malta (87 water bodies) – 92%
Portugal (509 water bodies) – 91.9%
Italy (4,853 water bodies) – 90.6%
Germany (362 water bodies) – 87.6%
Lithuania (16 water bodies) – 87.5%
Netherlands (91 water bodies) – 80.2%
Latvia (33 water bodies) – 78.8%
France (2,075 water bodies) – 76.3% (tied)
Ireland (139 water bodies) – 76.3% (tied)
Romania (49 water bodies) – 69.4%
Sweden (263 water bodies) – 68.4%
Finland (78 water bodies) – 65.4%
Poland (187 water bodies) – 55.1%
Estonia (30 water bodies) – 46.7%
Albania (113 water bodies) – 41.6%
What Makes Croatia's Sea the Cleanest?
The cleanliness of the Adriatic Sea is the result of a combination of natural conditions and human efforts:
Geographical Position and Currents
Natural sea currents help maintain water cleanliness, while the topography of the Adriatic coastline, with its numerous islands, minimizes pollution concentrations.
Regulations and Legislation
Strict environmental regulations and regular water quality monitoring play a crucial role. Croatia invests in sustainable practices to reduce the impact of tourism on the environment.
Local Community Awareness
Education and awareness among residents about the importance of sea cleanliness contribute to preserving the natural beauty of the coastline.
Impact on Tourism
This recognition is a result of continuous efforts to preserve the environment and the natural beauty of the Adriatic Sea, which has been attracting tourists from all over the world for decades. Croatia is already one of the most desirable destinations in Europe, and the status of the country with the cleanest sea will further attract visitors who value nature and ecology. Particularly appealing are numerous national parks and protected areas, such as Kornati, Mljet, and Brijuni, which offer a unique blend of natural beauty and pristine waters.
As Marie Lefèvre, a French travel blogger, states: “The Adriatic is a true discovery. Visiting Croatia was one of the best experiences of my life, thanks to the clean sea and incredible natural beauty.”
Inspiring Conclusion
Croatia, as a leading Mediterranean destination, surpasses many other countries in the region through its efforts and results. Its excellence in sea cleanliness is not just a statistic but a testament to preserved nature and sustainable development. While other Mediterranean countries achieve impressive results, Croatia stands out as an example of balance between tourism and ecology.
The Adriatic Sea is not only a symbol of beauty but also an inspiration for the future of the Mediterranean. Visit Croatia and experience how the combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and environmental responsibility creates a unique experience that captivates the hearts of all visitors.