When it comes to summer holidays, few things are better than post-breakfast swim in crystal-clear waters.
But while the setting may look idyllic from any beachside paradise, sea conditions can make or break the experience.
A new study has revealed the best swimming spots in Europe for summer 2026.
Mediterranean coastlines in particular perform well – and offer excellent annual swimming conditions.
Italy leads the list, with the number one spot a hidden gem that’s often ignored.
Greece dominates the rankings with six destinations in the top 15. Other countries that feature include Spain, France and Croatia.
Here are Europe’s top destinations with the best annual conditions for sea swimming…
1. Sperlonga, Italy
Taking the top spot is little heard-of Italian destination Sperlonga
To help travellers pick destinations with some of the best swimming conditions, CV Villas analysed data from some of the world’s best-loved coastal destinations.
Sperlonga in Italy took the crown, a coastal gem in the province of Latina, Italy, about halfway between Rome and Naples.
And it’s a budget-friendly hidden gem, with Ryanair flights starting from just £39 to Rome, one of the nearest airports.
2. Cefalù, Italy
Cefalu on the island of Sicily, Italy is popular among swimmers
Cefalu in Sicily comes in second place, a historic seaside town popular among locals.
Cefalu’s old town is beautiful, a perfect European spot filled with great restaurants, shops and historical sights.
The main sandy beach (Spiaggia di Cefalù) is in the town centre, but in the surrounding areas there are plenty of quieter options.
3. Costa Adeje, Spain
Beach of Fanabe at Adeje Coast, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Costa Adeje, an upmarket resort town on the southern coast, takes spot number three.
Located in popular destination Tenerife, it’s no surprise the beaches are great – and, notably, family-friendly.
Another perk is the weather – there is sunshine 320 days a year here.
4. Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
Villefranche-Sur-Mer is located near to Nice on the French Riviera
Villefranche-sur-Mer in France comes next in fourth place.
Away from the crowds and tourists of Nice, this seaside resort town is popular among French people, with many chic restaurants and excellent swimming spots.
It also has a walkable old town, filled with boutiques and hotels.
5. Elounda, Greece
Elounda in Greece has incredible views and swimmable waters
Upmarket resort town Elounda comes in fifth place in the ranking.
It’s hailed for its authentic charm, amazing swimming spots and excellent snorkelling, with one review on Tripadvisor saying: ‘It’s really beautiful and feels quite remote.’
Another added: ‘Fantastic location with lots going on while you can find quiet beaches and some fabulous views within long or short walking distances. Great for exploring or take the footpaths if your not good with hiking.’
=6. Makarska, Croatia
Punta Rata beach in Brela, Makarska Riviera, Croatia has bright blue waters
In sixth place is Makarska, Croatia, a popular port town known for its pebble beaches.
The main appeal here is the swimming, with crystal-clear waters, horseshoe-shaped bay features, white pebbled beaches and a buzzing promenade.
It’s becoming more and more popular, and images of the region make it easy to understand why.
=6. Barcelona, Spain
Barceloneta Beach in Barcelona in Spain is popular among locals and tourists
In joint sixth place is Barcelona in Catalonia, a vibrant beach city with plenty to do.
A perk of swimming in Barcelona is how accessible beaches are, stretching from the city centre – such as Barceloneta.
Barcelona, in Spain, was also recently ranked as the most photographed destination in Europe with a whopping 77,112,126 Instagram posts in total – and the beach is especially photogenic.
=7. Gáïos, Greece
Gaios, the main city of Paxos Island, also joins the swim hotspot list
Gáïos in Greece – the main port on Paxos – comes in seventh place.
It’s a beautiful harbour, with excellent water conditions for swimming, as well as a waterfront with a vibrant ambience.
It’s also very popular with people visiting on a day trip from nearby islands.
=7. Chania, Greece
Chania in Greece comes in join seventh place for swimming spots
In joint seventh place in the ranking is Chania, another Greek destination.
Chania is home to one of the widely recognised best beaches in the world, Elafonissi Beach – described as ‘the Maldives of Europe’.
It’s easy to get to, as Brits can fly to Chania Airport in Crete from just £44 with Ryanair.
8. Pylos, Greece
The town of Pylos, Navarino Coast, Peloponnese, Greece is picturesque
Number eight? Pylos in Greece, also known as Navarino.
Some have described the town as ‘stepping into a postcard’, and with its combination of a beautiful town and ocean views, it’s easy to understand why.
Aside from swimming, there’s plenty to do here, including a visit to the New Castle of Pylos, for a bit of history and culture.
9. Kos, Greece
Agios Theologos beach on Kos island in Greece, a fab swim spot
Stylish Kos is famed for its sandy beaches and buzzing nightlife – and it also ranks ninth for swimming.
For any history buffs out there, it’s also the home of Hippocrates, father of medicine, and the island has many archaeological sites to explore.
It’s great for nature-lovers, too, with bike rides and walks to explore.
10. Skiathos, Greece
The old harbor and town of Skiathos island, Sporades, Greece
Rounding out the top 10 is Skiathos in Greece, known for having more than 60 sandy beaches to try out.
The most famous beach is Koukounaries Beach, lined by pine trees – although, naturally, it can get very busy during the summer months.
It won’t take you long on the island to find a great restaurant or cocktail bar, either.
Europe’s top 15 destinations with the best annual conditions for sea swimming
1. Sperlonga, Italy
2. Cefalù, Italy
3. Costa Adeje, Spain
4. Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
5. Elounda, Greece
=6. Makarska, Croatia
=6. Barcelona, Spain
=7. Gáïos, Greece
=7. Chania, Greece
8. Pylos, Greece
9. Kos, Greece
10. Skiathos, Greece
11. Corsica Island, France
12. Dubrovnik, Croatia
13. Antibes, France
14. Capri, Italy
15. Split, Croatia
Source: CV Villas
Hannah Marshall, marketing manager at CV Villas, said: ‘We’ve seen an increasing number of travellers prioritising beachside villas where they can make swimming in the sea a central part of their holiday experience, rather than something they do secondary to swimming in a pool.
‘Calm, consistently warm waters with just the right amount of wind, clear skies, and a safe UV index level allow travellers to make the most of their time exploring the beautiful blue spaces coastal destinations have to offer.’
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