Here is your selection of the best European destinations to spend a wonderful vacation in crystal clear waters. For great holidays in France, a holiday in the turquoise waters of Croatia, an unforgettable holiday in the sea of Greece or Spain, book your hotel, villa, guesthouse, B&B or apartment at the best price guaranteed and discover the best European destinations for a holiday at the water's edge.

1. Dalmatia

Croatia

Rare are the regions that can be as proud of so many natural varieties as Split - Dalmatia County can.

The mountain chain, including one of Croatia's highest mountain, separate Zagora with its continental characteristics from the Mediterranean beach atmosphere. This region is among the most beautiful in the world. Here you can find both shallow waters and the open sea, wild rapids and peaceful river beds, the most beautiful Mediterranean islands alongside rough cliffs with endemic species in the middle of the open sea, deep lakes and the still unexplored richness of the underground caves. (©dalmatia.hr). 

2. Algarve

Portugal

There’s no shortage of high quality beaches either. Sandy stretches as far as the eye can see, framed by golden cliffs, virtually deserted islands marking the boundary between Ria Formosa and the sea, and small coves sheltered by the rocks. The ocean, in every shade of blue and mostly calm and warm, invites you for long swims and to indulge in water sports. (©visitportugal)

3. Sainte-Maxime

France

A haven of tranquility between sea and land, emotions, sensations, flavors, fragrances, discoveries, your holiday destination cultivates the art of receiving. Welcome in Sainte-Maxime, Provençal city lively all year and family destination. Sainte-Maxime ideally located in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, is a favorite destination of the French Riviera. 

Its 11 km from the Mediterranean shore, its sandy beaches, fields of Posidonia are a natural environment that everyone should strive to preserve. 

The constant commitment to environmental protection and rational development is rewarded since 1987 with the presentation of the famous European label "European Blue Flag". This label recognizes and guarantees the quality of bathing water and environmental performance. (©Sainte-Maxime-Tourism)

4. Costa Brava

Spain

The Costa Brava is about sun, beaches, coves surrounded by nature, refreshing dips in crystal-clear water, peace and calm, strolls along coastal footpaths, charming fishing villages... How does all of that sound? Well get your diary out, find the next gap and get ready to spend a great day (or all the days you can manage) on the beach. (©encostabrava.org). 

5. Antalya

Turkey

Antalya which can be visited any season, is an indispensable touristic destination particularly during the summer. This "blue" city enchants its guests with its beautiful beaches and has the longest coastline in Turkey.

The most striking feature of Antalya are the terrific palm trees of the city which cool you with their shade and accompany you with their breeze on your way. Common in Antalya and adorning the city, palm trees are a sign of the mild Mediterranean climate of the city. Hot and dry during the summer and mild and rainy during the winter the city always gives the feeling of a warm home. (©goturkey)

6. Zakynthos

Greece

Zákynthos is a verdant island endowed with fertile valleys and a temperate climate. Its landscape diversity has resulted in different types of beaches: there are sandy beaches in secluded coves where the tranquil waters are deep blue on the island’s southeastern part; yet, if rugged cliffs and an interesting underwater world are to your liking, try the western part of the island. (©visitgreece). 

7. Gozo Island

Malta

Gozo is known to provide a tranquil haven for a tempo and scene change. The charm of Malta's sister Island is immediately apparent; it's greener, more rural and smaller, with life's rhythms dictated by the seasons, fishing and agriculture.

Steeped in myth, Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso's isle of Homer's Odyssey - a peaceful, mystical backwater. Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside. Gozo's rugged landscape and spectacular coastline await exploration with some of the Mediterranean's best dive sites. (©visitmalta)

Crystal clear waters, open to the winds from east to southeast highlight a sandy bottom great for scuba diving and small boats to anchor at a depth which ranges from three to four meters. A two nautical miles of the port of Cala Figuera Santanyí. (©CC)

9. Brac Island

Croatia

The Zlatni Rat, often referred to as the Golden Cape or Golden Horn, is a spit of land located about 2 kilometres (1 mile) west from the harbour town of Bol on the southern coast of the Croatian island of Brač, in the region of Dalmatia.  (©CC)

10. Marettimo

Sicily

The Marettimo coast is rocky, characterized by hundreds of caves and coves that open up to a crystalline blue sea. At the Rock of the Camel, on the eastern side of the island, there is a small beach harmoniously wedged within a cave.  The scenario that presents itself is almost magical. (©visitsicily). 

11. Porquerolles

France

As the first sea resort of the French Riviera, Hyères offers enchanted and preserved beaches, a clean water and a guarantee of bright sun. Whether you seek shade, privacy or family-friendly spots, with over 40 kilometres of coastline, you will have plenty of creeks to choose from to go for a swim, build a sand castle or take an afternoon map. 

Bordered by a beautiful but fragile pine forest, just as beautiful as other beaches of Porquerolles, the beach Notre Dame is however much less crowded. The ongoing revegetation program requires that everyone take care of the environment. (©Hyeres tourisme). 

12. Sardinia

Italy

A voyage over an emerald sea, past characteristic coves and beaches of snowwhite sand … this is Sardinia, an island that strikes its visitors with natural contrasts, the lights and colors of a region that boasts old traditions and a wild and pure nature. (©italia.it). 

13. Kephalonia

Greece

The magnificent sights, amazing beaches, rich cultural heritage, great monuments, mountains, castles, remote monasteries and cheerful, hospitable people are the treasures making Kefalonia one of the most attractive destinations. (©visitgreece.com)

14. Menorca

Spain

Menorca, in the Balearic Islands, is a peaceful, unique natural oasis, packed with contrasts to discover. It is a real paradise, washed by the Mediterranean Sea, that will seduce you with its harmony and diversity.

The island has 216 kilometres of highly varied coastline, from the rugged shores and reddish beaches of the north, to the gentle relief of the south, with golden sandy coves. There are many different options to enjoy sun and sea, whether on broad sandy beaches or at small coves surrounded by pine groves. They all have one thing in common, however: clean, crystal clear waters. (©spain.info) 

15. Capri

Italy

Luxuriant, extraordinary, and such a mild climate. Capri is a Mediterranean island of calcareous origin that has been visited over the centuries by intellectuals, artists and writers, all enthralled by its magical beauty. A mix of history, nature, worldliness, culture and events that daily blend together and bring the Legend of Capri to life; a legend that sees no comparison anywhere in the world. (©Capritourism) 

16. Nice

France

Life in southern Europe begins with the description of a sunrise on the blue waters of the Mediterranean, the well-being procured by the wonderful light that prevails only here, a lovely breakfast on a sun-drenched terrace, the tranquillity of a stroll in the narrow streets of the Old Town, lunch on a hotel terrace, afternoon shopping in the city’s prestigious boutiques, diving into the sea, sipping a drink on Cours Saleya, attending a classical music concert at the Opéra de Nice, a gala soirée at the Casino, candlelight dinner in a famous restaurant... It is all that and much more. Live a life of happiness and contentment. (©nicetourisme).

17. Villefranche-sur-mer

France

From the moment of your arrival, be it by corniche road, by sea or by train, the renowned Côte d'Azur town of Villefranche-sur-Mer offers an awe-inspiring panorama. The charm of Villefranche is also due to the mildness of its climate, the environmental aspect that gives rise to the exuberance and spectacular display of its remarkable vegetation.  +(©villefranche-sur-mer.org)