Neither Spain nor Italy: this is the country with the bluest waters in Europe

Just because summer is coming to an end doesn't mean we can't still enjoy the occasional getaway to a paradise . Without going too far, in Europe we'll find countless coastal destinations where we can take a dip in clean, crystal-clear waters .

But which country on the Old Continent would top a ranking of the bluest waters ? To find out, car rental company SIXT analyzed 100 spots across the continent, ranking them according to the intensity of the sea's color.

The Bay of Kotor (Montenegro)

Located in the Adriatic Sea , southwest of Montenegro, the Bay of Kotor tops the list for the bluest waters in Europe. In addition to its spectacular mountain setting and crystal-clear waters , the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Kotor is known for its medieval streets and impressive cathedral.

Searches for "Kotor Montenegro" in Spain have increased by 157% in the last quarter, so this may be the best time to enjoy the tranquility of the bay... before it fills up with tourists.

The Blue Grotto ( Malta)

The Blue Grotto, located in the village of Wied iż-Żurrieq on the main island of Malta, boasts the second-bluest waters in Europe. With its sea caves , natural rock formations, and calm turquoise waters, it's a perfect place for kayaking and exploring the surroundings.

Tourism in Malta is booming, with an expected 3.7 million visitors this year. This growth has led to new restrictions at popular spots, such as the Blue Lagoon , which now limits daily access to 4,000 people to preserve its natural beauty. Yet another reason to choose the Blue Grotto: it offers the same deep blue landscape, but without the crowds .

Lake Bled (Slovenia)

Just a couple of years ago, Slovenia was a little-known destination , but in 2023 and 2024, it experienced an unprecedented tourism boom, and everything points to the same trend this year. In Spain alone, searches for "Slovenia" have increased by 31% in the last month, as more and more Spaniards are drawn to the famous lake that fills their TikTok feeds .

Lake Bled, which has gone viral for its crystal-clear turquoise waters , is leading this boom: videos about Bled already have more than 13,600 views on TikTok, with thousands of people dreaming of visiting. And with good reason: there you can rent a traditional wooden boat, known as a pletna , to reach Bled Island , take a dip, or walk the 6-kilometer trail that runs along the lake , surrounded by a fairytale setting.