This underrated European beach officially has the world’s bluest water (2024)

This underrated European beach officially has the world’s bluest water (1)

A new study used colour analysis to reveal the bluest water in the world – and the results might surprise you

This underrated European beach officially has the world’s bluest water (2)

Written by

Liv Kelly

Whether you’re a snorkelling enthusiast or just after some vibrant snaps for insta, there’s nothing quite as beautiful as a shore lapped by blindingly blue waters.And now you can find out exactly where the bluest water in the world is, thanks to a new ranking from villa rental companyCV Villas– and it’s backed by science (or so they claim).

To come up with theranking,researcherscompileda long list of the most popular and most beautiful beaches in the world. Then came the colour analysis, which involvedtaking unedited images of the beaches from Google Maps, using a colour dropper tool to determine the water’s exact shade, and cross-referencing that shade against the official bluest shade of blue (YInMn Blue, in case you’re curious).

And beating out the world-renowned aquamarine coasts of the Maldives, Bora Bora,CroatiaandGreece,it turns outPasqyra aka Mirror Beach in Albania has the world’s bluest water. Who knew?

Greece still dominated the list though, claiming five of the top ten spaces, and seven in the top 30. But with so many gorgeous islands and shorelines such as Paralia Mpouka, Voulisma Beach and Omprogialos, it’s no surprise the country ranked so well, nor that its beaches will soon be better protected.

Europe did ridiculously well overall, in fact. Beaches across the continent claimed all of the top ten spots, and 26 of the top 30. Destinations in Bulgaria, France, Montenegro and Scotland also made the top 30.

These are the beaches with the bluest water in the world

  1. Pasqyra Beach (Mirror Beach), Albania
  2. Paralia Mpouka (Long Beach), Greece
  3. Kassiopi, Greece
  4. Plage de la Vernette, France
  5. Kaputas Beach, Türkiye
  6. Voulisma beach, Greece
  7. Foki Beach, Greece
  8. Praia do Carvalho, Portugal
  9. Omprogialos, Greece
  10. Los Lances Beach, Spain

Beach, please

For more on the best spots for a little sun, sea and sand, here is our roundup of the best beaches in Europe, and the best ones from all over the world.

And here are some great places to go snorkelling, and these are the best places in the world to go scuba diving.

Did you see that this popular travel destination is doubling its entry fee this year?

Plus: Finland is looking for ‘happiness seekers’ to stay for free this summer.

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This underrated European beach officially has the world’s bluest water (2024)

FAQs

This underrated European beach officially has the world’s bluest water? ›

After doing all that homework, the team found that Pasqyra Beach (Mirror Beach) in Albania has the bluest water in the world. "Pasqyra Beach claims the top spot, with its sea being just 12.4 points off the YInMn Blue shade," the company shared in the findings provided to Travel + Leisure.

Which beach has the bluest water in the world? ›

1. Pasqyra Beach, Albania. Landing the top spot for the bluest water is Pasqyra Beach, or Mirror Beach. The beach earned its name for its crystal clear water reflecting the sun like a mirror.

Where is the clearest water in the Mediterranean? ›

According to the data, Prassa Beach in Kimolos, Greece, has the clearest water in the world. "Stretching on for [8,497 miles], the Greek coastline is the longest in the Mediterranean Basin, a sea famous for its crystal-clear waters and rich blue hue," the team shared in the findings.

What beach in the US has the clearest water? ›

If clear water is your number one priority, then it's time to plan a trip to Jupiter, Florida.

What country has the cleanest beach water? ›

1. The Maldives. The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, have around 1,190 islands and sandbanks. A lagoon with crystal clear water encircles all the islands, which are protected by a reef structure that is home to an array of underwater life.

Which beach in Europe has the bluest water? ›

After doing all that homework, the team found that Pasqyra Beach (Mirror Beach) in Albania has the bluest water in the world. "Pasqyra Beach claims the top spot, with its sea being just 12.4 points off the YInMn Blue shade," the company shared in the findings provided to Travel + Leisure.

Where is the clearest water on Earth? ›

The Weddell Sea has been claimed by scientists to have the clearest waters of any ocean in the world. Described by a historian as “the most wretched and dismal region on earth”, due to the flash freezes that caught Shackleton's ship, its clarity is only belied by the sheer depth of the ocean below.

Why is the water in Croatia so clear? ›

Croatia's clear, clean, and blue waters are the result. of a combination of factors, including its high salt. concentration, geographic location, and its connection. to Africa.

Where is the warmest ocean water in the US? ›

Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

It's ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States and has some of the warmest water, ranging from 77 to 82 degrees. What to do: The calm, clear waters are ideal for snorkeling.

What country has the safest drinking water in the world? ›

Switzerland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland are among the countries that have consistently ranked high when it comes to safe drinking water. Can you drink tap water in your country?

Where is turquoise water? ›

Tenaya Lake, California

Tucked between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, this beautiful glacial body of water sits at an elevation of 8,150 feet and is backed by granite boulders.

What country has the purest water in the world? ›

Finland is uniquely rich in surface waters, and ranks amongst the best in the world for its tap water quality. It is not only completely safe but a pleasure to drink, with legislation ensuring that water does not contain substances or organisms that could cause any ill-health.

Where is the bluest water and whitest sand? ›

Diani Beach, Kenya

Diani Beach is a true gem, known for its exquisite beauty and crystal-clear turquoise blue water. The beach's soft, powdery white sand stretches for over 20 kilometres, making it one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world.

Where is the beach where the water glows blue? ›

1. Puerto Mosquito, Vieques, Puerto Rico. Located on the southern shore of the island of Vieques is one of the most stunning bioluminescent beaches in the world. The neon blue bay is truly a staggering sight to behold.

Where in the Caribbean has the bluest water? ›

Once your flight descends over the Turks & Caicos islands, the first thing you'll notice is the brilliant, blue Gatorade-colored water that encircles the land masses.

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