**All Cyprus Bathing Waters Rated ‘Excellent’ in 2025**
Cyprus has once again demonstrated its commitment to maintaining high water quality standards as all 123 monitored bathing sites across the island received the highest rating of “excellent” in the European Union’s annual bathing water report for 2025. This achievement places Cyprus among the top performers in the EU, alongside Austria, Bulgaria, and Greece, where over 95 percent of bathing waters were classified as excellent.
The report, released by the European Commission, highlights that Cyprus achieved a remarkable 100 percent rating for its bathing waters during the 2025 season. This assessment is based on the analysis of 1,198 water samples collected from the island’s designated bathing areas, underscoring the effectiveness of local water management practices.
Across the EU, the report indicates that 85 percent of monitored bathing waters were classified as excellent, with 96 percent meeting at least the minimum quality standards set by the EU. Only 1.5 percent of sites were rated as poor, reflecting a stable overall quality compared to the previous year. The evaluation was conducted on more than 22,200 bathing sites throughout EU member states, as well as in Albania and Switzerland.
The report noted a significant distinction between coastal and inland waters, with coastal bathing areas generally outperforming their inland counterparts. In 2025, 88 percent of coastal bathing waters across the EU received an excellent rating, compared to 78 percent for inland waters, such as rivers and lakes. This trend emphasizes the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of coastal environments, which are crucial for both public health and the tourism sector.
The assessment primarily focuses on the suitability of waters for bathing, particularly monitoring bacteria that can cause serious health issues. The European Environment Agency, in collaboration with the European Commission, has also introduced an interactive map that allows citizens to easily check the quality of individual bathing sites across Europe, promoting transparency and public awareness.
The European Commission attributes the long-term improvements in water quality to the successful implementation of EU water legislation, including the Bathing Water Directive. Enhanced monitoring and management practices, investments in urban wastewater treatment facilities, improved sewage collection systems, and more effective assessments of environmental phenomena, such as cyanobacterial blooms, have all contributed to these positive outcomes. These measures have restored safe bathing conditions even in areas that were previously heavily polluted.
Despite these successes, the commission has cautioned that further progress is necessary to tackle ongoing challenges, including chemical pollution and the impacts of climate change on surface and groundwater resources. Protecting and improving water quality remains a critical component of the EU’s water resilience strategy, which aims to ensure healthy and resilient aquatic ecosystems for the benefit of both citizens and the environment.
As Cyprus celebrates its achievement in maintaining excellent bathing water quality, the government and local authorities are likely to continue prioritizing water management initiatives that align with EU standards. This commitment not only benefits public health but also supports the island’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on its pristine beaches and clean waters.
In conclusion, Cyprus' recognition as a leader in bathing water quality for 2025 reinforces the importance of ongoing environmental stewardship and the positive impact of effective water management practices. As the island moves forward, it will be essential to maintain this momentum and address the emerging challenges to ensure the sustainability of its natural resources.