
Good news for keen swimmers: The vast majority of bathing spots in Europe have "excellent" water quality, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA). For sea swimming, Croatia has the most divine saltwater, followed by Cyprus, Greece and Slovenia. Belgium and Bulgaria tied for fifth place.
For inland waters, Bulgaria, Greece, Ireland and Romania are all tied for first place, with Austria and Finland not far behind. For the most pristine waters overall, Cyprus took gold, followed by Austria in second place and Croatia at number 3.
The water quality of the Seine in Paris has been in the spotlight since the city spent $1.5 billion cleaning the river for the Olympics.
1. Cyprus: The eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus has the cleanest bathing waters in Europe overall, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). In the photo Vathia Gonia Beach in Ayia Napa.

2. Austria: The EEA tested 260 water bodies in Austria and 96.9% were rated "excellent". Pictured is Lake Attersee in Upper Austria.

3. Croatia: When it comes to coastal waters, Croatia has the best in Europe, with 99.1% rated "excellent". In the photo Zlatni Rat Beach, on the island of Brac.

4. Greece: The EEA tested 1,731 bodies of water in Greece and an impressive 95.8% were rated "excellent". In the photo Porto Katsiki on the island of Lefkada.

5. Bulgaria: The salt flats near the Black Sea city of Burgas are a popular place for mud baths, which are believed to relieve muscular disorders and rheumatism.

6. Ireland: The Emerald Isle is tied with Bulgaria for the fifth cleanest bathing waters in Europe. Pictured Glendalough in County Wicklow.

7. Denmark: Roskilde is most famous for its rock festival, but there are other ways to entertain yourself too, such as taking a sunset dive in Roskilde Fjord.

8. Malta: St. Peter's Pool is a natural bay popular for swimming and snorkeling. There is even a cave at one end.

9. Spain: The EEA tested 2,275 bodies of water in Spain and 87.6% were "excellent". In the photo Calella de Palafrugell in Girona.
10. Portugal: The EEA tested 667 bodies of water in Spain's smallest neighbor, of which 86.2% were "excellent". Pictured is Praia do Camilo in the Algarve
