These 12 Beaches Have the Bluest Waters in the World According to a New Study

There’s no question that the color blue has a calming effect, and relaxing down your lounger along golden sands and pristine beaches while staring at the ocean’s crystal-clear waters also gives off the same effect. However, did you know that some waters are even bluer than others?

CV Villas conducted a study to find out which of the beaches around the globe is home to the bluest waters of the world by comparing Google Maps screenshots of beaches and comparing these to the bluest shade of blue. Read on to find out which beach has the bluest water in the world.

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Pasqyra Beach, Albania

The bluest water in the world can be found in Pasyqra Beach in Albania. True to its name, “Mirror Beach,” the crystal-clear waters reflect the sun like a mirror. The beach is just about 30 minutes from the city of Sarandë and can be accessed by bus, taxi, or rental car.

Pasqyra Beach is an ideal spot for snorkeling, diving, or even booking a boat ride to explore the surrounding waters and rock formations. To cap off your day, you can grab fresh seafood at the nearby restaurants and cafes. Soak in history by visiting the nearby ruins of Lëkurësi Castle, and enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea by Sarandë Lighthouse.

Paralia Mpoukas, Greece

12 Beaches Have the Bluest Waters in the World Mpouka, Greece — © Constantinos Iliopoulos / Shutterstock

Paralia Mpoukas, the second bluest water in the world, is just 10 minutes away from the town of Messini. You can relax and soak up the sun along its sands and shallow waters. Tourists can borrow umbrellas and loungers, too, and there are restaurants and bars where they can grab some food and drink. If you’re a history buff, you might want to drop by the ruins of Ancient Messini to glimpse Greece’s rich culture.

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Kassiopi, Greece

Kassiopi, located about an hour away from Corfu Town, is a charming fishing village. It is home to the third bluest water in the world. You can reach Kassiopi easily by bus or car to visit its stunning beaches, including Kanoni Beach, Bataria Beach, and Kalamonias Beach.

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You can also explore Kassiopi Castle, a Byzantine-period fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Another must-visit is the Church of Panagia Kassopitra, a pilgrimage site for locals and tourists.

Plage de la Vernette, France

Up next on our list of the bluest waters in the world is Plage de la Vernette, which is situated in La Seyne-sur-Mer, France. This beach, just about an hour away from Toulon Hyeres Airport, is well-equipped with various amenities, including lifeguards on duty and showers. However, you might want to leave your furry friends behind, as pets aren’t allowed.

Plage de la Vernette is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and engaging in beach sports like frisbee and volleyball. Make sure to visit Balaguier Fort, a 17th-century fort that once protected the Toulon Harbor; if you’re in the mood for some adventure, embark on a trek to Cap Sicié Natural Park, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Kaputas Beach, Turkey

Ranking fifth among the bluest waters in the world is Kaputas Beach, which was also ranked 46th in 2023’s list of 50 Best Beaches in the World. The beach is just 10 minutes away from Kalkan and can be accessed by shuttle or rental car.

Kaputas Beach is renowned for its golden sand and refreshingly cool waters, which are fed by spring water coming down from the mountains. Make your trip memorable by booking a boat tour and exploring the nearby Blue Cave, which was once a haven for pirates.

Voulisma Beach, Greece

Also known as Golden Beach, Voulisma Beach in Crete is around 20 minutes away from Agios Nikolaos via rental car, bus, or taxi. Known for its calm, shallow waters and long stretch of golden sand, Golden Beach is a popular destination for relaxation and water activities like swimming, snorkeling, kite surfing, and paddleboarding.

Nearby facilities offer rental equipment like loungers and umbrellas, while several restaurants provide great food and drinks. If you have the time, you can drop by the Azorias Settlement, an ancient settlement home to the oldest olive tree in the world. For an outdoor adventure, take a 6-mile trek to the Richtis Gorge Waterfall.

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Foki Beach, Greece

Named after the seals that call the beach home (fokia in Greek), Foki Beach is also home to the seventh bluest waters in the world. The beach, which is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, is only five minutes away from the village of Fiscardo.

For more adventure, there are also nearby caves and coves waiting to be explored. You can also hike the trail to Friskado’s old Venetian lighthouse and enjoy a scenic view of the channel between Kefalonia and Ithaca.

Praia do Carvalho, Portugal

Landing eighth place of the bluest waters in the world is Praia do Carvalho, located near the famous Benagil Cave. This hidden gem is an hour away from Faro International Airport and offers a less crowded alternative to Algarve’s popular beaches. Local legend has it that the beach was once owned by a captain named Carvalho.

Surrounded by steep cliffs, Praia do Carvalho has soft golden sand and clear waters, making it a popular spot for diving, swimming, snorkeling, and even cliff diving. However, there are no amenities or facilities on the beach, so be sure to pack everything you need on your trip. Additionally, no lifeguards are on duty, so keep a close eye on your kids if you plan to bring them along.

Omprogialos, Greece

Up next on our list of bluest waters in the world is another Greek beach, Omprogialos, a less crowded destination in Crete. About an hour away from Chania Airport, this hidden gem is only accessible by rental car, as there are no buses or shuttles available. The name “Omprogialos” translates to “Octopus Bay,” a fitting name given its rich marine life, which makes it an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling.

However, there are no nearby amenities like resorts and food shacks, so make sure to pack all the essentials you’ll need for your trip. Keep in mind that the currents here can be strong, so beginner swimmers and kids might need to take a step back.

Playa de Los Lances, Spain

The tenth bluest water in the world can be found in Playa de los Lances. The beach is about an hour away from Gibraltar Airport and just less than five minutes from the city of Tarifa. Playa de los Lances is particularly popular among kite-surfing enthusiasts and windsurfers.

The beach also provides breathtaking views of the Strait of Gibraltar and the African coast. Bird watchers are up for a treat as eagles, falcons, and Egyptian vultures tend to fly around the area. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Castle of Tarifa, a Moorish fortress that dates back to 960 AD, which offers spectacular views of Morocco.

Troon Beach, Scotland

Scotland’s Troon Beach takes the 11th spot of the bluest water in the world. Located less than an hour from Glasgow Airport and just a five-minute walk from Troon train station, Troon Beach is a haven for water sports enthusiasts like surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers. There are many child-friendly spots near Troon Beach, too, like the Fullarton Fairy Trail, Italian Rock Garden, and Gordon Brown Memorial Garden, a tribute to the Scottish rugby player Gordon Brown.

Zlatni Rat, Croatia

Situated on the southern end of the island of Brac, Zlatni Rat is also called as Golden Horn Beach due to its unique, horn-like shape. The beach is easily accessible by taking a ferry from Split, which is just an hour away from Split Airport. Golden Horn Beach is a hotspot for watersports enthusiasts, particularly windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to its ideal conditions.

Don’t forget to make a side trip to the nearby Dominican Monastery, built in 1475, and the Our Lady of Carmel Church, a baroque structure dating back to the 17th century. Wine lovers are also up for a treat as the nearby Stina winery offers Croatian wines like pošip and plavac mali.