Science Says This Little-Known Beach Has the World’s Bluest Waters

The results revealed an overwhelming trend: Of the top 30 beaches with waters closest in shade to YInMN Blue, 26 are located in Europe.

Albania’s Pasqyra Beach, located on the Ionian Sea, took the number one spot. Greece has the most beaches in the top 30 with seven entries — five of which ranked in the top 10 — including the second bluest waters at Paralia Mpouka beach in the Peloponnese region and third bluest waters at Kassiopi beach on the island of Corfu.

French and Portuguese beaches also made the top 10 list while Türkiye represented the only non-European destination with a top 10 ranking, securing the number five spot with Kaputas Beach in Antalya.

Only one US beach made the list of the top 30 beaches with the bluest waters: Oregon’s Cannon Beach, which ranks 15th. Bora Bora’s Matira Beach and Argentina’s Playa El Doradillo round out the non-European destinations in the top 30 bluest beaches at 28th and last place, respectively.

There’s more to consider when planning a beach vacation than the blueness of the water. But it’s worth daydreaming about. And if true blue waters are what you’re after, you might as well start packing your bags for Europe now.

1. Pasqyra Beach, Albania
2. Paralia Mpouka, 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